Would you like to shake “hands” or get a kiss from an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin? Now you can when you sign up for our new Deckside Dolphin Encounter!
For only $85.00 per person, you will have the opportunity of a lifetime to feed, play with and touch one of our dolphins at the Texas State Aquarium! You will even receive a commemorative t-shirt. Photos may be purchased separately. This hour-long encounter is available Friday through Monday, with up to 10 people per session. Children 8 and older are welcome to participate, but children under 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Reserve your Deckside Dolphin Encounter in advance with pre-payment—just call 361-881-1307 or email reserve@txstateaq.org. Weekend reservations must be made before 3 p.m. on Friday. After 3 p.m. please contact the Admissions Desk at 361.881.1200 for reservations. (You may get splashed, but this is not a swim encounter.)
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.
You will:
- 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.
- Make memories that last a lifetime.
- At least 13 years of age.
- Be in good physical shape.
- be able to lift 10 pounds.
- Be able to kneel and stoop for extended periods of time.
- Be able to traverse narrow rockwork ledges.
- Know how to swim. (This is not a swim program, but you will be around large pools of water.)
- Wear closed-toe shoe with a good, non-slippery sole
- Wear pants or shorts. (It is suggested that you wear something you do not mind getting wet and dirty.)
This program is available on Thursdays from 7:45 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The cost of this once-in-a-lifetime
experience is $250.00.
To be a trainer, call 361.881.1307 or email reserve@txstateaq.org
Behind the Scenes tour
Experience an incredible insider's view of the aquarium. Discover our animals and plants 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. Ages 6 and up. $7.50 per person.
Behind-the-Scenes tours are offered on a limited basis. Please ask at the Admissions Desk for program availability. For group reservations, please call 361.881.1307 or email reserve@txstateaq.org