Dolphin Snorkeling in Curacao
Free dive with dolphins in a natural lagoon in this once in a lifetime experience and enjoy a free visit to the Sea Aquarium.
This activity is unavailable
Dolphin Snorkeling in Curacao
Free dive with dolphins in a natural lagoon in this once in a lifetime experience and enjoy a free visit to the Sea Aquarium.
Curacao
Everyday
1 hour, 30 mins See schedule
English, Dutch, German, Spanish
From
$184 per person
Reserve it for only $18.40
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Highlights
- Visit the Sea Aquarium in Curacao and meet our friendly dolphins in an educational program
- Enjoy a short presentation about these beautiful mammals in our air-conditioned theater
- Join your trainer outside for your 30-minute dolphin snorkeling program
- Swim and dive down with you dolphin friends and play with them underwater
- Learn about the dolphins' echolocation ability in a fun and interactive game
- Enjoy a free tour around the Sea Aquarium after the dolphin program
- Watch the shark feeding, the dolphin show or meet the sea lions
Reserve your spot for only $18.40 per person!
We know you don't like spending a lot of money upfront. So instead of paying the full amount, you can secure your spot for only $18.40 and pay the rest at the check-in. See prices and schedule.
This activity is available to both hotel and villa guests as well as to cruise ship passengers.
Important On cruise ship days, thousands of people are looking to do activities and tours sell out weeks or even months in advance. It is recommended to secure your spot as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Kids friendly
8+ years
Wi-Fi available
Mobile voucher accepted
Good to Know: All dolphin program packages include free entrance to the Sea Aquarium ($21 value).
January 05
This was so much fun! The group was limited to six guests, which was a very appropriate size. I always worry about getting stuck in a huge group limiting the ex...
January 05
Description
Upon your arrival to our dolphin office close to Mambo beach, at the Sea Aquarium, we will check you in and give you a wristband. Then you will enjoy a presentation in our air-conditioned theater about these beautiful mammals before heading outside for your 30 minute dolphin swim session.
Submerge yourself in the dolphin world and snorkel with them in their natural lagoon. The dolphins will dive down alongside and allow you to gently pet and interact with them underwater. Additionally, you will be learning more about the dolphin's echolocation through a fun, educational activity!
Our amazingly friendly dolphins will surprise you with their great intelligence and charisma. They will make you tingle with excitement as you play sublime activities. Let them share their joy and show you how to really have fun in the water!
Most of the interactions will take place below the surface, so being an experienced snorkeler is considered a plus. If you like to snorkel, this is the ultimate dolphin swim program for you! We will take professional photos of you that you can purchase after the program.
All dolphin program packages come with free entrance to the Sea Aquarium. Those who are not doing the dolphin program but would like to watch can purchase the entrance ticket to the Sea Aquarium on spot ($21 for adults, $11 for kids). The aquarium also offers shark feeding, dolphin show and sea lion encounter.
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Additional information
Price includes
- 30 minutes dolphin snorkel program
- 1 hour demonstration, educational program
- Snorkel gear
- Entrance to the Sea Aquarium ($21 value)
Price does not include
- Photos ($15 for 1, $20 for 2, $80 for 30)
- Accompanying people will need to buy entrance ticket to the Sea Aquarium on spot ($21 for adults, $11 for kids)
What to bring
- Swimwear, sunscreen, towel
- Extra cash for your photos and souvenirs
Good to know
- Minimum age: 8 years
- Minimum height: 4ft 4″ / 130 cm
- Group size maximum 6 people per 2 dolphins
- Duration in the water 30 minutes
- Underwater camera is allowed in this program
- Pregnant women are not allowed
- Swimming with fins is obligatory
- Most interactions take place below water
- You will also get a dolphin kiss in this program
Moderate cancellation policy
- Full refund if cancelled at least 7 days before the commencement of the activity, no refund after.
- Full refund if supplier cancels the tour.
- Full refund if cruise ship does not dock in time or does not dock at all and tour is missed.
- No refund if you don’t show up for the activity or if it starts with a pick up and you miss it.
- Supplier gets to decide if the weather is good enough to run the tour.
- In case of a dispute, Twistour has the final word in deciding the amount of refund.
Instructions
- Click on the Book now button and choose the date and amount of tickets
- Proceed and fill in your billing details
- Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal
- You will receive your voucher via email or you can download it from this site in your Tickets submenu
- On the day of the activity, follow the instructions in your voucher to the check-in location
- Go to the reserve your spot section on this page and choose the date and amount of tickets
- Click on the Book now button and fill in your billing details
- Pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal
- You will receive your voucher via email or you can download it from this site in your Tickets submenu
- On the day of the activity, follow the instructions in your voucher to the check-in location
Been there. Done that.
Our travel experts have extensively travelled the region and tried most activities. Ask them if you have any question or need personalized advice. We are offline
Been there. Done that.
Our travel experts have extensively travelled the region and tried most activities. Ask them if you have any question or need personalized advice. Check-in location
We are located at the Sea Aquarium at Bapor Kibra, close to Mambo beach. When you arrive, follow the signs to the Sea Aquarium. Show your voucher at the Sea Aquarium ticket booth and they will show you the direction.
Free parking available nearby
Reserve your spot here
Reserve your spot here
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Dolphin Snorkeling in Curacao
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tavyr
This was so much fun! The group was limited to six guests, which was a very appropriate size. I always worry about getting stuck in a huge group limiting the experience of each individual. This is not the case at the dolphin academy. So my wife and I, and two other couples made up our group. As a group, we met our dolphin trainer for a nice introduction to both the facility and the experience. We were fitted with fins, masks and snorkels. Then the trainer walked with us to the enclosure. Along the way, she provided fun facts about each of the dolphins and about the academy. Once at the enclosure, we met the second trainer. The dolphin snorkel is with two trainers and four dolphins. The trainers stay on the platform and give directions both to the dolphins and the guests to maximize the experience. We were encouraged to touch the dolphins (not on the face or tail), swim along side them and dive with them. The dolphins were friendly, seemed to enjoy swimming with us and would often imitate our movements, particularly diving! For those worried about exploitation, the enclosure was huge and there was plenty of space for the dolphins to get away from the guests...but for the full experience, they stayed with us and the trainers. We watched other groups and the same thing occurred. The dolphins rarely took the opportunity to separate themselves from people. The grand finale of the experience was having all four dolphins swim at full speed around the enclosure performing their impressive aerials. Seeing this display of coordinate and power from the water was INCREDIBLE!!! My wife and I highly recommend this experience. We came to Curacao on a cruise and had limited time on the island. This experience plus hanging out at the dolphin center and aquarium (don't miss the flamingo feedings, sea lion show, the dolphin show or the impressive shark enclosure) took about half of our day, leaving plenty of time to explore Willemstad. The next time we find ourselves in Curacao, I think we will probably do it again!!! I'd really like to participate in the open ocean experience that the academy offers.January 05, 2019
I also need to recognize the staff. Everyone, from the person at the ticket counter to the dolphin trainers, were so friendly. Good island hospitality for sure! Thanks, Dolphin Academy, for a wonderful experience!
Cynthia V
Excellent time! Best Dolohin encounter we have been to hands down in any park setting. The staff was very friendly and the dolphins were set well cared for and healthy. They go out for swims in the ocean and come back again. The only thing we wished they put the cruise groups separately as they all arrived late and had to fill out forms which held up everyone else. Maybe the forms can be given to cruise ships ahead of time so they are completed before or they should all arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled time to fill them out. Other than that it was outstanding and we would recommend it to everyone. :)January 01, 2019
Denise T
Kudos to Dolphin Academy! An amazing snorkel experience! The trainers are wonderful, the routine is smooth and professional, the setting feels like you are within nature in the lagoon - it was outstanding! Small group, pictures were professional, and one on one time with the dolphins was fabulous! Cannot recommend enough!!!October 29, 2018
accuretaone
A great time for my family. Memory of a lifetime. The Dolphins were amazing and the trainer made the experience very special.July 09, 2018
Stephanie r
I just spent 8 nights in Curacao. We left on July 3rd, 2018. Our hotel was in walking distance of the Aquarium. We did Snorkel with the Dolphins 2 times. It was that much fun!!!!! The Aquarium is clean, well staffed and most parts have Air-conditioning (not a deal breaker for us either way). Original booking was for Snorkeling with the Dolphins- It was such an amazing experience we paid for it again, and we were lucky enough to snorkel again on July 2, 2018. I am not a great snorkeler, the staff bent over backwards to make me feel comfortable and to make sure I had time to really enjoy these spectacular Dolphins. Both times were just perfect, I cannot complain about one single thing. They even have showers for you after the encounter is over. The Video was 60.00 US dollars, and any extra photos added to that is 5 US dollars a piece. Or you can buy the video, and all the photos. Separate charges for both. We purchased the Video both times, and some extra photos. Worth every penny!!!! I would love to just go to Curacao once a year to do the Encounter!! Thank you to each and every employee and staff that assisted us. Your Aquarium is beautiful and does educate people on Ocean preservation. The Staff definitely delivers on every aspect of making this worth the $$$$. If you have the money then do not miss out on this EXPERIENCE. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. The video is stunning quality. Thank you again to the Staff and Trainers!!!!!!! They all speak 3 to 4 languages.... Amazing....July 05, 2018
Regards;
Stephanie and Mike
Ryan C
Our family of 4 (kids aged 9&12) thought this was the best part of our whole vacation in Curaçao. We had two dolphins to interact and swim with for a good half hour in a lagoon. There was a trainer and photographer with us the whole time. We were able to pet, kiss, dive under the water and swim along side the Dolphins. We all felt it was an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience! Both kids are now saying they want to be dolphin trainers. :)June 29, 2018
The photos were expensive, but for US $80 we got a USB stick with all of the pictures they took. We also were able to take our own underwater camera with us in the water, getting videos of the interactions under the water. But of course the professional photos looked amazing.
The aquarium itself is kind of small, but there are tanks with many regional tropical fish in them with good explainations in 3 or 4 languages about the fish and corals. We enjoyed the flamingos, underwater viewing area (air conditioned!), and feeding times.
anajesusdeus
have to go there!!!!! swim with the dolphins, feed the flamingos, touch the amazing creatures of the sea and all with the very friendly staff. For all ages.June 23, 2018
gunmetalshark
Did the Dolphin snorkle and visitef the park several times during our stay...suuuper Nice :D There are lots of activities to do for every age...must do is curacao :)June 21, 2018
vejrm01
I took my two daughters (ages 20 and 16) to snorkel with dolphins at the Dolphin Academy in Curacao. We had a great time! The staff at the academy was very helpful and knowledgeable. I had booked this experience as part of a cruise we were on but did it outside of the cruise liner's shore excursion offerings. June 16, 2018
We were able to swim ~35 minutes with three dolphins. There were 7 of us in the lagoon area. The dolphins were friendly and well behaved. The instructor did a really good job telling us what to expect.
I would highly recommend this, especially if you have kids or if you do not. They allow you to take a GoPro into the lagoon. If your selfie stick extends, you have to retract it as the dolphins could potentially take it from you (according to the instructor). I did not experience any issues with my GoPro and the dolphins.
erikal
We have done dolphin adventures in several other locations (Mexico and the Caribbean) and this was by far the best one! There were four of us (all adults) and we did the dolphin snorkel. The facilities were definitely nicer than any other dolphin place we have been previously. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. I thought that the snorkel would be in a more open water bay, but it was in the same enclosure that the dolphin swim takes place. The snorkel seemed more worth it than the swim, as you could bring your own underwater camera, and you could see how the dolphins move under water. It was really incredible to dive down with them and have some "free swim" time in the water. This was an awesome activity, and if you haven't done a dolphin activity (or even if you have) this is a great one to do! Highly recommend!June 04, 2018
thfootball05
Just returned from Curacao after spendind a week with my daughter there. I have been to the island previously but the first time visiting the Dolphin Academy. Its real simple this experience was the highlight of the week for my daughter (she is 20 and an animal lover). We did the snorkel swim and it was an experience. The staff was friendly and extremely helpful. We only speak English and the majority of the group was Dutch but the staff still made sure that we understood was happening and made our time there fantastic. Thank YouMay 24, 2018
marenostrum
I have always wanted to swim with Dolphins and decided (even if it is expensive) to register for a Dolphin Snorkel.November 17, 2017
WOW! It was worth all the money and more. It is a shame that the 30 minutes seemed like seconds.
Over view of the experience-
- The Dolphin Academy is part of a larger aquarium which is enjoyable to visit after your dolphin experience;
- You have several choices for your dolphin "meet up": the website does a good job at explaining your options;
- A diver, experienced snorkeler or strong swimmer will thoroughly enjoy the Dolphin Snorkel, so I chose this;
- They provide you fins and masks; Bring a towel, bathing suit, flip-flops, hat and sun screen;
- They have locker rooms for changing and storage of items;
- While I brought an underwater camera, I chose to focus on swimming free distractions and opted for the photos the company took.
The details:
I arrived early for my 8am appointment for the Dolphin snorkel. I parked my car in a lot that was close by and walked the 600 yards or so. Getting here can be complicated because Curacao has no street signs! (Use a phone GPS making sure that you have an Int'l roaming data package).
After changing into my bathing suit and storing the belonging in the free lockers, you are guided into a small auditorium for a video briefing. Shortly there after, the staff enters calling each of the groups (you have colored wrist bands that tell you the group type).
The first was the "encounter" where guests will stand on a platform with water below the knees and the dolphins swim up to you. The next group was the "swim" where you are swimming free with them. And the final group was my group which was escorted to an area with one of the trainers.
They provided a good briefing, getting to know you, what to expect, what not to do and the sequence of events that the trainers would be performing. Then we walked to the platform where they called four dolphins and one baby one. There were three of us in the group.
Once completed the obligatory final preparations and photos (which you pick up later for a fee), you jump into the water and the fun begins. I was paired with Dee-Dee the matriarch who during the initial three dives was very curious looking intensely at me and pushing me with her body.
After a few minutes of "introductions" I surprised her because I dove to the bottom and touched it. She immediately followed and mimicked my movements. And from there it was love at first sight! From brief underwater immersions to back strokes she and I had a ball. At one point, the trainers sent another dolphin, so I was swimming along side two who snugged close to me.
I could go on and on. Needless to say, I did discover that they have an open water snorkel very much harder given the waves and current. Yet, I needed energy for this too.
An absolutely fantastic experience.
PS- After the experience and having changed, I wandered the property and aquarium. At one point, I spoke to two Dutch trainers who told me how free these animals are. They take them into open waters twice a day for exercise and having them explore their natural habitat.
momPenworthHam
Wow ...this experience was just mind blowing. We thought 15 years ago when our daughter was 12 that the Florida dolphin experience was exciting but this made it pale in comparison.February 21, 2017
We were over in Curacao for 2 week holiday for our 30th wedding anniversary and had our daughter, son-in-law and 5 month grandson, our son and his fiancé to celebrate the occasion. Also whilst there it was our son-in-laws and daughters birthday. It was our son's fiance that mentioned she would love to do a dolphin experience but typical of our son ...been there, done that and got the t/shirt. But my husband and I thought why not treat our daughter as a birthday gift ...So 16th Feb we were lucky to get a 2pm slot to snorkel with dolphins. My husband and I, daughter and future daughter-in-law were just so excited! We took our own snorkels and we paid extra to get a underwater video and photo's to capture the memory. First we were taken into a room to watch a brief film and then various trainers came to get groups as there are different activities to do. For the snorkel experience it is only 6 per group and we only had 5 of us which was even better. We were briefed on rules ..how to hold your arms, not touch a dolphins face etc , given flippers and then taken to the bay.
Even more thrilling was when we got to the area we were told we were swimming with two mother dolphins and their two young babies. WOW.
One by one we were called in the water where the dolphin came to give you a kiss and flipper shake (this was for photo opportunity) and then ..... free for all swim, dive, touch, play for 30 minutes. OMG it was awesome. We got to watch a baby dolphin suckle her mother. I must admit it is a bit difficult to keep your arms across your chest and swim, and one stage my hand came out near the dolphins face which was captured on photo but thankfully the dolphin did not take notice of it. They are just so beautiful and the sounds they were making calling their young was so lovely. Such a fabulous special day, I think now our son regrets not coming in with us :-).
Response from supplier
Hi mompenworthham,
Thank you for your positive review!
We are happy to hear that you had such a great time.
Hope to welcome you soon again
Greetings
Thank you for your positive review!
We are happy to hear that you had such a great time.
Hope to welcome you soon again
Greetings