Things to Do Nearby
Here are some of our favorite places near Dolphin Cove: the dolphin center next door, plus restaurants, water sports and nature preserves around Marathon.
Dolphin Research Center
The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is right next door. It’s a nonprofit sanctuary for a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, many of them born at the center or rescued and unable to return to the wild.
You can watch narrated training sessions and presentations, or book a program such as the Dolphin Encounter swim, Family Dolphin Splash or Ultimate Trainer for a Day.
There’s also a Sprayground for kids, the Veterans Garden, and Anchors Café for snacks and drinks.
The Lagoon
The Lagoon on Grassy Key is a short drive away. Keys Cable Park has wakeboarding, kiteboarding and foilboarding on two-point cable systems, with options for beginners and experienced riders.
The Rhum Runner Aqua Park is a large floating obstacle course with trampolines, climbing walls and slides.
Bongo’s Botanical Beer Garden is set among tropical fruit trees and herb gardens, with more than 20 craft beers on tap, cocktails and light food made with local ingredients. There are hammock chairs, and live music on weekends.
The Lagoon Saloon is a surf shop with clothing, accessories and local art, good for souvenirs.
Don't forget the key lime pie!S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill
The S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill is a short walk away, on the other side of the Dolphin Research Center. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly, veteran-owned restaurant serving fresh seafood, burgers and appetizers like gator bites and conch fritters. There are 20 big-screen TVs for watching the game, and happy hour runs daily from 3–5 PM with drink and food specials.
Z Flight Parasail & Watersports
Z Flight Parasail & Watersports is about a 10-minute drive into Marathon. It’s the longest-running parasail company in Marathon, run by a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed Master Captain with more than 30 years of experience and a 100% safety record. Flights are solo, tandem or triple and last 10–12 minutes, with views of the water, sandbars and coastline. Kids as young as 5 can fly.
Big Kahuna Watersports
Big Kahuna Watersports is 0.2 miles away at Gulfview Waterfront Resort.
John, a military veteran and guide, plans each jet ski tour around what you want to do. You can ride through mangrove trails, stop at sandbars or cruise at sunset. Along the way you might see dolphins, starfish, sea urchins and other sea life. Tours can be slow and scenic, or fast with some wave jumping.
Discount rates for military/first responders
Call for Booking (305) 304-4993
Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital is a short drive away. The nonprofit rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured sea turtles. On a guided tour you’ll learn about their work and meet some of the current patients.
Crane Point Hammock
Crane Point is a 63-acre nature and heritage preserve a few minutes away. Start with a short orientation film, then walk the trails through tropical hammocks, mangroves and coastal lagoons.
You can visit the historic Adderley House, see the natural history museum’s exhibits (including shipwreck artifacts and local wildlife), or put your feet in the tidal pool for a “fish pedicure.”
There are also volunteer-led tours by golf cart, birdwatching, and paddling and snorkeling around the mangrove islands.
Aquarium Encounters
At Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters in Marathon you can visit touch tanks, feed stingrays and sharks, or snorkel and dive in the 200,000-gallon Coral Reef Tank with tropical reef fish. There are also exhibits and guided encounters.