Meet, swim or dive with a dolphin
We emphasize care and genuine interaction between humans and dolphins. Experience dolphins in their natural habitat! Dolphin Academy provides unforgettable experiences for both young and old. Meet, swim or dive with a dolphin in either their natural lagoon or the open sea.
A different philosophy
Happy Dolphins
Natural Habitat
Open Sea Training
Dolphin Training Philosophy
What our guests say
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Our family did the dolphin swim. Was a magical experience spending time interacting with 2 beautiful creatures. Our trainer was fun and patient. My husband had done a similar thing... read more in the Bahamas and he said this was a far superior experience. Kids still talking about it. Incredible memories.
February 27, 2024Dolphin Academy was a great experience for our whole family. The kids enjoyed their swim with the dolphins. Watching the training session was so much fun. All... read more of the staff were very friendly and helpful. The facility was very clean and up to date. The pictures with the dolphins came out wonderful. It was a highlight of our trip.
February 22, 2024My son and I had a fantastic experience swimming with the dolphins at the Dolphins Academy Curaçao Sea Aquarium. It was probably the best dolphins swim experience we ever had.... read more We were in the water for about 45 min. The dolphins trainers did their very best to get the perfect photo shots with the dolphins and we ended up buying the full dolphins photos package from them. They also did their best to get the dolphins to play and interact with us. The dolphins are healthy and appear to enjoy their session with us. We were in a group of 4 people per dolphin. The costs were very reasonable and fair. We would go back to swim with the dolphins again at Curaçao Sea Aquarium again next time we visit the island in the future. Highly recommend the Dolphins Academy Curaçao.
February 11, 2024 -
Wow, we had such an amazing experience! We did the dolphin encounter at the end of January 2024, and it was incredible. I've done a full dolphin swim somewhere else... read more that wasn't as much fun because it was a big group and we only got a little time with the dolphins. But here, we were on a platform with just four people, on dolphin, and one trainer for a good 20 minutes. We got to pet the dolphin all over, get a kiss and a handshake, and be thoroughly splashed! Giving a dolphin a bellyrub is a fantastic experience. Big kudos to the park and the staff for a well-run experience.
February 8, 2024Excellent experience all around! Our Ocean Encounters Dive Master, Brian, was super attentive and made sure we were comfortable the entire time. And diving with dolphins was truly a... read more once in a lifetime experience kind of amazing! Better than we could have imagined. We got to spend ~45 minutes with 2 dolphins in a small group of 5. Watching the dolphins in their natural habitat and having the opportunity to “pet” them was truly a bucket list type experience. While it’s very expensive, would strongly recommend if you can swing it. It also includes a day pass to the Curaçao aquarium. So grateful to have had the opportunity to do this. Thank you!
February 6, 2024So much fun! Swimming with dolphins in a sea lagoon is so much better than a landlocked tank. Dolphins are so well respected and taken care of, spent quality time... read more interacting at their desire. Our trainer Noel was a hoot. Fantastic experience!!
February 3, 2024 -
We had a dolphin snorkel. You must know how to swim, life jacket wasn’t allowed. We were explained what to expect and what to do/not to do. Then we were... read more allowed into the water. First we had a dolphin kiss, holding hands, then we were snorkelling around the area with a dolphin next to us, and “petting” it on the side. It was making noises all the time, really cool to hear. Had some jump presentation which we were able to watch under and above the water. I had a GoPro and took a few cool pics and videos, but they also take your photos from above the water and I highly recommend to get them, great quality. For one it was $40USD, for 2 just a few bucks more and for each additional person in your group few bucks more, etc.
February 3, 2024We signed up for the Dolphin encounter from our cruise ship. It was fabulous! The staff was very friendly and helpful. It was obvious how much they all loved working... read more with these amazing animals. We got to spend so much time actually petting the dolphins. Then, when we were done with the encounter, I went to the front desk to inquiry about the swim and there was an opening. This was even more exciting and a pure dream for me. Thrilling beyond belief. Many others had done dolphin swims before at other locals. At first they bemoaned the fact that the academy does not do a fin swim. But after all was said done, they felt this swim was the ultimate best because of the time we got to spend in contact with the dolphins. And we all appreciated that the health of these incredible creatures was thought of before entertainment and profit.
February 2, 2024My husband and I really enjoyed our visit (except the cost of taxi ride for 2!). We’ve been going to the Gulfarium in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida for over 35... read more years and love dolphins! Being able to interact with the dolphins (we did the dolphin encounter) was so much fun. It was our splurge and worth it. Price of digital photos (as others mentioned) was pretty high but glad we bought them.
January 12, 2024 -
I had the unique opportunity to visit the Dolphin Academy during my Caribbean cruise. I had researched the academy on the internet and found the conditions for the animals to... read more be as described on the internet. At no time did I feel that the animals were being forced to do anything. On the contrary, they had fun and played. As described, 6 people share two dolphins and interact with the animals for about 30 minutes. A trainer is always present to make sure that each guest follows the instructions given beforehand for the animals' well-being. A big compliment to trainer Noel. I can say for myself that it was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life and can only recommend it. Keep up the good work Dolphin Academy!
January 4, 2024The entire experience was wonderful. We did the dolphin swim, which was so beautiful!! Annie is the best dolphin ever!!! Every Aquarium employee we with whom we interacted was friendly,... read more knowledgeable and kind. The entire set up is well done and educational. Loved it!!
December 1, 2023 -
A lifelong dream come true. I chose this location to swim with dolphins due to their policies on treatment of them and seeing their beauty up close took my... read more breath away. The only thing I'd suggest is for the staff to check the flippers fit instead of asking if the fit. I thought mine were good but once in the water, was constantly adjusting them which was distracting for me. Loved the small group...6 people/2 dolphins and the 1-on-1 time with them. Price for digital photos was reasonable. Be sure to see the aquarium while there as well as the dolphin training demo. Walking distance to Mambo Beach makes it easy to make a day of it. Will go again
June 12, 2023When we first arrived to the entrance the place felt magical. We wanted to swim with the dolphins but there was only the option to encounter with them which btw... read more was amazing!! Shuda and Ish at the Dolphin Academy made everything possible for us. They were very attentive towards us, giving us an exceptional service and making our experience a very memorable one. We for sure made great friends there. Definitely recommend people to visit. We will be back for sure!!
June 7, 2023Absolute amazing experience with dolphin academy and ocean encounters. We booked it last minute the week before our trip, but it was the best money we've ever spent. My wife... read more and I are both PADI certified, but still relatively amateur divers. The entire team at ocean encounters made us feel very welcomed and safe throughout the entire process. The dolphins entered our dive roughly 45 seconds after we descended and didn't leave until we were headed back to the original starting location. All in all, we were underwater for about 45 minutes, and at least one of the two dolphins were in eyesight for probably 40 of them. During the dive, they had a videographer, Teddy, who was taking video of the entire dive. About an hour after we exited the water the video had been edited, and music had been added for an extremely professional short movie. Can't thank ocean encounters and dolphin academy enough for this unforgettable experience.
May 29, 2023 -
We wanted to do the Dolphin Dive, but because we had two small children, we booked on seperate dates.
Dolphin Acadamy themselves contacted us to ask why we didn’t... read more whent together and then suggested themselves to care for the children, so we could do the dive together.
On the morning, a relaxed dive master helped us in the water.
The dive itself was exactly what you would expect: roughly 45 minutes of underwater dolphin entertainment. It’s basicly a dolphin swimming in between you and some other peppel. Wich is still very awesome! And yes You can pet. Unfortunatly no Asuaman surfing on the back of its fin.
But an awesome experience. One of the dolphins tried to headbut me, but I managed to stand my ground/sea bottom.
You don’t see him immediately, but there’s also a camera-ninja who makes a nice video for you afterwards. Be sure to check it out, even if you don’t buy it.
Afterwards we found our children at the aquarium, where they apperenatly did the full tour.
If you hesitate between Dolphin dive or swim:
Do the dive.
May 17, 2023 -
What a great experience! Very good guidance and explanation from the employees and trainers.
It was nice to hear that I didn't have to dive, but could just keep snorkeling.... read more Beautiful photos are taken that you can choose from and it is nice that you can take a shower afterwards and have a drink. It is an absolute must if you visit Curacao and next time I will go again.
May 10, 2023We visited Dolphin Academy yesterday and did the Dolphin Swim. We were grouped with another two couples and got to swim with beautiful Deedee and Suku for about 35-40 minutes.... read more The trainers instructions were very clear throughout the swim and it was easy to follow along as we played games and set up for photos with both Dolphins. In between, we had free time to swim alongside, pet, and even take a shallow dive with Deedee and Suku. It was a once in a lifetime experience! We were also able to purchase 25-30 photos that were captured by their onsite photographer afterwards which was amazing and reasonably priced at $55 USD. Overall, Dolphin Academy provided us an incredible and surreal day and we can’t thank them enough for making this stop on our honeymoon so special!!! 🙂
May 6, 2023We visited Dolphin Academy yesterday and did the Dolphin Swim. We were grouped with another two couples and got to swim with beautiful Deedee and Suku for about 35-40 minutes.... read more The trainers instructions were very clear throughout the swim and it was easy to follow along as we played games and set up for photos with both Dolphins. In between, we had free time to swim alongside, pet, and even take a shallow dive with Deedee and Suku. It was a once in a lifetime experience! We were also able to purchase 25-30 photos that were captured by their onsite photographer afterwards which was amazing and reasonably priced at $55 USD. Overall, Dolphin Academy provided us an incredible and surreal day and we can’t thank them enough for making this stop on our honeymoon so special!!! 🙂
May 6, 2023 -
The dolphin encounter was fun. All snorkel equipment was provided. We arrived at the time of the encounter and had to wait for equipment and then waited to get in... read more the water with the dolphins. My daughter and I were in a group of four sharing two dolphins, one of the dolphins was not as social and often times left the area. It was difficult to understand and hear the instructor since he was not in the water with the groups. The photographer was able to capture us with the dolphin. This was a great experience and I would recommend. The dolphin training show was incredible! There is also a lot to see at the aquarium that is included with the entrance fee.
April 17, 2023Thank you for the wonderful experience! We booked "swim with the dolphins" and truly enjoyed our time with them.
You'll receive a brief coaching beforehand and will be... read more able to lead the dolphins with certain handsigns. It's amazing how they will work with you in this short amount of time. There is a photographer on sight to take pictures so you can focus on the dolphin adventure!
Glad to see that the dolphins live in a large separated area of the ocean rather than a basin. I would highly recommend this facility to a friend.
April 9, 2023 -
The dolphin experience at Dolphin Academy was simply amazing. There are different choices for the encounter and I chose the swim encounter. I came in on a cruise... read more and from the time I walked off the ship everything went very well. There was a shuttle to Mambo Beach or Dolphin Academy for a cost of 8 USA dollars per person. It took about 20 minutes to get dropped off at the entrance of the facility. The admission to the aquarium is included with any encounter. Upon entry, my friend and I were walked back to the encounter to meet the others in our group and the trainer. The trainer was a wonderful young lady who you could tell really cared about the dolphins and your experience. The instructions had to be done in Dutch and English. Once in the lagoon, our group of four interacted for 30 full minutes with two dolphins. We gave signs and the dolphins approach very gently and you can pet them, learn hand signals for kisses, hand shakes, tricks it was wonderful. Afterwards we toured the facility to see the other marine life and I was very impressed on how caring all employees were towards the animals. When we were done we walked out of the facility and made a quick left and walked the shore line of Mambo Beach where there were resorts, restaurants, shops, bars. It was one of my favorite experiences off the ship and you can't go wrong with Dolphin Academy's marine life even if you don't want to swim. It's worth a visit for sure!
March 20, 2023The Dolphin Academy was a clean, safe, fun experience. You enjoy the aquarium for free with purchase of any dolphin swim program. Shaded areas are available for observers... read more to watch. Observers pay $15 to enter the aquarium.
Our group of 7 for dolphin snorkel had 3 dolphins and 3 trainers.
Our fins were disinfected as well as our masks and snorkels.
I highly recommend the Dolphin Academy.
March 17, 2023