Dolphin Research Center
Grassy Key
Welcome to the Dolphin Research Center, or DRC for short.
The DRC has a total of over 30 years of history in this community, featuring over 90,000 square feet of gorgeous and unique saltwater lagoons set into the shorelines. This entire dolphinarium is considered to be one of the top research and care centers of its kind, being a top attraction in southern Florida for many students, researchers, and marine life enthusiasts alike. The mission of this center is upheld successfully daily, it being to ‘educate, research, and recover… promote peaceful coexistence, cooperation, and communication between marine life, humans, and the environment.’.
While visiting the Dolphin Research Center you will have several learning options that are really fun and interactive, including observing and interacting with resident animals such as AJ and Cayo, dolphins, or Karen and Kilo, California Sea Lions. There are also several other animals here, such as cats, exotic birds, and iguanas. After you’ve walked around and spotted all the different animals (be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes) you and your group can explore all the different tour/experience options, such as Trainer for the Day, Full Researcher Experience, Paint with Dolphins, or several others depending on the day, time, and season. Be sure to stop by the gift/education shops on your way out, as well.
