Careers at Dolphin Academy: Your Guide to Joining the Team

Dreaming of a role where your work uplifts people and protects marine life? Careers at Dolphin Academy invite you to contribute to an experience-based organization in Willemstad that emphasizes care, learning, and genuine human–dolphin connection. In this guide, you’ll discover what makes the workplace unique, where your skills could fit, how to apply, and practical tips to stand out.

Why a Career at Dolphin Academy Is Different

Open-sea training meets natural lagoons

Dolphin Academy is one of the few facilities in the world that works with trained dolphins in the open sea. The dolphins reside on the premises of the Curaçao Sea Aquarium in four primary lagoons connected by secondary basins and canals. These lagoons have continuous contact with the ocean, allowing a natural flow of seawater—as well as local fish and invertebrates.

This setting supports the Academy’s focus on authentic behavior and high welfare standards, while giving team members an environment that mirrors the ocean as closely as possible.

Experience-based learning for guests of all ages

The organization provides a range of guest experiences—from the all-ages Dolphin Encounter (in waist-deep water) to Dolphin Swim and Dolphin Snorkel in the natural lagoon. It also offers underwater programs like the Dolphin Scuba Encounter (no certification required) and the Open Water Dolphin Dive for certified divers in the open sea along a coral reef. Team members help create safe, memorable, and educational moments that inspire lasting respect for marine life.

A clear philosophy of care and genuine interaction

The Academy emphasizes care and genuine interaction between humans and dolphins. This philosophy shapes everything—from daily routines to guest programs—ensuring that educational value and animal well-being remain at the heart of the work.

A uniquely placed facility in Willemstad

Located at Bapor Kibra z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao, the Academy operates within the Curaçao Sea Aquarium premises and is open until 5 PM. The setting provides close proximity to natural reef environments and a vibrant learning atmosphere.

Where Your Skills Could Fit

While openings vary over time, Dolphin Academy’s work spans several well-defined areas. Exploring these will help you understand where your background may align.

Dolphin training and animal care

• Support a philosophy centered on respectful, open-sea training.
• Engage with daily routines that prioritize welfare and natural behaviors.
• Strengthen your foundation through the Academy’s learning pathways like the Assistant Trainer Course, which offers hands-on exposure to dolphin biology, behavior, and training techniques.

Guest experiences and in-water programs

• Contribute to safe, enriching experiences such as Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Snorkel, and Dolphin Scuba Encounter in the natural lagoon.
• Understand the dynamics of the Open Water Dolphin Dive for certified divers, where dolphins meet guests in the open sea along a coral reef.

Education and youth engagement

• Help deliver meaningful learning through the Education offerings, including Youth Activities, Bayena i Dolfein, and the Junior Vice President program—each designed to spark curiosity and stewardship in younger audiences.

Research and health care

• Align your interests with the organization’s Dolphin Health Care and Dolphin Research initiatives, which support ongoing knowledge and best practices around dolphin well-being.

Groups and special experiences

• Support Groups & Special Requests to tailor experiences for larger parties or custom events, ensuring smooth coordination and exceptional guest satisfaction.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

If you’re ready to explore careers at Dolphin Academy, use the steps below to take action.

1. Visit “Join our team” on the website

   • Review current opportunities, required details, and next steps.

2. Prepare a concise application

   • Share a resume and a brief note describing how your experience aligns with the Academy’s philosophy of care and genuine interaction.

3. Reach out with questions or to express interest

   • Phone: +5999 465 8900
   • Email: info@dolphin-academy.com
   • Hours: Open until 5 PM

4. Get to know the experiences

   • Familiarize yourself with the Academy’s offerings—such as Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Snorkel, Dolphin Scuba Encounter, and the Open Water Dolphin Dive—so you can speak clearly about guest needs, safety, and educational outcomes.

5. Explore learning pathways

   • Consider the Assistant Trainer Course and the Dolphins in Depth Course to deepen your understanding of dolphin biology, behavior, and training.

Address: Bapor Kibra z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao (on the Curaçao Sea Aquarium premises)

Quick Answers (Great for Fast Research)

Where is Dolphin Academy located?

Bapor Kibra z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao, on the Curaçao Sea Aquarium premises.

What is Dolphin Academy’s training philosophy?

A focus on open-sea training with genuine, respectful interaction, prioritizing dolphin well-being while fostering learning for visitors.

Does Dolphin Academy conduct research?

Yes. The Academy maintains Dolphin Health Care and Dolphin Research initiatives.

What in-water experiences does the Academy offer?

• Dolphin Encounter (all ages; waist-deep water)
• Dolphin Swim (natural lagoon)
• Dolphin Snorkel (natural lagoon)
• Dolphin Scuba Encounter (no certification required; natural lagoon)
• Open Water Dolphin Dive (for certified divers in the open sea along a coral reef)

Do I need a dive certification for the Open Water Dolphin Dive?

Yes. The Open Water Dolphin Dive is specifically designed for certified divers.

How can I apply to work at Dolphin Academy?

Explore opportunities via the website’s Join our team section. For inquiries or to express interest, call +5999 465 8900 or email info@dolphin-academy.com.

Practical Takeaways and Tips

• Highlight alignment with the care and genuine interaction philosophy in your application.
• Emphasize comfort in aquatic settings and clear, guest-friendly communication.
• Familiarize yourself with the Academy’s open-sea context and natural lagoon environment.
• Reference relevant learning experiences, such as the Assistant Trainer Course or Dolphins in Depth Course.
• Understand the differences among Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Snorkel, Dolphin Scuba Encounter, and Open Water Dolphin Dive, especially around safety and guest needs.
• If you have experience with education or youth activities, note how it connects to programs like Bayena i Dolfein and Junior Vice President.
• If you have interests in research or animal health, mention how they relate to Dolphin Health Care and Dolphin Research.
• For organizing events, highlight experience with Groups & Special Requests-style coordination.
• Keep your outreach concise, professional, and proactive—then follow up respectfully.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward a Rewarding Marine Career

Careers at Dolphin Academy offer the chance to contribute to a mission-driven team, practicing open-sea training and delivering unforgettable experiences in natural lagoons. If you’re inspired by a philosophy that places animal well-being and guest education first, now is the time to act.

Ready to explore roles and express interest? Visit the website’s Join our team section, call +5999 465 8900, or email info@dolphin-academy.com. To better understand the Academy’s programs and philosophy, consider reviewing the Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Snorkel, Dolphin Scuba Encounter, and Open Water Dolphin Dive experiences—then take your next step toward joining the team in Willemstad.