Closer to Dolphins

Closer to Dolphins

a unique encounter

Boudewijn Seapark Bruges presents a unique, interactive dolphin encounter! During this program, you’ll join the caretakers at the border of the pool where the dolphins are. You’ll put on waders (special fishing trousers) and sit at the border of the pool with your feet in the water! The dolphins will then swim up to you. So you’ll be face to face with these fantastic animals! Meet them up close, touch their skin and feed them! Meanwhile, our caretakers will tell you all about these marine mammals, so you can learn more about the dolphins’ biology and behaviour. During this program, we’ll snap a picture of your encounter. We’ll print the photo and after the program you’ll get the photo along with a wonderful educational book.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION ON DATE HERE

Program

(Check available dates and starting times in our online store. Dates only available between January and March)

The program lasts about 60 minutes, depending on the number of participants. You will spend about 30 minutes around the dolphin pool, and some of that time will be spent sitting next to the water.
Please note! There are some conditions to participation in this programme!

IMPORTANT
If the participant does not meet the conditions, Boudewijn Seapark will refuse participation in the programme on the day itself, without refunding any money already paid. We ask all participants to be aware that the main contributors to this program are our dolphins. Taking care of our dolphins is always our caretakers’ highest priority. Therefore, it may sometimes happen that we have to cancel the programme due to unforeseen circumstances. We ask for your understanding if this happens. Arrangements will be made for a new date at extra charge, in consultation with each individual participant.

Read the full terms and conditions here

Only persons 8 years and older can participate.
Persons over 13 years old (from the day you are 13) can participate without supervision.
Children up to 12 years of age can only participate if accompanied by a participating and paying adult (max. 2 children per paying, participating adult). Children 13 and up must be able to present a valid identity card on request to verify their age.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied at the time of reservation by at least one parent, guardian or legally appointed representative, who gives his/her approval.
Participants must be able to swim.
The participant must not have a physical disability that affects walking independently, sitting (on the knees) or standing, nor any mental and/or autistic disability that affects their ability to follow instructions given by Boudewijn Seapark employees.
Participants must be in good physical condition and may not be pregnant or suffering from a cardiovascular disease.
Participants who suffer from specific allergies caused by salt water or who suffer from epilepsy cannot claim any medical or other costs caused by participation in the “In the water with dolphins” session.
All participants must understand and speak Dutch and/or French. The programme is only offered in these languages.
Taking photos and/or filming by the participant themselves (and any family members and friends present) is not allowed during the programme.
Damage or stains to the participant’s clothing may not be recouped from Boudewijn Seapark.
The participant’s shoe size must be between 34 and 47 and their clothing size must be smaller than/equal to a women’s size 48 and smaller than/equal to a men’s size 56.

Details and sequence of program

In our bio class we will begin with an educational presentation. Here, all participants are first given an explanation about the general rules of the programme, then about our family of dolphins, their biological background, characteristics and behaviour, and life in the wild. Afterwards, there will be an explanation about and with the dolphins about their care and training. The participants will listen to the explanation from the stage in the dolphinarium. Then comes the real encounter with our dolphins – on the border, with your feet in the water, where the caretaker will provide some extra explanation. Finally, we will return to the bio class to finish the programme and give you your photo.
During the contact with the dolphins, 4 photos will be taken. 1 of these is included in the price, the other 3 can be purchased on the day. The free photo is a standard photo (fixed pose) that you will not be able to choose yourself.
You will be able to join our caretaker in a dolphin training session.
Participants have physical contact with our dolphins, under surveillance of the caretaker. Please note that this is not swimming with dolphins.
Waders are available for all programme participants (available shoe sizes for waders: 34, 35, 36, 38/39, 40/41, 42/43, 44/45 and 46/47). Participants must bring their own socks.

Price

The “Closer to Dolphins” program costs €75 per person.

The price includes:

Participation in the “Closer to Dolphins” program
Access to the winter offer of the park on the day of the program. (dolphin presentation, indoor playground, ice rink)
A printed photo of your encounter with a dolphin.

The price does NOT include:

Access to the park or dolphinarium for participants’ family members or friends during the program. They must purchase a valid COMBIticket for program dates until March 9th, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at the Boudewijn Seapark entrance or online.
The park is closed from March 11 to April 4. When you buy a program ticket dated during this period, family members or friends cannot enter.