Anthony's Key Resort: A Dolphin Encounter

While researching things to do in Roatan, the largest of the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras, I stumbled upon an opportunity to get up close and personal with a dolphin. This has been something I have always wanted to do, and so I jumped at the chance! With reasonable prices and a stellar reputation, my ‘Dolphin Encounter' at Anthony's Key Resort was, in a word, magical!

Anthony's Key Resort

Anthony's Key Resort is located just outside of West End area of Roatan in a secluded area. The resort has its own restaurant and bar as well as a private key for those wanting to really get away and relax. Anthony's Key Resort also has its own scuba school and dive shop for visitors who are up for an adventure. The resort is most famous for its dolphin programs, which feature resident dolphins. The dolphins are well cared for and help with research that the Institute for Marine Science conducts on native species to the island of Roatan.

The Dolphin Encounter

The Dolphin Encounter begins at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) for check in. After filling out a brief waiver, take a look in the museum that they have on site. The museum details the history of Roatan and its native people, and features artifacts found around the island. It is quite fascinating and will give you more insight into how the island people once lived before being colonized. RIMS also has a classroom where they host educational programs and research aimed at preserving the natural resources that the island has to offer.

The resident dolphins stay a short 5 minute boat ride away from the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences in nearby Bailey's Key. Once you arrive there, a staff member will brief you on what to expect from the experience and rules to follow. Once everyone has stored their belongings and is ready, it is time to meet the dolphins!

A trainer will greet you and your group and teach you more about dolphins, such as their anatomy and behaviors. The trainers demonstrate different trained behaviors as well as sounds the dolphins can make, their speed, agility and strength. There are plenty of opportunities to touch these friendly animals and a professional photographer will take several pictures of you (and your friends/ family if you came in a group). One picture is holding the dolphin and one is a dolphin kiss, as well as a cheeky tongue out picture! The 30 minutes will fly by because you're having so much fun!

Professional Pictures

After the dolphin encounter, the boat will take you back to the resort. In the gift shop, you can look at the pictures of you and the dolphin. Pricing of picture packages depend on the number of people in your group. If you would like, you can also buy individual pictures for $15 each. I should note that you must purchase at least 2 pictures minimum. This means the lowest amount of money you can spend is $30 for two pictures. You are not at all obligated to buy any of the pictures taken by the professional photographer.

What to bring

If you are just participating in the dolphin encounter, all you really need is a bathing suit. You also might want to bring a camera or phone to take pictures! They facilities on Bailey's Key do include bathrooms and freshwater showers if you would like to change afterwards. Pictures on personal cameras are only allowed in the final ten minutes of the program. These pictures do not include the ones of participants and the dolphins together. You can get some cool photos of the dolphins doing incredible jumps, though!

Booking and Prices

Booking personal time with a dolphin at Anthony's Key Resort is simple and easy. On their website, visit their Dolphin Program page to choose which dolphin experience you would like. Below is a brief list of the programs available with prices:

Dolphin Encounter: A 30 minute interaction with one of the resident dolphins. A trainer will explain more about the animal's anatomy, characteristics and show you some aspects of their training. Afterwards, they will give you a chance to touch and get pictures with the dolphin, both by a professional and on your own personal camera, if you have one. ($89 per person/30 minutes total)
Dolphin Swim and Snorkel: This is an additional 30 minute experience after the Dolphin Encounter in which participants are allowed to swim with up to a dozen dolphins in Bailey's Key, giving you the chance to become part of the pod. ($129 per person/60 minutes total)
Dolphin Action Swim: This experience gives you the chance to swim with dolphins and ride along with them around the lagoon. Professional photos are taken. ($139 per person/45 minutes total)
Dolphin Dive: This interaction allows for divers to swim with dolphins in the open ocean with two or three dolphins. Certification is required and must be presented. ($149 per person/45 minutes total)
Dolphin Specialty Course: This two-day course combines hands-on learning as well as classroom time to provide an in-depth look at dolphins. Students will learn more about dolphin behaviors, anatomy, as well as threats to their environment. Classes are held between 4:30-6:00pm, leaving the beginning of the day free for sightseeing. ($229 per person/ 3 hours total)
Dolphin Trainer for a Day: This experience allows participants to spend a whole day with dolphins, learning about their training through interactive sessions. ($229 per person/ 8 hours)
Dolphin Scuba Summer Camp: Anthony's Key Resort provides week-long camps where participants can gain in-depth knowledge and experience with their resident dolphins (check website for specific dates and rates).