DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTER
Interactive Dolphin Encounters & Marine Education
🌟 Famous For: Swim-with-Dolphins & Interactive Programs
📍 Location: 58901 Overseas Hwy, Grassy Key, FL 33050
📏 Distance from East Sister Rock: ~8 miles north
🌐 Website: dolphins.org
About:
The Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key is a non-profit marine mammal education and research facility offering interactive dolphin encounters and educational programs. Located just north of Marathon, this world-renowned center provides visitors with the opportunity to meet dolphins, learn about marine mammal behavior, and participate in unique interactive experiences.
Founded in 1984, the Dolphin Research Center is dedicated to marine mammal research, rescue, and education. Visitors can choose from various programs including dolphin encounters, educational sessions, and even swim-with-dolphin experiences, all while learning about dolphin communication, intelligence, and conservation.
🐬 What You'll Experience:
• Interactive dolphin encounters and programs
• Educational presentations about marine mammals
• Swim-with-dolphins opportunities (reservations required)
• Meet-and-greet sessions with dolphins
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Marine mammal training demonstrations
✨ Why Visit:
This is your chance to interact with dolphins in an educational, conservation-focused environment. The combination of hands-on experiences and expert knowledge makes this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
👥 Perfect For: Families • Dolphin lovers • Interactive experiences • Educational programs
🎯 Great for: All ages, bucket-list experience, marine education
Staying on East Sister Rock Island?
The Dolphin Research Center is about 8 miles from the mainland dock in Marathon where guests come ashore — an easy drive up the Overseas Highway to Grassy Key. East Sister Rock Island sits a quarter mile offshore, and guests run the included 21-foot Carolina Skiff across themselves, about five minutes each way.