Theater of the Sea
Established in 1946, the family-owned Theater of the Sea is one of the world’s oldest, continually operated marine mammal parks. The park’s dolphin and sea lion shows are entertaining and informative, especially for kids. If you want to swim with dolphins and haven’t booked well in advance, you may be able to get in here with just a few hours’ notice, as opposed to Marathon’s Dolphin Research Center. This feels more like a theme park than the DRC; that’s not to say the dolphins aren’t well cared for, but it’s not as professionalized. Still, it’s more diverse, and the shows and walking tours to visit various species of reptiles, birds, and fish are both entertaining and educational for all ages. If you want to swim with dolphins, sea lions, nurse sharks, sea turtles, or southern rays, or do one of the other interactive programs, you need to reserve ahead. Except for the dolphin wade, all swimmers must be at least 5 years old to participate (other restrictions apply). There are also twice-daily 4-hour cruises to nearby keys and to snorkel the reef, during which you can learn about local history and ecology.
Established in 1946, the family-owned Theater of the Sea is one of the world’s oldest, continually operated marine mammal parks. The park’s dolphin and sea lion shows are entertaining and informative, especially for kids. If you want to swim with dolphins and haven’t booked well in advance, you may be able to get in here with just a few hours’ notice, as opposed to Marathon’s Dolphin Research Center. This feels more like a theme park than the DRC; that’s not to say the dolphins aren’t well cared for, but it’s not as professionalized. Still, it’s more diverse, and the shows and walking tours to visit various species of reptiles, birds, and fish are both entertaining and educational for all ages. If you want to swim with dolphins, sea lions, nurse sharks, sea turtles, or southern rays, or do one of the other interactive programs, you need to reserve ahead. Except for the dolphin wade, all swimmers must be at least 5 years old to participate (other restrictions apply). There are also twice-daily 4-hour cruises to nearby keys and to snorkel the reef, during which you can learn about local history and ecology.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
