General Questions About Swimming with a Dolphin These are the answers to some of our most common guest questions. If you still have a question, use the web-form and we will get back with an answer as soon as possible.   Age requirements Check-in What to bring General Information Reservations Facilities Cancellation Policy Payment Ability to swim Bad Weather Group sizes Cameras Discounts Observers Park Admission Close to Dolphins How Dangerous Photography Length of Program How Dangerous Photography     Q. What are the age requirements to swim with a dolphin? A. Participants are required to be at least 5 years old and 48 inches tall. Children younger that do not meet these requirements will have a difficult time participating in the program and often will only disrupt the encounter for the others involved.   Q. General Information about swimming with a dolphin. A. The pools we use for dolphin interactions are up to 15 feet deep. Most of your encounter will be held in water about 42 inches deep. The water temperature ranges from 70 - 80 degrees year round.   Q. What if I need to cancel my reservation for a swim? A. There are no cancellations. We may work with you to reschedule you encounter if it is an emergency but remember we book out almost every day in the busy seasons and therefore may not have any other time available.   Q. What do I need to do when I arrive at Gulf World and check-in? A. You will need to check-in at the front desk in the gift shop. It is best if you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your reserved time. There will be a release form to be completed prior to the encounter.   Q. What items do I need to bring with me to swim with a dolphin? A. You will need to bring a towel and a swim suit worn under your attire. We do offer wetsuits if you desire one.   Q. How do I make a reservation to swim with a dolphin? A. We have a limited number of participants during our dolphin activities, so in order to assure your place we suggest your reserve as early as possible. We sell out the programs most every day during the summer months. There is only one method to reserve you swim with a dolphin. You must call Gulf World Marine Park at (850) 234-5271.  This line is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. No other method of reserving an encounter is available. The lines stay very busy at times so please be patient and persistent.   Q. How may I pay for my reservation? A. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover for payment. All payments are due when the reservation is made.   Q. What are the facilities like where I will be swimming with a dolphin? A. We provide a changing room complete with showers for you convenience.   Q. Do you require the ability to swim to participate in the swim with a dolphin program? A. The ability to swim is a must to enjoy every aspect of the program. However, we can provide you with a life vest so don't worry if you don't know how to swim. You'll feel safe and will enjoy your dolphin experience.   Q. Do you operate in bad weather? A. The encounter will proceed in mild weather conditions such as rain. In the event of lightning all participants will be asked to leave the water until the weather improves. In the event your encounter is postponed due to the weather we will work with you to reschedule at a convenient time. Always check-in with us before determining weather conditions on your own.   Q. How many people are in a group? A. There may be 4 or 5 other participants in your group. We will try to keep families and friends together as much as possible. This is not a one-on-one encounter with a dolphin. Group sizes are kept to a minimum to maximize the experience.   Q. Can I bring a Camera or video recorder? A. For the safety of the dolphins, participants are not permitted to take cameras into any of the pool areas. Those of you participating in a program will not be able to bring a camera, waterproof camera or video camera with you into the water. Observers are more than welcome to take all the photographs and video they wish. Gulf World Marine Park has a great staff of photographers to capture the moment in a special way.   Q. Are there any discounts available? A. Yes. Often we offer special pricing during the off-season and to season pass holders.   Q. Can my friends or family watch me swim with a dolphin? A. Your friends and family are welcome to watch your swim with a dolphin. We will have them remain in a designated area so there will be no disruptions with the dolphins. The price to observe is simply park admission.   Q. Is admission to Gulf World Marine Park and all the shows included with my swim with a dolphin? A. Yes. You will be able to enjoy all the shows and exhibits at Gulf World Marine Park with your swim with a dolphin encounter. So, arrive early or plan to stay a while and add more fun to your already great day.   Q. Will I be very close to the dolphins? A. Our dolphins are trained to be around our visitors and feel very comfortable about it; however, since they are in their natural environment they might disappear for a moment and come back, or even swim right next to you.   Q.Is it dangerous to swim with dolphins? A. Like any other animal, dolphins aren't aggressive unless they have a reason. Dolphins are very friendly and curious about human beings, which helps create strong bonds of love and respect. There is nothing to be afraid of as long as we remember dolphins are wild animals.   Q. Do you sell photographs of my experience during my swim with dolphins? A. Yes. Gulf World Marine Park has the very best photography equipment. After your experience you'll be able to purchase beautiful photographs of your time with our dolphins. Other items are available for purchase to remember your experience..   Q. How long is the swim with a dolphin program? A. The program lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. Your time in the water will be about 20 minutes.