Dolphin Research Center - Marathon Key

[JohnnySharp2]

Hello

Just wondered if anyone had been to the Dolphin Research Center - Marathon Key, Florida with a child with 'special needs'. Just thought it may be a better/longer experience with dolphins than at Discovery Cove.

We went to Discovery Cove a couple of years ago but other than the swim with the dolphin (we waited until 1:30) there wasn't much to keep our DS with Autism happy.

Many thanks in advance

This is Julie not Johnny

[Talking Hands]

I have not been down to the dolphin research center myself but one of the SPED teachers from the elementary moved down there to work as a part of the staff. She does therapy with the kids and dolphins.

[HopperFan]

We have a friend who has a son who is disabled (as is ours) and she works in the "industry". She highly recommends the Research Center, spent a short time there, and really thought we should pursue taking our DS there. I have been with DS to Discovery Cove twice and neither time did we do the Dolphin, only watched. I decided it would not be worth it for us because of the short time with the dolphin. He loves to snorkel and that is therapy in itself.

Something closer (2 hours) if you will be in Orlando, although I have not spoken to anyone who has had experience with the program is at Marineland in St. Augustine. They have several regular dolphin encounters and you can contact them regarding their special needs program at marineland.net/special-needs.php.