Marineland's Dolphin Conservation Center

Marineland's Dolphin Conservation Center Review

The world's first oceanarium was constructed in 1938, 18 mi south of St. Augustine. This National Register of Historic Places designee has come a long way from marine film studio to theme park to its current iteration as dolphin research, education, and entertainment center. The formal dolphin shows are history, but you can have a far more memorable experience with interactive programs that allow you to swim with and feed the animals, become a dolphin trainer for a day, or create dolphin art. Programs start at $26 a day (for the simple "touch-and-feed" option) and go as high as $550 (for "trainer for a day"). Those who prefer not to get so up close and personal can watch the action in the dolphin habitats through 6-by-10-foot acrylic windows. The 1.3-million-gallon facility is home to a dozen dolphins, including Nellie who was born here on February 27, 1953, making her the oldest dolphin in captivity. Reservations are required.