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Zwemmen met Dolfijnen

Dolphin Academy · Curaçao

Swim with Dolphins on Curaçao

In the natural lagoons of Dolphin Academy Curaçao, at the Sea Aquarium. Five different programs from gentle encounter to open water dive, suitable for all ages.

30 min with dolphins Sea Aquarium, Willemstad Daily 08:30, 11:00, 14:00 From age 8 (Encounter from any age)

In the natural lagoons of the Sea Aquarium

At Dolphin Academy Curaçao you can swim, snorkel or dive with trained dolphins. The dolphins live in natural seawater lagoons next to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, directly connected to the Caribbean Sea. Ocean water flows freely through their habitat, giving the dolphins more space and a more natural environment than a traditional dolphinarium.

There are five programs, from a short encounter for young children to a complete open water dive. Every experience lasts about 1.5 hours total, including around 30 minutes actually with the dolphins. Dolphin Academy is a 10 minute drive from our villa at the Spanish Water.

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Natural seawater lagoons

Not a small pool, but large open lagoons connected to the Caribbean Sea.

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For all ages

Dolphin Encounter is suitable from any age, other programs from age 8.

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Personal and intimate

Small groups ensure everyone gets time with the dolphins.

Prices and programs at Dolphin Academy

Five different experiences, each with its own price and duration. The prices below are indicative. For current rates and bookings, check the official Dolphin Academy site or a provider like curacaoactivities.com.

Any age

Dolphin Encounter

From a platform in shallow water you meet a dolphin. Touch, learn and ask everything. No swimming required, ideal for young children and grandparents.

Price
± USD 99
Duration
~1 hour
Age
No minimum age
For snorkelers

Dolphin Snorkel

Snorkel with mask and fins among the dolphins in their natural lagoon. A bit more active than Dolphin Swim, with more underwater moments.

Price
± USD 169
Duration
~1.5 hours
Age
From age 8
No dive certificate needed

Dolphin Dive

Dive with scuba gear to the bottom of the lagoon. No certification required, you receive a short briefing beforehand. Meet and study dolphins at depth.

Price
± USD 249
Duration
~2 hours
Age
From age 10
For certified divers

Open Water Dolphin Dive

For PADI certified divers. Dive in open sea along the coral reef and share time with dolphins on the bottom. One of the rarest experiences in the world.

Price
± USD 299
Duration
~3 hours
Age
PADI Open Water or higher
Good to know: every program includes free entry to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium. Photos and videos are taken during your session by the photoshop team, and are available for separate purchase (not included in the price). Personal cameras and phones are not allowed in the water.

Dolphin Academy practical info

Useful things to know before booking a program.

📍 Location
Curaçao Sea Aquarium, Bapor Kibra
Next to Mambo Beach, 10 min from the Spanish Water
🕐 Times
Daily at 08:30, 11:00 and 14:00
Arrive 30 min before your program
⏱️ Total duration
1.5 to 3 hours (depends on program)
Includes briefing, changing and interaction
🐬 Time with dolphins
About 30 minutes
The rest is briefing, prep and time after
🎟️ Included
Sea Aquarium entry during your visit
Family or friends outside the program pay Aquarium ticket
📷 Photos and video
Taken by in-house photoshop team
Available for separate purchase, no personal cameras in water
🦓 Fins
Provided by Dolphin Academy
Mandatory for swim and snorkel programs
🚫 Not for
Pregnant women
Some medical conditions, ask in advance if unsure
Important: reserve at least a few days in advance, especially in high season (December to April). Programs fill up quickly then.

How a Dolphin Swim works

From arrival to the final photo, the most popular program step by step.

1

Arrival and check-in

Arrive 30 minutes before your booked time. You receive a wristband, a locker and are guided to the changing room.

2

Briefing and meet

A trainer explains how to interact with dolphins, which signals you can give and what the rules are. You meet your group, usually 4 to 8 people.

3

30 minutes in the lagoon

In the water you get personal interaction with the dolphins. Touch, dance, jump, hug and swim together. The trainer stays with the group the entire time.

4

Photos and Sea Aquarium

After the program you can view photos (and optionally buy them) and then visit the Curaçao Sea Aquarium for free. Make it a full day.

Stay

A 10 minute drive from 3 Palabrua

Our villa 3 Palabrua sits right on the Spanish Water in Jan Sofat. Dolphin Academy is one of the closest activities, just a 10 minute drive away. Combine a morning program with lunch at Mambo Beach and an afternoon by the pool at the villa.

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Frequently asked questions about swimming with dolphins

The most common questions about Dolphin Academy Curaçao.

How much does swimming with dolphins on Curaçao cost?
The price depends on the program. A Dolphin Encounter (from a platform) starts around USD 99, the popular Dolphin Swim is about USD 189, and the Open Water Dolphin Dive for certified divers is around USD 299. Every program includes free Sea Aquarium entry. Prices are indicative, check the Dolphin Academy site for current rates.
Where do you swim with the dolphins?
At Dolphin Academy Curaçao, located on the grounds of the Curaçao Sea Aquarium in Willemstad. The dolphins live in natural seawater lagoons directly connected to the Caribbean Sea, not in an enclosed pool.
What is the minimum age for children?
For Dolphin Encounter (from a platform in shallow water) there is no minimum age. For Dolphin Swim and Snorkel the minimum is age 8 and 1.30 m (4 ft) tall. For Dolphin Dive the minimum age is 10.
How long does a program take?
The total program lasts 1.5 to 3 hours depending on what you book. Actual time with the dolphins is about 30 minutes. The rest is briefing, preparation, changing and viewing photos afterwards.
What is included in the price?
Every program includes: interaction with the dolphins, professional guidance from a trainer, use of a locker and fins where needed, and free Sea Aquarium entry during your visit. Photos and video are not included, those are available for separate purchase.
Do I need to know how to swim?
For Dolphin Swim, Snorkel and Dive, yes, you need to be able to swim well with fins. For Dolphin Encounter (from a platform in shallow water) swimming is not required. If you are unsure about your swimming, Encounter is a safe choice.
Can I take my own photos?
No, personal cameras, phones or GoPros are not allowed in the water. The Dolphin Academy photoshop team takes professional photos and video during your program, which you can purchase separately. Family and friends are welcome to take photos from the spectator areas.
How far is Dolphin Academy from the villa?
From our villa at the Spanish Water it is about a 10 minute drive to Dolphin Academy. It is next to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, in the same area as Mambo Beach. Parking is available at the Sea Aquarium lot.
Who cannot participate?
Pregnant women cannot join the swim programs. For medical conditions like heart issues, respiratory problems or recent injuries, ask Dolphin Academy or your doctor in advance. The Dolphin Encounter is suitable for most people regardless.

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