Of all the adventures we’ve had in the Florida Keys, one experience from our very first trip to the islands still stands out above the rest. Our visit to Dolphins Plus Bayside in Key Largo wasn’t just another stop along the Overseas Highway—it was the day we met Squirt and experienced one of the most unforgettable Florida Keys dolphin encounters we’ve ever had.
Our Dolphins Plus Bayside dolphin encounter in Key Largo gave us the chance to get into the water, interact with a dolphin, and experience these incredible animals up close. From belly rubs and kisses to being pulled through the lagoon by a dolphin’s dorsal fin, our 30 minutes with Squirt went by far too quickly.
If you’re looking for a unique Florida Keys dolphin encounter, this is one experience we’ll never forget.
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Why We Chose Dolphins Plus Bayside
When we planned our trip to Key Largo, we knew we wanted to do more than simply see the sights. We wanted an experience we’d still be talking about years later.
That’s what led us to Dolphins Plus Bayside.
Located along the Overseas Highway in Key Largo, Dolphins Plus Bayside offered the type of interactive marine experience we were looking for. Rather than simply watching dolphins from a distance, we would have the opportunity to learn about them and interact with them in the water.
For us, that made the experience feel much more personal.
We had read reviews from other visitors who appreciated the facility’s more intimate atmosphere and the opportunity to watch the dolphins interact naturally. That sounded exactly like what we wanted.
And as it turned out, we made the right choice.
The Structured Dolphin Program Was Worth Every Penny
Yes, the Structured Dolphin Program wasn’t inexpensive. But looking back, we’d do it again in a heartbeat. Today this swim is referred to as the Signature Swim.
Our experience took place in February, when the water temperature was around 72°F. That’s a little chilly for most of us, so the staff outfitted us with wetsuits before we entered the lagoon.
Before getting into the water, we received an orientation covering safety and how to interact with the dolphins. We appreciated the emphasis on following the trainers’ instructions and respecting the animals throughout the experience.
Then came the moment we’d been waiting for.
It was time to meet our dolphin.
Meeting Squirt
We were divided into groups of four and walked out onto the platform.
That’s where we met Squirt.
Our dolphin.
We spent approximately 30 minutes in the lagoon with him, and honestly, it seemed like only a few minutes.
One of the first things we discovered was that Squirt loved belly rubs. He would roll over and position himself so we could scratch his belly, almost as if he were showing us exactly where he wanted attention.
Then things got even more exciting.
At one point, two dolphins swam up behind us and nudged us along by our feet. They pushed us through the water so quickly that we honestly thought we were going to crash right into the dock.
We didn’t.
Instead, we were laughing like kids.
The Dorsal Tow
Then came one of the most memorable parts of the experience—the dorsal tow.
You hold onto the dolphin’s fin and allow it to pull you through the water.
There’s really no good way to describe the feeling.
One second you’re standing in a lagoon with a dolphin swimming beside you. The next, you’re being pulled through the water by one of the most amazing animals we’ve ever encountered.
Pure joy.
It’s one of those travel memories that stays with you long after the vacation is over.
Photos Helped Us Remember the Experience
During our Dolphins Plus Bayside experience, a professional photographer captured photos from the shoreline.
That’s a huge plus because when you’re in the water having the time of your life, you’re obviously not taking pictures yourself.
You can purchase the photographs afterward, giving you a chance to bring home some of the memories from your dolphin encounter.
And believe me, you’ll probably want them.
The Facility
Another thing that stood out to us was how clean and well-maintained the facility was.
Everything felt organized, and the staff clearly knew how to manage the experience while keeping the focus on both the visitors and the dolphins.
Most importantly, we came away with an even greater appreciation for how intelligent and fascinating these animals are.
By the end of our visit, we were joking that maybe humans aren’t the smartest animals on the planet after all.
Squirt and his pod certainly made a strong case for themselves.
Why Add a Dolphin Encounter to Your Florida Keys Trip?
The Florida Keys are already packed with incredible experiences. You can snorkel coral reefs, explore state parks, drive the Overseas Highway, go fishing, kayak through mangroves, or simply enjoy the turquoise water.
But getting into the water with a dolphin?
That’s something completely different.
A Key Largo dolphin encounter makes a memorable addition to a Florida Keys itinerary, especially if you’re looking for an experience beyond the typical sightseeing stops.
For us, it wasn’t just something we checked off our list.
It became one of our favorite memories from the entire trip.
Tips for Visiting Dolphins Plus Bayside
If you’re considering a dolphin encounter in Key Largo, here are a few things we recommend:
- Book ahead: Interactive dolphin experiences can fill up, so don’t wait until the last minute if this is something you really want to do. Check the official website for pricing.
- Bring a towel and sunscreen: Even though you’ll be spending time in the water, you’ll still be exposed to the Florida sunshine before and after your experience.
- Listen to the trainers: The staff will explain how to interact with the dolphins and what they expect from participants. Following their instructions helps make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
- Expect the time to go quickly: Our 30 minutes with Squirt absolutely flew by.
- Consider purchasing the photos: If you want photographs of the actual experience, having a professional photographer there is a great option.
Our Final Thoughts
Our visit to Dolphins Plus Bayside was the highlight of our first trip to the Florida Keys.
It was educational, exciting, and completely different from anything we’d experienced before. But most of all, it gave us a memory we’ll never forget.
We went to Key Largo hoping for a great Florida Keys adventure.
We left with a story about Squirt.
And that’s exactly what we love about traveling.
The places are wonderful, but it’s the unexpected experiences—and the memories you bring home—that stay with you.
If you’re planning a trip to Key Largo and looking for a memorable Florida Keys dolphin encounter, consider adding Dolphins Plus Bayside to your itinerary.
And if you see Squirt while you’re there, tell him we said hello.
We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever visited Dolphins Plus Bayside? Are you planning a Florida Keys dolphin encounter and have questions? Drop your thoughts, stories, or questions in the comments below. We read every single one and will do our best to help you plan your own unforgettable adventure
