Theater of the Sea is a marine mammal sanctuary in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. It’s a great place to have a good time and learn something new. Theater of the Sea, the world’s second-oldest marine mammal park, offers shows, interactive programs, tours, and other activities that are sure to delight visitors of any age.
Theater of the Sea was founded by Philip McKenney in 1946. McKenney was a Navy diver and bought an abandoned quarry used for the Overseas Bridge.
As Highway. The quarry was transformed into a saltwater lagoon, where he began to display marine animals, including dolphins and sea lions.
He also started exhibiting sharks and turtles. Theater of the Sea has expanded over the years and developed programs and facilities. It is now one of the leading pioneers of animal conservation and interaction.
Theater of the Sea, which opened in 1997, is now home to many animals including bottlenose dolphins from the Atlantic, Californian sea lions, and sea turtles.
There are also fish, sharks stingrays alligators as well as birds. The visitors can enjoy up-close and personal shows with dolphins and sea lions.
They also have the opportunity to take a boat tour, visit a beach on a lagoon, or go on a fish and snake tour. These shows, which are both entertaining and educational, showcase the animal’s natural abilities and behaviors.
Theater of the Sea is unique because of its animal interaction programs. You can swim in the sea with sharks, dolphins, and rays.
The programs aim to provide a meaningful and memorable experience both for the guests and animals and also educate them on the importance of wildlife and environmental protection.
These programs come in a variety of ages, and prices and include admission to the show and park.
The Swim With the Dolphin Program is one of the most well-known programs. It includes not only trained behaviors such as dorsal tucks, kisses, and hugs but also swimming with dolphins and snorkeling.
This 30-minute program is for those who are comfortable swimming in deep waters without life jackets and using fins. The Express Dolphin Swim program is a short version that includes kisses and pets as well as dorsal or foot tows.
The Swim with the Sea Lion Program is another program sure to please visitors. This program involves standing 3-4 feet underwater while interacting with playful, intelligent sea lions.
This 20-minute program includes pet, cradle, and kiss behaviors. The guests can learn hand signals as well as watch some incredible tricks performed by the sea lions.
The Swim with the Rays Program is for those more adventurous. It offers the chance to snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays in an all-natural saltwater lagoon.
This program is 30 minutes long and suitable for everyone who knows how to swim and use a snorkel and mask. The guests can feed the sharks, rays, and other marine life and also learn more about their behavior and biology.
Swim with the Sharks is another exciting option for anyone who wants to be up close with these amazing creatures. This 15-minute program involves swimming with lemon sharks and nurse sharks.
You can observe sharks through an underwater window, and also learn more about their biology and anatomy.
You can also enjoy animal interactions at Theater of the Sea if you’d rather stay out of the water.
For example, the Wade with the Dolphin Program, where you stand in knee-deep waters and meet a dolphin. This 20-minute program includes vocals and behaviors like kisses and handshakes. The guests can choose Meet and Paint with a Dolphin, or Sea Lion.
This involves the guest holding a canvas as the animal uses a brush to paint on it.
The Meet the Sea Turtle Program is another option for guests who want to learn more about this endangered animal. Guests can feed it, or touch it. This 15-minute program includes an opportunity to take a picture with a turtle. Guests can adopt a turtle to support Theater of the Sea’s rescue and rehab efforts.
Reservations are strongly recommended for Animal Interaction Programs. Theater of the Sea operates daily between 9:30 and 5:00.
There are also discounts on resident and annual passes as well as for private animal interaction for special events or groups. More information can be found on the park’s website, or you can call at (305)664-2431.
Theater of the Sea offers more than a simple marine park. It is an environment where visitors can enjoy nature and interact with animals. Theater of the Sea offers a unique experience, whether you choose to take part in a tour or watch a performance.
How long does it take to go through Theater of the Sea?
You might wonder how long you will need to spend at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. It depends what you are looking to do and see at the park. Here are some guidelines that will help you to plan.
Theater of the Sea includes a wide range of interactive shows, tours, and other programs in the price of general admission. Each show lasts about 20 minutes and features dolphins and sea lions. Tours include a tour of fish, reptiles, and bottomless boats, as well as a beach on the lagoon.
Each tour lasts about 15 minutes, with the exception of the 30-minute bottomless boat trip. You can swim and interact with sharks and rays or sea lions. Interactive programs can last from 15 minutes to 30 depending on what you choose.
Theater of the Sea requires at least three hours for you to view all the tours and shows. You will also need an additional hour for every interactive program if you want to take part in them. Spend some time in the lush tropical gardens of the park and see the animals as they are.
How long is the bottomless boat ride at Theater of the Sea?
Theater of the Sea has a number of attractions, including a bottomless water boat ride. This is an exciting way to discover the natural saltwater laguna of the park. Bottomless Boat Ride is a glass bottom boat that allows visitors to view the marine world below. This includes fish, sharks, and stingrays.
A 30-minute bottomless boat trip is included with the ticket for general admission. It can hold up to 49 people and departs at least every hour between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
A knowledgeable guide will narrate the boat trip, pointing out different animals and plants living in the lagoon. The history of Theater of the Sea, its ecology, and the animals will be explained.
Bottomless boat rides are a great educational and fun experience for all visitors. This is an excellent way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Theater of the Sea and see it from a new perspective. You will also be able to take pictures and videos during your ride.
Theater of the Sea in the Florida Keys is a great attraction for animal and nature lovers. The theater offers educational and entertaining shows, interactive programs, and tours. Swim with sharks and rays or dolphins.
You can also paint and meet them. Also, you can learn more about birds, sea turtles, and fish. Theater of the Sea, a family-owned and operated park cares for its animals and the surrounding environment.
This is the place to have fun and create memories for a lifetime.
