Dolphins Plus Reviews – Amazing Swimming with Dolphins In Key Largo

When visiting the Florida Keys there are particular things that everyone must do. Getting there is just part of the fun, and there’s no better way than doing on an RV, set yourself on an RV rental across the 7-mile bridge, going for a sunset party on Mallory Square, enjoy the nightlife on Duval Street, and go swimming with dolphins in Key Largo with Dolphin Plus.

I’ve been hearing amazing things about Dolphins Plus in Key Largo. Apparently, they offer super cool dolphin encounters where you get up close and personal with these amazing animals. 

For our trip, we stayed at two main Keys – Key Largo and Key West. With our time completely booked up on Key West with bike tours and fun restaurants, I left the dolphin swim to Key Largo.

We stayed on a sailboat at the Pilot House Marina which was only a couple of blocks from Dolphins Plus, the operator I ended up choosing for our swim. Ironically enough, I had no idea it was that convenient because I liked what they offered.

Before visiting a location I do a ton of research. And I must admit, choosing the best program for our dolphin swim in Key Largo was a tough one. All the programs are true dolphin lovers, they not only allow us to be entertained but also educate us about these amazing animals and the marine environment.

Read on and learn more about our amazing experience swimming with dolphins at Dolphins Plus.

Planning a Trip?
Check Out These Helpful Services:

Overview of Dolphins Plus

Dolphins Plus is a marine mammal research and education facility located in Key Largo, Florida.  It’s literally a house on the water with cute little cabanas and gorgeous views. In their program, they allow people to interact with dolphins in a natural environment.

Their programs range from shallow water encounters to deeper swims and cater to swimmers of all levels and ages. There are no wild dolphins here, all dolphins are either rescued or born at Dolphins Plus. They are carried with decent care, as I could tell.

Even though according to the facility, the temperature in the water is the same as in the ocean, and even it fluctuates.

The Dolphin Plus research center is in Grassy Key, approximately 79 kilometers from Key Largo.

Swim with Dolphins Key Largo

So Why Did I Choose Dolphins Plus?

Dolphins Plus offered programs that not all of the others did. Even though I didn’t participate in these programs, I wanted to contribute to establishments that did. This is the main reason I chose Dolphins Plus.

Breakdown of the different swims that are offered

Structured Dolphin Swim Program – this is the most standard package and the one my husband and I did. Since water and dolphins are not at all my element, I wanted to be where it was controlled and under skilled supervision of the trainers.

Natural Dolphin Swims – this is for people that are much more comfortable in the big blue sea and also dolphins. You are literally swimming with them in their natural environment. There is some supervision, but very little.

Oma’s Dolphin Swims Program – Oma, who’s real name is Anna Marie Borguss, was the owner’s wife. She battled cancer for over six years. When she developed the illness Dolphins Plus and Oma developed a program that cancer patients and people who are in remission can come and swim with the dolphins for free.  This was one of the main reasons I wanted to come to this place. What a special program!

Dolphin Child Therapy – And this is the other reason. I’ll be honest with you. I don’t know much about dolphins, or animals for that fact. However, my son has been taking horseback riding lessons for over one year and I get to sit and watch what goes on at the farm. Horses often work with special needs kids. They somehow have a magical effect on them, and I see this wonder right in front of my eyes. Dolphins, I’ve heard, have similar effects and if a child who has special abilities can work with dolphins I think it is one of those truly amazing opportunities.

Signature Swim Program – This is obviously not for beginners, cause you’ll dive into deeper water and get to swim with these wonderful creatures in an even more natural environment. 

Shallow Water Dolphin Encounter – I do love shallow water, and by the end of it I was feeling so proud that I actually got to touch a dolphin and feel it’s smooth skin. I must say, for non swimmer like me, this was an incredible experience. 

The shallow-water dolphin encounter program is totally made for families or anyone who prefers to stay in shallower water. Stand waist-deep on a submerged platform as you interact with a friendly dolphin. You might get a “kiss,”  shake a fin or witness their amazing agility right in front of you.

Paint with a Dolphin – Have you ever wanted to collaborate with a dolphin on a work of art? I know it sound a bit weird, but Believe it or not, that’s possible in Dolphin plus! A dolphin will actually hold a paintbrush in its mouth and “paint” on a canvas. It’s a truly unique and super fun way to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Dolphin Dockside – If you don’t wanna get wet all while still hangout with dolphins, this program is designed for you only. In this, you sit comfortably on a dock and interact with a dolphin. This relaxed setting lets you see these intelligent creatures up close, learn fun facts from the trainers, and perhaps even give your new friend a gentle pet.

Premier Family Encounter – This super special option is designed for families who want a private encounter with their own dolphin pod. It’s like having your very own dolphin show! You’ll have tons of time for interaction and learn more about dolphin communication and playful personalities in a more intimate setting.

Breaking Down the Structure Swim Experience 

We started the swim with a sit-down as a trainer gave us the full rundown of what to expect. But most importantly, teaching us about the animals and how to swim with them.

Then we had to get on our wet suits. Actually we didn’t ‘have to’ put them on, but the water isn’t exactly 80 degrees and we spent a good thirty minutes in the water. So it is better to be comfortable than thinking that you are too cold to enjoy yourself. Plus, they have wetsuits for all shapes and sizes.

While we waited for the rest of the group to get ready, we watched as a trainer from Dolphin Plus was working with new dolphins.

Even though there were other people in our group, each two people had their own trainer and assistant. And they worked with what was most comfortable for you.

Before starting ourselves, we watched as the dolphins showed off their tricks, which was pretty impressive.

Everyone gets their own dolphin to play with. My husband and I just happened to get a mama and baby team. Although, the baby was fully grown. At least to me, he was.

Trainers for the day – we got to do tricks with the dolphins, just like trainers (almost). The dolphin brought out a stick for us, and then we had to arrange it for her to jump over it.

And they take very good instructions.

Ride the dolphins. Ok these two tricks at first totally freaked me out. Just the idea of them, more so than the actual trick. I have been to Sea World several times and have seen the trainers do insane rides with the dolphins. And of course, I was scared thinking that you need years of training to do what they do. Probably if I was to do it as long as them I would, but for the few minutes we did it, I did just fine.

This one was by far the scariest one for me. My husband got an obvious kick out of it.

How about a little dance before we say goodbye

It was time to say goodbye – very loudly

And the best part – the farewell kiss

What I learned about the Dolphins from our Dolphin Plus Trainer

• The warm waters and abundant food of this region has made it an ideal area for a number of different dolphin species like: common dolphins, bottlenose, Atlantic spotted dolphins.
• The diet of dolphins can encompass a wide range of prey ranging from common fish like mackerel and herring to more exotic species like eels and even squid.
• Dolphins are very effective hunters, using their larger size, superior intelligence and social hunting techniques in a variety of different ways.
• Dolphins are social animals and can be found in both small and large groups, known as pods.
• The size and social organization of these groups can vary greatly, with smaller groups of only two or three adult males and larger pods of female and juvenile dolphins numbering fifteen or more.
• The gestation period for newborns averages about 11 – 13 months.
• Females are able to reproduce on average once every two to six years.
• The species of dolphins that are most commonly found in this area enjoy the warmer waters and more abundant food supply that can be found in tropical and subtropical climates.

Information for Visiting Dolphins Plus

You definitely need a reservation. They have few dolphins, so plan ahead.

I’m sure you are impressed with my photos. But the truth is, not all of them are taken by us. For each two people that are swimming together they have a photographer.

You can buy the CD for $90. Yes, that is definitely a steep price. But the way I looked at it, this will probably be my one-and-only experience with dolphins. Why not remember everything I did.

Dolphins plus key largo prices:

Structured Dolphin Swim Program

• daily at 9:15 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
• Swimmers must be at least 7 years old to participate
• $195 per swimmer  (January 16th thru February 28th) and (September 1st thru December 14th)
• $210 per swimmer (March 1st thru August 31st) and (December 15th thru January 15th)

Natural Dolphin Swims

• twice daily, at 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• Swimmers aged 8 – 12 years must be accompanied in the water by a participating parent or guardian, age 18 or older. Swimmers aged 13- 17 years must be accompanied at the facility by a participating or observing parent or guardian, age 18 or older.
• 30 minutes in-water – $150  per swimmer  (January 16th thru February 28th) and (September 1st thru December 14th)
• $165 per swimmer (March 1st thru August 31st) and (December 15th thru January 15th)

Address: 31 Corrine Pl. Key Largo, FL

Phone: 1-305-451-1993

Video Fun

Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission for any purchases made through the links. Your trust is important to us, and we ensure that all products or services we recommend meet or exceed our editorial standards.

Last Updated on June 15, 2025