ZooFlorida, US

Marineland of Florida

Marineland of Florida offers unparalleled marine life encounters and conservation efforts.

About

Marineland of Florida offers unparalleled marine life encounters and conservation efforts.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure, known historically as Marineland of Florida, holds the distinguished title of the world's first oceanarium, originally conceived in 1937-1938 as "Marine Studios" for the purpose of filming underwater marine life. Located south of St. Augustine on Florida's scenic A1A, this pioneering institution has evolved into a leading educational and interactive facility, where visitors can forge deep connections with marine animals and learn about vital conservation initiatives. It stands as a testament to marine science, having significantly contributed to research in dolphin behavior and aquatic animal care for over eight decades.

Today, the venue focuses on immersive experiences rather than traditional shows, allowing guests to interact directly with its diverse marine residents. Key highlights include up-close encounters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins through various programs, a dedicated Sea to Shore Aquarium showcasing native and tropical fish, marine invertebrates, moray eels, and nurse sharks, and Ambassador Park, home to rescued sea turtles and red-footed tortoises. Visitors can also observe dolphins from both above and below the water at Whitney Park, gaining unique perspectives on their graceful movements.

A visit to Marineland Dolphin Adventure is an unforgettable journey into the heart of marine conservation and discovery. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with magnificent ocean creatures, understand their habitats, and contribute to their well-being through inspiring interactive programs and educational presentations. The intimate setting and dedicated staff ensure a memorable experience that fosters a profound appreciation for the marine world, making it a truly special destination for all ages. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

Marineland of Florida was originally envisioned in 1937 by a group of investors, including W. Douglas Burden, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, Sherman Pratt, and Ilya Andreyevich Tolstoy, as an underwater film studio to capture marine life. Opening on June 23, 1938, under the name "Marine Studios," it quickly became known as the world's first oceanarium, distinguishing itself by housing various marine species together, much like their natural environment. The facility rapidly gained popularity, attracting over 20,000 tourists on its opening day and becoming a major Florida attraction, also serving as a hub for marine scientific research, pioneering studies in dolphin training and echolocation. Throughout its history, Marineland underwent significant transformations. After suffering extensive damage from several hurricanes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the park closed for major renovations, reopening on March 4, 2006, as the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center, later renamed Marineland Dolphin Adventure. This rebirth marked a shift from traditional animal shows to a focus on education, conservation, and interactive guest experiences, aligning with modern standards of animal welfare and public engagement. In 2011, the Georgia Aquarium acquired Marineland, further solidifying its commitment to marine conservation and research.

What to do here

Engage in a Dolphin Training Demonstration, attend a Sea Turtle Talk or Red-Footed Tortoise Talk, and watch the Shark and Ray Talk/Feed. Consider unique experiences like "Trainer for a Day" or "Aquarist for a Day" for a deeper dive into animal care.

Seasonal info

As an outdoor venue, be prepared for varying weather conditions. While marine animals are active year-round, certain seasonal events or breeding activities might occur, which could enhance a visit.

Accessibility

Marineland Dolphin Adventure strives to be accessible. Visitors with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to contact the facility in advance to arrange accommodations and ensure a comfortable experience.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for a visit lasting between 2 to 4 hours for general admission, allowing time to explore exhibits and attend presentations. If participating in one or more interactive programs, allocate half to a full day.
Best time to visit: Given that Marineland is primarily an outdoor facility, visiting during Florida's cooler, drier months (fall through spring) is ideal to avoid intense summer heat and humidity. Spring is particularly pleasant for exploring the St. Augustine area. Arriving in the morning is recommended to enjoy daily presentations and interactive programs before larger crowds gather.
Location: Florida, US
Species in this guide: 9

Best for

Families With Children:** Engaging Interactive Programs And Educational Content Are Perfect For Young Explorers.Marine Life Enthusiasts: Opportunities For Close Animal Encounters And Learning About Conservation.Educational Groups And Students: Strong Focus On Research, Animal Husbandry, And Environmental Awareness.Couples: Unique And Memorable Interactive Animal Experiences.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

The primary draw is the range of dolphin interaction programs, including the Royal Swim, Swim Adventure, Dolphin Encounter, and Dolphin Meet and Greet. Don't miss the Sea to Shore Aquarium, Ambassador Park with its sea turtles and tortoises, and the Whitney Park dolphin viewing area.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Nurse Shark

Cow

Moray Eel

Octopus

Sea Turtle

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Book Interactive Programs in Advance

Popular dolphin encounters and specialized programs like "Trainer for a Day" often require reservations due to limited capacity.

Arrive Early

Get there shortly after opening to experience the first daily presentations and tours, and to enjoy a quieter atmosphere before peak crowds.

Check Daily Schedule

Upon arrival, obtain a schedule of daily talks, feeds, and demonstrations to plan your visit efficiently and ensure you don't miss any highlights.

Dress for the Outdoors

As Marineland is an outdoor facility, wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bring sunglasses. Be prepared for sun and potential rain.

Photography Etiquette

Feel free to take photos in public areas, but remember to turn off your camera flash when photographing animals. Personal cameras and phones are generally not permitted during interactive programs for safety and animal welfare.

Combine with Other Attractions

While Marineland offers a fulfilling experience, it is not a full-day, large-scale theme park. Consider pairing your visit with other nearby attractions in St. Augustine or Flagler County to make it a more comprehensive outing.

Frequently asked questions

: Marineland Dolphin Adventure is home to a variety of marine life, including Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, rescued loggerhead sea turtles, red-footed tortoises, sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, cow-nosed rays, tropical fish, moray eels, and other marine invertebrates displayed in its Sea to Shore Aquarium.
: Yes, Marineland Dolphin Adventure offers several interactive programs with its dolphins, such as the Royal Swim, Swim Adventure, Dolphin Encounter, and Dolphin Meet and Greet. These programs allow guests to get up close, touch, and even swim with dolphins, fostering a deeper connection with these intelligent creatures.
: Yes, Marineland Dolphin Adventure aims to accommodate guests with disabilities and special needs. Visitors are encouraged to contact the facility's reservations line or email them prior to their visit to discuss specific requirements and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.