B Hotels & Resorts

Meet the Neighbors: Dolphin Research Center

When you visit Banana Bay Resort & Marina for a vacation in The Florida Keys, you’ll not only love our inviting guestrooms, tranquil views, exciting watersports and free breakfasts, we think you’re going to love the neighbors, too!

You see, Banana Bay Resort & Marina is in Marathon, which is conveniently located right in the middle of The Florida Keys. That means you’ll enjoy easy access to a variety of sun-drenched adventures and experiences.  

Imagine waking up just minutes away from a host of memorable, one-of-a-kind destinations – including Bahia Honda State Park and the Old Seven Mile Bridge! Also located in our neighborhood  is the Dolphin Research Center, where you can learn about – and interact with – these amazing animals. 

The Dolphin Research Center

If swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, make sure to include a visit to the Dolphin Research Center when you plan your getaway to the Florida Keys. If you don’t feel the need to get in the water, but have always been fascinated by dolphins, you can enjoy learning more about these beautiful creatures and watching them up close at DRC.

 

DID YOU KNOW? According to the experts at DRC, All bottlenose dolphins develop their own high-pitched signature whistle, which appears to serve as a means of individual identification, much like a name.

DRC is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote peaceful coexistence, cooperation and communication between marine mammals, humans and the environment we share through education, research and rescue. The well-being of the dolphins, sea lions, exotic birds and other animals that call the facility home is always the prime consideration at DRC.

During your visit, you can get to know some of the “dolphinalities” at DRC as they go about their day. Every 30 minutes or so, a different group of dolphins or sea lions is the focus of a narrated behavior session that includes plenty of activity. 

 

INSIDER TIP: It’s obvious that the staff and volunteers all care deeply about the animals in their care – and they’re happy to answer questions and share their knowledge with other people who share their love of dolphins, so bring your questions and feel free to ask away.  

As you while away the time, enjoying the fresh breezes off the Gulf, you may learn lots of fun facts about dolphins, observe researchers at work on various cognition and behavior studies and see the dolphins engage in playtime. There’s also an air-conditioned theater where you can see educational presentations. It’s all included in the cost of your general admission ticket – as is access to the Sprayground!

 

INSIDER TIP: You can save $3 on each individual ticket when you purchase your general admission tickets online. 

 

 

For an additional fee, the Dolphin Research Center also offers an array of exciting interactive programs – including swimming with the dolphins. You’ll want to make reservations ahead of time for these programs, which include: 

 

  • Dolphin Encounter
  • Family Dolphin Splash
  • Ultimate Trainer for a Day
  • VIP Experience 
  • Researcher Experience
  • Play with the Dolphin
  • Meet the Dolphin
  • Paint with a Dolphin

And if you can’t get away for a relaxing Florida vacation in The Keys, you can still connect with a dolphin at DRC. They do Zoom calls!

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Whether you want to unwind and drink in our famous sunsets, enjoy a watersports adventure, or explore the natural world – on land or in the water – you’ll find something within easy distance of the charming accommodations at Banana Bay Resort & Marina. (Of course, with our sparkling pool nestled on 10 tranquil acres along the Gulf Coast in The Florida Keys and our onsite marina, you may not want to stray too far.) 

If you would like more information about things to do in The Florida Keys in and around our intimate 59-room resort, feel free to call us at 305-743-3500.