Minors & Dolphins: Understanding Supervision Rules and Height Requirements at Dolphin Academy

Planning a family dolphin experience should feel exciting—not confusing. This guide explains the supervision rules and height requirements at Dolphin Academy so you can book with confidence, arrive prepared, and focus on making memories together.

Below, you’ll find clear answers about when a paying adult must accompany a child, how height applies across programs, and what to expect before, during, and after your visit.

Quick Answer: What are the supervision rules and height requirements?

• Children under 1.30 meters in height may not participate unaccompanied. A paying adult must accompany them for all Dolphin Academy experiences.
• Program-specific prerequisites may also apply. For example, the Assistant Trainer Course requires participants to be at least 9 years old and a minimum of 1.30 m tall.

These safeguards help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for both young participants and the dolphins.

Why Dolphin Academy focuses on height and supervision

Dolphin experiences include close, in-water interactions. Using a height benchmark is a practical, safety-forward way to:

• Ensure proper fit and use of equipment (like swim vests and masks where applicable)
• Keep children within arm’s reach of responsible supervision in dynamic, aquatic settings
• Maintain smooth group coordination during briefings and in-water activities

Height-based rules also complement Dolphin Academy’s broader safety approach, which includes on-site staff with first-aid training and participant coverage under the academy’s liability insurance for water activities.

How rules apply across popular experiences

Dolphin Academy offers several ways to meet, swim, snorkel, or dive with dolphins in natural lagoons and, for some programs, the open sea. Here’s how the supervision rules and height requirements at Dolphin Academy relate to family favorites:

Dolphin Encounter (all ages; waist-deep platform)

• Designed for guests of all ages on a submerged platform in waist-deep water.
• Swimming skills are not required; participants stand throughout the experience.
• Children can stand safely on the platform or be held by parents or guardians.
• Children under 1.30 m must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Dolphin Swim, Dolphin Snorkel, and Dolphin Scuba Encounter

• These are in-water experiences in natural lagoons.
• The height supervision rule applies across all experiences: children under 1.30 m require a paying adult to accompany them.
• Note for Dolphin Snorkel: you may bring your own waterproof camera.
• The Dolphin Scuba Encounter does not require prior dive certification; non-certified guests receive a short introductory lesson.

Open Water Dolphin Dive

• A guided dive in the open sea along a coral reef (typical depths of approximately 10–12 meters).
• As with all programs, the under-1.30 m supervision rule applies.

Educational Programs

• Assistant Trainer Course: multi-day, hands-on learning for ages 9–14, with a minimum height of 1.30 m; offered in Level 1 and Level 2.
• Dolphins in Depth Course: an advanced, multi-day experience (ages 15+) currently unavailable.

At-a-glance rules and prerequisites

Safety, welfare, and how sessions are designed

Dolphin Academy emphasizes animal welfare and natural interaction. The dolphins live in interconnected lagoons with a constant flow of fresh seawater and participate in open-sea sessions—one of the aspects that makes the academy unique. For families, this means:

• Experiences are structured and supervised by professional trainers.
• Dolphins choose when to interact, making each session personal and respectful.
• Safety measures include on-site staff with first-aid training and participant coverage under the academy’s liability insurance during water activities.

In addition, guests are not permitted to feed the dolphins, and participants under the influence of alcohol may not join any in-water experience. Drone and aerial devices are prohibited throughout the premises for the safety of both dolphins and guests.

Practical planning for families

A little preparation goes a long way—especially when visiting with kids. Use this checklist to streamline your day:

1. Confirm height and program fit

   • If your child is under 1.30 m, plan for a paying adult to accompany them in the water.
   • For the Assistant Trainer Course, ensure your child meets both the age (9–14) and height (≥ 1.30 m) requirements.

2. Choose the right experience

   • For first-timers or very young children, the Dolphin Encounter offers standing, waist-deep interaction and no swimming requirement.
   • Confident swimmers may enjoy Dolphin Swim or Dolphin Snorkel. For snorkelers, waterproof personal cameras are allowed.
   • Certified and non-certified divers can consider the Dolphin Scuba Encounter (no prior certification required due to the introductory lesson).

3. Book ahead and arrive early

   • Advance reservations are required; same-day walk-ins cannot be accommodated (especially during high season).
   • Arrive at least 15 minutes before your designated check-in time for registration and the pre-experience briefing.

4. Pack smart

   • Bring your own towels; complimentary lockers are available for small to medium items, plus changing rooms and showers.
   • Restrooms and dedicated baby-changing facilities are on site.
   • Complimentary Wi‑Fi is available for visitors.

5. Know the onsite policies that protect guests and dolphins

   • No feeding of dolphins during any program.
   • No participation under the influence of alcohol.
   • No drones or aerial devices on the premises.
   • Only service dogs are permitted within the complex; medical and veterinary documentation must be submitted in advance for review.

6. Align with hours and what’s included

   • Dolphin Academy operates Tuesday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
   • Admission to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium Park is automatically included with any Dolphin Academy experience booking.

7. Capture the moment

   • A professional photography team is available to document in-water experiences. After your session, staff will guide you to view and purchase photos via the official photo service (online gallery or on-site desk). For the Dolphin Snorkel, you may also bring a waterproof personal camera.

Common questions from parents and guardians

Can unaccompanied minors participate?

• Children under 1.30 m may not participate unaccompanied and must be accompanied by a paying adult for all experiences.

Are there evening or sunset sessions for families?

• All programs currently run during daytime hours; evening or sunset sessions are not offered.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

• The head trainer evaluates conditions on the day of your program. If conditions are unsuitable, your experience will be rescheduled.

Is there medical support on site?

• Staff members with first-aid training are present during dolphin programs.

Do we need to pay a deposit?

• Full payment is required at the time of booking; no further payment is due.

Do residents receive discounts?

• A resident discount is available to individuals living in Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, and Sint Maarten with a valid sedula (local ID). Check the Discounts section of the website for current offers.

Tips to make your family experience effortless

• Measure height before booking so you can plan adult accompaniment if needed.
• Pick an experience that matches your child’s comfort level with water. The Dolphin Encounter is ideal if you prefer no swimming.
• Schedule buffer time before and after your program for check-in, briefings, and photo viewing.
• Review program overviews together so kids know what to expect and feel confident on the day.
• For the Assistant Trainer Course, consider completing Level 1 before Level 2 to build skills progressively.

Conclusion

Understanding the supervision rules and height requirements at Dolphin Academy helps families choose the right program, arrive prepared, and focus on what matters: a safe, meaningful connection with dolphins. Whether you’re planning a first Dolphin Encounter, a lagoon Dolphin Swim, a Dolphin Snorkel, a Dolphin Scuba Encounter, or considering the Assistant Trainer Course, these guidelines ensure every moment is both memorable and responsible.

Ready to plan your visit? Book online at dolphin-academy.com (click “Book Now”), call +5999 465 8900, or email info@dolphin-academy.com to reserve your family’s spot.