The facility is built directly into a section of the natural bay, using the existing seawater ecosystem to house the animals.
Dolphins at the site are trained using positive reinforcement, allowing for voluntary medical checks and behavioral health monitoring.
The park was established to foster regional tourism following the decline of traditional local industries in Tsukumi.
Visitors can interact with dolphins from a specialized low-profile dock that places them at the same level as the water surface.
The facility serves as a temporary refuge and rehabilitation site for marine life found injured in the Bungo Channel.
Tsukumi Dolphin Island is a marine interaction park located within the Ume Bay of Oita Prefecture. The facility features a natural sea enclosure rather than traditional concrete tanks, allowing dolphins to swim in real seawater. Visitors can observe dolphin training demonstrations and interact with marine life in close proximity. The park also houses sea lions and various local fish species within its coastal perimeter. Educational programs focus on marine biology and conservation of the local Tsukumi environment. Guests can participate in swimming sessions with dolphins by booking in advance. The site operates as a partnership between the local government and private marine research entities. Large boardwalks connect the various pens and observation decks over the water. Its layout utilizes the calm, enclosed geography of Youra Port.
The central observation deck that provides an unobstructed view of the dolphins leaping against the backdrop of the Ume Bay mountains.
Book swimming or close-contact interaction experiences well in advance as these sessions often reach capacity.
Bring a change of clothes if you plan to participate in the interactive programs, as you will get wet.
Wear slip-resistant footwear, as the wooden boardwalks and dock areas can become slippery.
Do not attempt to touch the animals outside of officially supervised interaction sessions.
Generally closed on certain Wednesdays, though this is subject to change based on seasonal demand.
Do not feed the animals unauthorized food, refrain from using flash photography during training shows, and follow staff instructions when approaching the water edge.
