If you’re in the Florida Keys make sure to stop at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. It’s a great day activity if you need a break from the beach. The marine mammal park offers dolphin, sea lion, alligator and parrot shows, a bottomless boat ride, as well as a fish and reptile tour. You can also swim with dolphins, sea lions, and if you dare…sharks!
Getting There
Theater of the Sea, established in 1946, is located on Windley Key in the Florida Keys. Just halfway from Miami to Key West, FL. It’s a short 20 min drive from where we stay in Key Largo. We arrived as soon as it opened at 9:30, and recommend! Earlier the better, it’s not as busy or as hot.
Directions: 84721 Overseas Hwy – Islamorada – FL 33036
Animal Shows
It’s an easy flow from show to show! Visitors can join in at any point as the shows repeat every 2 hours. Theater of the Sea shows are all educational and informative, some are funny too!
- 9:30 Sea Turtle Talk
- 9:40 Crocodilian Training
- 9:50 Fish, Shark & Ray Feeding
- 10:00 Parrot Show
- 10:30 Dolphin Show
- 11: 00 Sea Lion Show
- 11:30 Bottomless Boat Ride with Dolphins
Shows continue again starting at 11:45. See all scheduled showtimes.
Dolphin Show
The dolphin show was the highlight lasting 30 minutes. The seats are close to the action and you can easily get wet if in the first few rows. Dolphin trainers jump, flip, and ride with the dolphins. The show had upbeat and relevant music which was a plus. You can tell the trainers care so much about the animals.
Have you ever seen a parrot complete a puzzle? This was one of the tricks from the Theater of the Sea’s colorful parrots. Lastly the cockatoo definitely stole the show with it’s “dancing”.
During the alligator show you’ll see a feeding and might see a gator gets their teeth brushed.
Many animals at Theater of the Sea have been rescued, rehabilitated, and deemed non-releasable by state or federal government agencies for a variety of reasons.
The bottomless boat ride in the lagoon is very short but dolphins will actually jump around the boat. Be careful sitting down, if it’s sunny out you can easily burn your bum on the metal seat!
The grounds are lush and filled with tropical plants and succulents.
Up Close Animal Interactions
Can you swim with the dolphins at Theater of the Sea? Yes! Theater of the Seas offers up 3 unique animal encounters where you can get up and close with the animals. Prices start at $99 and include General Admission.
- Swim with Dolphins: Meet the dolphin, paint with the dolphin, and swim with the dolphin (4 options – prices range $99-$225)
- Sea Lions: Meet the Sea Lion, Paint with the Sea Lion, and Swim with the Sea Lion (prices range $99-$165)
- Swim with Sharks ($165)
Theater of the Seas Map
How long does it take to go through Theater of the Sea?
Plan to spend 2-3 hours in the park. There’s 7 shows and events with general admission that last 2 hours.
How much does Theater of the Sea cost?
Ages 11+: $44.95
Ages 3 – 10: $29.95
Does Theater of the Sea offer discounts?
Yes, discounts are available! Active duty military receive 50% off (spouse, children or parents receive 15% off), and retired/inactive duty military and spouse also receive 15% off. If your over 65 years old or are Monroe County Residents you can get 10% off as well as groups of 10 or more receive 20% off. Check their website for the latest ticket prices and discounts.
How much does it cost to swim with dolphins in Florida Keys?
Prices range from $99-$225. Choose from 6 different dolphin encounters at Theater of the Seas including meet the dolphin, paint with the dolphin, and swim with the dolphins.
Is there food at Theater of the Sea?
Yes, Papa’s Grill opens at 10am and offers burgers, pizza, seafood, sugary cold treats and snacks. Closes at 4pm.
Have you been to the Theater of the Sea in Islamorada, FL? Comment below and let us know! Subscribe for more fun ideas and things to do with kids.
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