Florida Keys Dolphin Interaction - Hawks Cay Resort

Scottie Pippen brings his family to greet the dolphin family at Hawks Cay

Interact with bottlenose dolphins in the beautiful backdrop of the Florida Keys at Hawks Cay Resort & Marina. Splash and play with the resort’s dolphin family, get a hands-on experience dockside or become a trainer for a day. Whichever program you choose, you’ll get the chance of a lifetime: to meet these graceful, intelligent mammals. Plus, you’ll learn about the need for eco-conservation and how your actions help marine life.

Founded in 1996 by Doug and Cheryl Messinger, the Dolphin Connection has as its mission to encourage responsible enjoyment of the marine environment. It is an accredited program and recognized in the advancement of marine mammal education, breeding and research techniques. The dolphins serve as ambassadors for this fragile ecosystem, and they are partners in the scientific research into breeding and preserving this amazing marine mammal.

Doug, Cheryl and the other trainers on their team are actively involved in the International Marine Animal Trainers Association, the National Marine Educators Association, the International Association of Aquatic Mammal Medicine and several other organizations devoted to the health and welfare of bottlenose dolphins and other marine mammals. Together, Doug and Cheryl have been caring for aquatic mammals for more than 50 years.

For more information, visit www.dolphinconnection.com