Swim with Dolphins

The Dolphin Academy at the Curaçao Sea Aquarium runs some of the most hands-on dolphin programmes in the Caribbean. Its bottlenose dolphins live in large lagoons fed by natural seawater, and trained staff guide every session, so you can pick how close you want to get, from a gentle introduction to a full swim or a dive.

The shallow-water encounter has you standing waist-deep to touch and interact with a dolphin, which suits families and younger guests. The open-water swim moves into deeper lagoon water for dorsal-fin rides and the dolphins' signature leaps and behaviours. Certified divers can join an Open Water Dolphin Dive at sea along a coral reef. The lagoon-based Dolphin Scuba Encounter is also available without dive certification.

Good to know before you go

• Programmes have minimum ages and swimming requirements, so check the option that fits your group.
• Sessions sell out, especially on cruise-ship days; book ahead.
• Your ticket often includes access to the wider Dolphin Academy and Sea Aquarium displays.

The park sits at Bapor Kibra near Jan Thiel, so it slots neatly into a beach day on the southeast coast. Professional photos are usually available, since you cannot easily shoot your own while in the water with the dolphins.