My Experience Swimming with Dolphins in Destin, Florida

As someone who loves animals and the ocean, swimming with dolphins in Destin, Florida has been a dream of mine for years.

When I finally had the chance to do it, the experience was absolutely amazing.

If you’re considering swimming with dolphins during your next Florida vacation, I highly recommend adding this activity to your itinerary.

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know, including:

• Pricing and packages
• Age limits and restrictions
• Transportation options
• My personal experience swimming with the dolphins

Let’s (literally) dive in!

Overview of Dolphin Swim Programs in Destin

There are a few highly reputable companies offering dolphin encounters and swims in Destin and neighboring Panama City Beach. These include:

• Gulf World Marine Park
• Water Planet
• Pro Dive International

The types of programs available range from shallow water dolphin “encounters” where you interact with them from a waist-high platform, to full-on swims where you get in deeper water for closer contact.

Some key activities you’ll likely experience include:

• Petting and hugging
• Having them do fun tricks and behaviors
• Getting pushed by their rostrum (beak) or pulled by their dorsal fin as they swim
• Belly rides or dorsal tows

So whether you just want to gently touch them from a platform or swim alongside them, there’s an option for everyone.

Pricing for Dolphin Programs

Pricing can vary a bit by company and packages, but to give you a general idea:

• Dolphin Encounters: $50-$75 per person (rough estimate)
• Dolphin Swim: $165-$250 per person (rough estimate)
• Other packages like “Royal Swim” or “Trainer for a Day” can run up to $220+ (rough estimates)

There are often discounts for children, seniors, military, and if booked as a group. 

However, the exact price may depend on the season, the availability, and the type of experience you choose. 

I did the Royal Swim at Gulf World which ran about $220. More on my experience in a bit!

Age Limits and Health Restrictions

For liability and safety reasons, most companies do have some age and health rules, such as:

• Minimum age 5-6 years old, depending on height/size
• Children under 18 must have a participating adult with them
• Pregnant women past 6 months may not participate
• Certain medical conditions may disqualify candidates

So before booking, be sure to disclose any health issues and clarify age policies with your chosen operator.

Getting to the Dolphin Facilities

The dolphin swim programs mainly operate out of Panama City Beach, about 1 hour drive east of Destin.

Transportation options to get there:

• Rent a car: Gives the most flexibility if you want to explore the region
• Uber/Lyft: Relatively affordable, prices vary by demand
• Shuttle Service: Some companies offer shuttles from Destin area hotels
• Taxi: Will run you $100+ each way

I chose to rent a car since I was staying for a week in Destin. 

I think having the freedom to drive and explore at my leisure is more convenient and private than taking public transportation.

My Experience Swimming with Dolphins

Now, let’s get to the good stuff! Sharing my first-hand account of swimming with dolphins in Destin Florida.

I did the Royal Swim at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach. I chose them because they had excellent reviews and a variety of programs to choose from.

We started with an educational presentation where the trainers talked about dolphin behavior, habitat, communication, and more. 

Why I Chose Destin for My Dolphin Swim

I chose Destin as the location for my dolphin swim because of its beautiful beaches in Florida along the Emerald Coast. 

The sparkling green waters provide an ideal habitat for dolphins and an unforgettable backdrop for swimming with them.

Destin also has several highly reputable companies that offer dolphin swim programs, like Gulf World. 

Booking My Dolphin Swim

I booked my dolphin swim through Dolphin World. They offer several different dolphin swim programs, so I was able to choose one that fit my comfort level and budget.

I opted for the Dolphin Royal Swim program, which includes 30 minutes of in-water interaction with the dolphins. 

This longer swim time allowed me to really bond with the dolphins instead of just getting a quick glimpse.

Arriving at the Dolphin Swim Facility

When I arrived at the Gulf World dolphin swim facility, I was greeted by friendly staff members who checked me in and provided instructions. 

They emphasized safety rules like no jewelry or cameras in the water. I signed a waiver and was fitted with a life vest.

Before entering the water, we had an educational presentation on dolphin behavior, anatomy, communication, and conservation. 

The trainer answered all of our questions and made sure everyone felt comfortable.

Stepping Into the Water

When it was finally time to step into the water with the dolphins, the anticipation was thrilling! 

A trainer led our small group into waist-deep water, where we formed a circle. A few moments later, two dolphins swam up to join us.

I’ll never forget the exhilaration I felt when a dolphin glided straight toward me. 

Having an intelligent marine mammal look you right in the eye is an emotional experience. 

We took turns petting, dancing, and playing with the dolphins for 30 magical minutes.

My Favorite Moments

My favorite moments were getting towed by the dorsal fin and experiencing the “foot push,” where the dolphin uses its nose to propel you across the water by your feet. 

I also loved when the dolphins swam circles around us, leaping and flipping as if showing off just for our group. 

Some highlights for me were:

• Getting pushed by the dolphin’s rostrum across the surface of the water.
• Grabbing its dorsal fin as it towed me effortlessly.

It exceeded my expectations and was worth every penny. 

The Verdict: Wholeheartedly Recommended

I hope this first-hand account gives you a good sense of what swimming with dolphins in Destin is really like. 

It was an amazing, bucket-list experience that I recommend if it interests you. 

Just be sure to choose a reputable operator, disclose any health issues beforehand, and consider the transportation logistics.

If you have any other questions at all about my experience or planning your own dolphin swim in Destin, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below!

FAQs

How old do you have to be to swim with dolphins in Destin?

Most companies require participants to be at least 6 years old to swim with dolphins. Children ages 6-12 must have a paying adult accompany them in the water. 

What is the difference between a dolphin “encounter” and a dolphin “swim”?

A dolphin encounter takes place in waist-deep water or from a partially submerged platform. You can touch, dance, and play with the dolphins–but without swimming. 

The dolphin swim takes place in deeper water and includes activities like dorsal fin tows.

How much does it cost to swim with dolphins in Destin?

Expect to pay $50-$300 per person depending on the length and features of the program. 

The average cost is around $220-$250 per person for a 30-minute swim.

How do I choose a responsible dolphin swim company?

Look for companies accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA). 

Also, check company reviews and make sure they emphasize education and conservation.

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