Interactive Experiences

Deckside Dolphin Encounter

Would you like to shake “hands” or get a kiss from an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin? Now you can when you sign up for our Deckside Dolphin Encounter! You can have the opportunity of a lifetime when you feed, play with and touch one of our dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium! You will even get into the water with your dolphin. (In-water portion is not a swim encounter).

Reserve your Deckside Dolphin Encounter in advance with pre-payment—just call 361.881.1307 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for availability. 

For more information, please view Adult Waiver and Child Waiver.

Children 8 and older are welcome to participate, but children under 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Each participant must be 42 inches tall.
$99.00 per person includes admission. $89.00 for Aquarium Members. ($25 per person reschedule fee) 8 people maximum.
Participants must bring their own water shoes or Aquasocks, or can purchase water shoes in the Aquarium Gift Shop.
Please arrive for your encounter by 12:15 p.m. to complete paperwork. Encounter begins promptly at 1:15 p.m. Late arrivals will be unable to participate. 


Cancellation Policy: The Texas State Aquarium reserves the right to cancel the program, or any portion of the program, for any reason at any time. Participants who fail to comply with program guidelines will forfeit their fee. Should the Aquarium cancel this program due to weather or animal-related issues, you will receive a 100% refund or have the option to reschedule at no charge. Guest cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance to receive a 50% refund. Those who do not cancel within 48 hours will not be refunded. All refunds will be processed through the Sales Department.

Trainer for a Day

You can be a Dolphin Trainer for a Day!
Get up close and personal with a dolphin as you work side-by-side with one of our trainers. Prepare for and participate in a dolphin presentation. Discover what our dolphins eat, assist in preparing their food, and help feed them. Learn the methods we use to train our dolphins, and put your new skills into practice. Receive your very own "Trainer for a Day" certificate.
Click here for details.
(Available on Thursdays from 7:45am to 12:00 noon) - $250.00

Behind the Scenes

Experience an incredible insider's view of the Aquarium. Discover our animals and plans in front of the galleries, then follow our guide and rediscover life behind the scenes. You'll see where we care for animals, how we prepare food, and where we keep newcomers before they can be seen by the public. Plus, you'll see how pumps, pipes, and filters work together to keep the animals and plants healthy.

Behind the Scenes tours are offered on a limited basis. Please as at the Admissions Desk for program availability. For group reservations, please call 361-881-1307 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Cost: Admission + $6.00 per person.

Minimum of 5 people per group. Must be at least 6 years old.