A visit to Marineland Dolphin Adventure is into a rich chapter of Florida history. Over the past 80 years, Marineland has appeared in the spotlight as the site of Hollywood films, made significant contributions to marine science and conservation, and delighted countless guests with the enchantment of dolphin encounters. Come experience Marineland for yourself as we continue to make history.
Interested in learning more about our history? Visit our Marineland History Museum in beautiful downtown St. Augustine, located at The Oldest House Complex. Marineland history exhibits are also available at the Flagler Beach Museum and the Flagler County Historical Society.
*Note: The exhibit at the Oldest House Complex is occasionally unavailable while other temporary exhibits use the space. Please call the Oldest House in advance to determine availability: (904) 824-2872
Marineland opens as Marine Studios, with over 30,000 guests on the first day, and quickly became known as the world’s first oceanarium. The facility was founded by Douglas Burden, C.V. Whitney and Ilia Tolstoy, who each were involved in the motion-picture industry. The facility was designed for Hollywood film-makers to shoot underwater footage for motion pictures and newsreels.
Presentations at Marine Studios evolve from simple dolphin feedings into complex animal behaviors and demonstrations.
1947: Spray, the first dolphin successfully born in human care, is born at Marineland.
Marine Studios becomes Marineland of Florida, one of the state’s leading public attractions, with as many as 500,000 guests per year.
1953: The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin Nellie is born at Marineland. Learn more about Nellie’s legacy.
2004: Natural depletion occurs, following the effects of salty air, hurricanes and time, causing Marineland to retire most of the original, older structures and exhibits. We began construction on a new, updated facility focused on education and intimate animal-human interactions.
2006: The facility reopens as Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center. The modern 1.3 million gallon facility was designed with the behavioral needs of the animals, logistical needs of trainers and viewing capabilities of guests and scientists.
2011: Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center is acquired by Georgia Aquarium and renamed Marineland Dolphin Adventure. However, we did not forget our roots.
Guests will see tributes to our Marine Studios heritage everywhere they look. With our past in mind, we have chosen our path for the future: interactions instead of passive viewing. Gone are the days when the emphasis was on performing animals. Now our guests join our animals in their habitats and make the physical and emotional connections that inevitably lead to a true understanding of why we need to protect these incredible animals and their marine environment. Now, 80 years later, we continue to grow as a leader in marine conservation, animal care and community education.
At a special ceremony on May 31, 2018 Marineland Dolphin Adventure reopened the historic arch entrance that has welcomed visitors for generations. The renovated archway represents Marineland’s 80-year history and exciting present as the place that’s Naturally More Fun. Every day, new visitors pass through the arch to discover the wonder of marine life and the importance of preserving Our World Ocean.
Marineland is the sight of many movies you have probably seen! All or some of the scenes in the following films were shot at Marineland.
9600 Oceanshore Blvd St. Augustine, FL 32080. USA
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