From Five to Twenty: Dolphin Academy's Expansion Journey Since 2002
If you’re searching for a marine experience that blends wonder with purpose, you’ll find it in Dolphin Academy’s story. From Five to Twenty: Dolphin Academy's Expansion Journey Since 2002 charts how we opened on May 26, 2002 with five dolphins and now care for more than twenty Coastal Bottlenose dolphins—while staying true to a mission rooted in education, choice, and respect for these remarkable animals.
In this post, you’ll learn how our natural habitats, open sea training, and guest experiences evolved to support a growing dolphin family and inspire guests to protect what they love.
2002: A beginning grounded in education and truth
Dolphin Academy opened its doors on May 26, 2002. On that day, our most important colleagues—the dolphins—arrived in Curaçao from Roatán, Honduras. From the start, we focused on presenting the truth about dolphins, not myths, through educational experiences that let visitors observe and interact with trained Bottlenose dolphins in spacious enclosures and the open sea.
Our guiding belief remains simple and powerful: when people connect with dolphins through informed, respectful encounters, they gain an appreciation for the animals and their environment—and are motivated to protect both. We protect what we love.
For more on the principles guiding our team, explore Our Philosophy.
Growing the family: From five to 20+ Coastal Bottlenose dolphins
Since opening with five dolphins, our family has expanded to more than twenty Coastal Bottlenose dolphins. Growth has gone hand-in-hand with care. Our animal care staff carefully schedules and regulates public experiences, avoiding routine and repetition so dolphins are not burdened by activities. Their enthusiastic, energetic participation indicates interest—and they always have the choice to opt out.
Choice is central to our approach:
- In the lagoons, dolphins can simply leave an area to halt a program.
- During daily excursions to the open sea, they are free to leave or choose to return home.
- At home, they enjoy a dynamic social environment and naturally form associations of their own choosing.
This cooperative relationship between trainers and dolphins defines who we are. Learn how it works in practice on Open Sea Training.
Building space to thrive: Natural lagoons and the open sea
At Dolphin Academy, we work diligently to provide a habitat that emulates the natural environment. Our dolphins live on the premises of the Curaçao Sea Aquarium in four primary lagoons, interconnected by secondary basins and canals. These lagoons surround two-thirds of the Sea Aquarium Park and are connected with the ocean, allowing a constant flow of fresh seawater along with numerous fish and invertebrate species.
Key habitat highlights:
- Four primary lagoons with interconnecting basins and canals
- Ocean connection with a constant flow of fresh seawater
- Total facility space in excess of 40,000 cubic meters of fresh seawater
- Average lagoon depth of 4–5 meters, enabling robust, straight-line swimming
- Space and structure for dolphins to self-organize into social groups
Our available space far exceeds minimum requirements and recommendations from both AMMPA and EAAM. Together with daily open sea excursions for dolphins who choose to participate, this habitat supports physical fitness, social dynamics, and ongoing engagement.
Dive deeper into our environment on Our Facility.
Experiences that share the wonder—and why they matter
Your interaction with dolphins should be safe, enjoyable, and educational. That’s why we offer experiences tailored to different swimming skills—each designed to foster appreciation for dolphin welfare and ocean protection.
Our experiences:
- Dolphin Encounter: Stand in waist-deep water, meet a dolphin, and learn all about him or her.
- Dolphin Swim: Enjoy genuine interaction while swimming with dolphins in their natural lagoon.
- Dolphin Snorkel: Snorkel alongside dolphins in their natural lagoon.
- Dolphin Scuba Encounter: No dive certification required; get up close underwater in the lagoon. Find it via Experiences.
- Open Water Dolphin Dive: Share your bottom time with dolphins in the open sea along a coral reef.
Why these experiences matter:
- They are informative by design, sharing accurate insights into dolphin biology and care.
- They respect dolphin choice, aligning with our training approach.
- They connect guests emotionally to marine life, encouraging stewardship.
Quick facts: Dolphin Encounter
If you’re seeking a learning-forward introduction, the Dolphin Encounter is ideal for all ages.
- Arrival times: 8:30 am | 11:00 am | 2:00 pm
- Duration: 1.5 hours (20 minutes in the water)
- Group size: Max of 6 people per 1 dolphin
- Photos: Professional photos available for purchase afterward
- Admission: Includes free entry to Curaçao Sea Aquarium
- Observers: Welcome to take photos from observer areas; all observers (including parents/guardians signing waivers) pay the Sea Aquarium entrance fee
- Family policy: Babies up to and including 11 months are free; toddlers and babies must be held by parents
- Supervision: Each guest smaller than 1.30 m must be accompanied by a full-paying adult (18+)
- Accessibility: This experience is accessible for pregnant women
Explore all options on Experiences.
Research, health care, and youth education
Our commitment extends beyond guest programs to scientific care and community learning. To see how we elevate standards of care and understanding, visit:
These areas reflect our belief that accurate information and hands-on learning inspire long-term protection for dolphins and their environment.
Milestones and meaning at a glance
| Stage | What happened | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 opening | Doors opened on May 26, 2002; initial five dolphins arrived from Roatán, Honduras | Established an education-first mission with authentic, respectful interactions |
| Today | Home to more than 20 Coastal Bottlenose dolphins in natural lagoons with ocean connection; open sea training as part of daily life | Scale supports social choice, enrichment, and guest learning; space exceeds key recommendations |
Frequently asked questions
- When did Dolphin Academy open?
- May 26, 2002.
- How many dolphins live at Dolphin Academy?
- More than 20 Coastal Bottlenose dolphins.
- Where do the dolphins live?
- On the premises of the Curaçao Sea Aquarium in four primary lagoons connected to the ocean, with a constant flow of fresh seawater.
- Do dolphins go into the open sea?
- Yes. Dolphins accompany trainers on daily excursions to the open sea and are free to leave or choose to return home.
- How big are the lagoons?
- The average depth is 4–5 meters, and the total facility space contains in excess of 40,000 cubic meters of fresh seawater.
- What guest experiences are available?
- Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Snorkel, Dolphin Scuba Encounter, and Open Water Dolphin Dive.
Practical takeaways and tips for your visit
Use these pointers to choose and plan your experience:
- Match the experience to your comfort level:
- Prefer minimal swimming with maximum learning? Choose Dolphin Encounter.
- Comfortable swimmer looking for interaction? Try Dolphin Swim or Dolphin Snorkel.
- Want an underwater encounter without certification? Choose the Dolphin Scuba Encounter (see Experiences).
- Certified diver seeking the reef? Book the Open Water Dolphin Dive.
- Plan for photos and observers:
- Professional photos are available for purchase; observers can take photos from designated areas and pay the Sea Aquarium entrance fee.
- Traveling with young children?
- Babies up to and including 11 months are free on the Dolphin Encounter; toddlers and babies must be held. Guests smaller than 1.30 m must be accompanied by a full-paying adult (18+).
- Know the schedule and hours:
- For Dolphin Encounter, arrive for one of the set times (8:30 am | 11:00 am | 2:00 pm). Dolphin Academy is open Tuesday–Saturday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm.
- Understand our cancellation policy:
- You can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours in advance free of charge (approval by the Reservations Department required). Call +5999 465 8900 or email info@dolphin-academy.com with your Booking ID. Credit card refunds typically appear in about 5 workdays. Cash refunds require your receipt and are processed in cash. Within 24 hours of your experience, no refund or transfer is provided unless you present a doctor’s note.
Conclusion: Growth with purpose—and an invitation
From five dolphins in 2002 to more than twenty today, Dolphin Academy’s expansion reflects a consistent commitment to truth-based education, dolphin choice, and natural habitats—from interconnected lagoons with ocean flow to open sea training. This is growth with purpose: to inspire care and protection for dolphins and their environment.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Explore Our Facility, read Our Philosophy, choose your program on Experiences, and Contact us to plan your visit.
—
Bapor Kibra z/n, Willemstad • T (+5999) 465 8900 • E info@dolphin-academy.com