How to Swim With Dolphins in Orange Beach, Florida

Dolphins are known not only for their beauty but also for their friendly and playful nature.

Not many people can say they’ve had the opportunity to swim with the dolphins up close and personal, but those who have tend to consider it one of the most amazing experiences they’ve had. In Orange Beach, Fla., you can swim with the dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park.

Ways to Swim With Dolphins

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to swim with dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park. You must be at least 5 years old and 48 inches tall.

Take a towel and swimsuit and go to the marine park for a visit. Admission is $27 per person to get into Gulf World Marine Park and $17 for children five to 11 (as of November 2010). Swimming with the dolphins cost an additional $150 per person for 90 minutes. Gulf World Marine Park accepts credit cards, cash and traveler’s checks.

Obtain a map or ask an employee how to locate the dolphin encounter exhibit. Don your bathing suit and begin your experience of swimming with the dolphins by spending 20 to 25 minutes in a classroom setting learning about the dolphins, the rules of swimming with them and how the process works.

Get into the water and swim with the dolphins. You are permitted to touch the dolphins, kiss them and hold onto their fins for a ride. You will get 20 to 30 minutes in the water with the sea creatures.