Dolphin Connection FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Suzi asked :dolphin discovery Q:my daughter wants to participate in the dolphin discovery...my question is, do they do the dorsal pull as well, or just swim in the water with the dolphin?
A:Hi Suzi, Our Discovery program involves time in the water standing on a submerged platform as well as time out in the deeper water swimming with the dolphins. In order to ensure that our guests have as much hands-on time with the dolphins, as well as for safety reasons, our programs do not include a dorsal tow. Feel free to give us a call with any further questions. We look forward to seeing you here!
Christopher Zerbe asked :dolphin swimming Q:Can you swim with the dolphins in end of December? Do we have to book in advance?
A:You certainly can. The only day that we are closed all year long is on Christmas Day. Otherwise we are open for business and would love to see you. You will need to book in advance - especially during that time of year as it can be very busy in the Keys around the holidays. Please call 1-888-251-3674 to make your reservation.
Reto asked :booking dolphin experience without accommodation Q:Dear Dolphin Connection Team, I'd like to know, if it is possible to book a Dolphine Discovery without having an accomodation booked in Hawks Cay Resort? Thank you. Kind regards, Reto Keller
A:Absolutely! Anyone is welcome to participate in our programs at Dolphin Connection. I would encourage you to make your reservation in advance by calling 1-888-251-3674. We'll see you here soon!
Diane asked :dolphin experience Q:Does the groupon coupon you are offering include the dolphin swim and if not what is the cost to swim with the dolphins?
A:Hi Diane, A Groupon coupon from Hawks Cay Resort does not include participation in a Dolphin Connection program but you can make reservations and learn all about the programs we offer, including pricing, by clicking on the "Programs" tab above.
Julie asked :touching the dolphins Q:can a person actually get in the pool with the dolphins and swim with them and touch them if they respond.
A:Hi Julie, All of our interactive programs with the dolphins are completely hands-on! Our Discovery program takes place in the water with the dolphins and includes both a shallow and a deep water interaction. Click on the "Programs" tab above to learn more about these opportunities.
mdgrl927@aol.com asked :dolphin Q:How old do children have to be to interact with the dolphins?
A:Anyone at all can meet our dolphins! Guests who are at least 6 years of age may participate in the Dockside program with or without an adult. Guests under 6 years of age need an adult to participate in the Dockside program along with them. Guest who wish to get in the water with the dolphins must be at least 4'6" tall and as long as they meet that height requirement, there is no age requirement. We look forward to seeing you here!
Carlos asked :swim with dolphins Q:If I staying at the resort, its a extra pay if I want to swim with the dolphins?
A:Hello Carlos, Thank you for your question. Yes, if you would like to participate in one of our dolphin interactive programs, there is a separate charge. You can read more about our programs, including the pricing, by clicking on the "Programs" tab above. We look forward to seeing you here.
Jayne asked :viewing dolphins Q:Can we watch the dolphins and not interact? Is there a charge for that?
A:Hi Jayne, What a great question! And the answer is: Absolutely! Dolphin Connection's unique location within Hawks Cay Resort makes it the only facility on the United States mainland where you can watch trained dolphins free of charge. There is a viewing deck area looking over our dolphins' lagoons and you may relax there any time you'd like and enjoy the view and the dolphins. We look forward to seeing you here.
Richey Esbin asked :dolphin connection Q:cost?
A:Hello! All the information about our programs - including cost - can be found by clicking on the "Programs" tab above. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you here!
Audrey Fuller asked :age requirements for swimming with dolphins Q:what is age requirement for swimming or interacting with dolphins? My husband and I have an 11, 5, and 3 year old and want to know if this resort will allow us to participate in activities together as well as have activities for our children.
A:Our in-water program, Dolphin Discovery, has a height requirement rather than an age requirement: all participants must be at least 4'6" tall. Our out-of-water program, Dockside Dolphins, is open to anyone but guests under 6 years of age must have an adult with them. These and other program details can be found by clicking the "programs" tab above. Thanks!
Jenny Watkinson asked :trips to the Everglades Q:Hi, just wondering if you do any boat trips to the Everglades, not a fishing trip but more just sightseeing? Hawks Cay looks fantastic! Many thanks Jenny
A:Hi Jenny, Here at Dolphin Connection, we do all of our dolphin interactive programs on site right here at Hawks Cay Resort. If you're interested in any off site activities that may begin from here at Hawks Cay, please visit the website at http://experience.hawkscay.com/. Thanks, and have a great time!
Francis Timmer asked :dolphin encounter Q:Dear Mr.,Mrs., will the Dolphin Encounter allow us to swim up with the dolphins ? Please indicate which programm we have to reserve if we like to swim with/up with the dolphins. And 2nd. I like to know if our 18 yrs old son may accompany our 13 yrs old daughter, or has she be accompanied by a person of at least 21 yrs. old ? Best regards from Holland, Mrs. Francis Timmer
A:Thank you for your interest in our dolphin programs. If you'd like to be in the water with the dolphins, you'll want to choose the Dolphin Discovery program. This program allows you to spend time on submerged platforms in the water with the dolphins, and you will also be invited to swim out into the deep water with them. We do not have an age requirement for this program - instead, all of our guests must be at least 4'6" tall (138 cm). As long as your 13 year old daughter and 18 year old son are tall enough, they do not need an adult to participate with them. At least onne of them does need to understand English. For further details, please click on the "Programs" tab above. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you here!
Jupiter Travel Belgium asked :swimming with dolphins Q:Hello, We are a travel agency from Belgium and clients of ours are going to make a roundtrip through Florida. During their trip the son (19 years old) would like to swim with the dolphins. Is it possible for him to do that in your hotel without having a room reservation? What would be the price? The date will be 9th January 2012. Kind regards, Elke Robberecht Jupiter Travel Belgium
A:Absolutely. We welcome guest from anywhere to come meet our dolphins. You do not need to be a guest of the resort. The Discovery program is the in-water program that you're requesting and information about this - as well as our other programs - can be found by clicking on the "Programs" tab above. Thank you!
James asked :water temp during the New Years weekend Q:My wife and I have are coming the New Years weekend and have signed up for the dolphin swim and what is the water temp for this time of year and will wet suits be needed and if so are they available....thanks
A:Hi there. We're excited to spend the New Year holiday with you and your wife. During wintertime here, the weather can really be very warm or very cool, but the water temperature will most certainly be cool enough that you will want to wear a wetsuit. We do provide "shorty" wetsuits (short pants, short sleeves) to all of our guests, free of charge. These are usually sufficient, but If you prefer to wear a full length wetsuit you may bring your own if you have one, or you may rent one from the marina here at Hawks Cay Resort prior to arriving for your dolphin program. Happy Holidays!
Claudine asked :dolphin experience Q:Hi there My boyfriend and me are staying at hawks cay resort from Mo, 5.12 to Fr, 9.12.11. Do you have still a possibility for swimming with the dolphins? Thanks for your answer. regards Claudine
A:Hello Claudine, Yes, we still have spaces available in our Dolphin Discovery program during the time period when you'll be visiting. Please click on the "Programs" tab above for more details, including information about reservations. We look forward to seeing you here!
Marie asked :dolphin encounters Q:Do I have to be a registered guest at the resort to experience a dolphin encounter? I'm staying on Duck Key and would like to know. Thank You.
A:Hi Marie, Great question! No, you do not need to be a guest of Hawks Cay Resort in order to participate in a program with Dolphin Connection. Anyone is welcome to come and meet the dolphins here. You will, however, need to make a reservation in advance of your visit. You can click on the "Programs" tab above for more information about making your reservation. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you here.
Vera asked :dolphin connection Q:How deep is the water the dolphins are in? I am not much of a swimmer but think I would like to partake in this. Thanks! Vera
A:Hi Vera, The lagoon that the dolphins are in is 18 feet deep. All participants in our programs wear life vests, so strong swimming skills are not required. Also, there is an underwater platform that you will be able to stand on during your program. Much of the program is spent on this platform and if you do not feel comfortable swimming in deeper water, you are absolutely welcome to do your entire program from this platform. We look forward to seeing you here!
Audrey asked :dolphin show Q:What time do you do this in the morning?
A:Hi Audrey, Here at Dolphin Connection we do interactive programs as opposed to shows. These programs consist of both in- and out-of-the-water opportunities with the animals. You are certainly welcome to watch these programs from our viewing deck or of course you may make a reservation to participate yourself. We offer the programs every day at 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm and 4pm. We also offer a Trainer for a Day program that begins at 9am and our first feed of the day is at 9:30am. Thanks for your interest!
Rosemary Thomas asked :Would you have to stay at your resort to participate in the activities you have available Q:basic question is are we able to do your activities available without staying at your resort. Just came across your website after we book other accomodations.
A:Hi Rosemary, Great question! No, you do not need to be a guest of Hawks Cay Resort in order to participate in a program with Dolphin Connection. Anyone is welcome to come and meet the dolphins here. You will, however, need to make a reservation in advance of your visit. You can click on the "Programs" tab above for more information about making your reservation. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you here.
Connie Walcott asked :dolphin experience Q:Do you need to be able to swim to be in the water with the dolphins?
A:Hi Connie, The lagoon that the dolphins are in is 18 feet deep. All participants in our programs wear life vests, so strong swimming skills are not required. Also, there is an underwater platform that you will be able to stand on during your program. Much of the program is spent on this platform and if you do not feel comfortable swimming in deeper water, you are absolutely welcome to do your entire program from this platform. We look forward to seeing you here!
Dolphin education and interaction programs in the Florida Keys. Swim with dolphins and learn about dolphin and marine conservation with the only on-property resort dolphin program in the continental U.S.
Phone: (888) 251-3674
