Originally established as Marine Studios to serve as a filming location for underwater motion pictures.
The facility was the first in the world to successfully train dolphins for public exhibition.
The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The dolphin habitats are supplied by a direct intake system pumping seawater from the Atlantic Ocean.
It hosted the filming of several classic movies, including 'Revenge of the Creature' in 1955.
Marineland Dolphin Adventure is the world's first oceanarium, founded in 1938 as a marine film studio. It is located along the Atlantic coast of Florida between St. Augustine and Palm Coast. The facility focuses on interactive dolphin encounters, educational presentations, and marine research. The habitat consists of a series of interconnected tanks that utilize filtered Atlantic Ocean water. Guests can observe Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from elevated walkways and specialized viewing windows. The preserve operates in partnership with local universities for ongoing scientific studies. It functions as both a historical landmark and a modern zoological institution. Its design emphasizes an open-air environment rather than traditional stadium-style seating.
The elevated boardwalk overlooking the primary dolphin lagoon with the Atlantic Ocean as the background.
Book dolphin interaction sessions weeks in advance, as they sell out frequently.
Apply sunscreen before arriving, as most viewing areas are outdoors with limited overhead cover.
Check the weather forecast, as outdoor activities may be suspended during lightning storms.
Assuming walk-in tickets are available for dolphin swim programs; these must be reserved ahead of time.
Open year-round, but specific interactive programs may be weather-dependent.
Strict rules regarding the use of flash photography during dolphin interactions; follow staff instructions on touch protocols.
