DOLPHIN QUEST OPENED IN 1988 AND CONTINUES TO MAKE A GLOBAL IMPACT ON MARINE LIFE
Dolphin Quest is a renowned organization dedicated to creating meaningful connections between people and dolphins through interactive, educational experiences. We operate marine habitats focused on fostering understanding, conservation, and appreciation for marine life, offering visitors unforgettable encounters that emphasize responsible interaction and support for ocean and marine life conservation efforts.
DOLPHIN QUEST MILESTONES
These milestones serve as crucial markers in the journey of our organization, signifying pivotal moments that propel the company forward, enabling growth, innovation, and evolution towards a better, more refined, and more effective force to achieve our mission.
2020s
2024
New Dolphin Quest Website
Dolphin Quest updates the entire website to better represent our mission, animal welfare, education, conservation, scientific studies, and culture.
2023
New Dolphin Quest Logo and Colors
Our Dolphin Quest logo gets an updated layout and new colors to better represent our ocean and nature.
2022
Dolphin Quest donates $250,000 to Fund Research
Dolphin Quest donates $250,000 to help launch Operation GRACE (Global Rescue of At-Risk Cetaceans and Ecosystems) with the National Marine Mammal foundation (NMMF).
2022
Dolphin Quest donates $222,000 to Fund Research
Dolphin Quest launches the Conservation of Threatened or Endangered Small Cetaceans Fund to support at-risk species and awards $222,000 to seven projects in seven countries.
2020
COVID-19
COVID-19 hits the world and Dolphin Quest sites restructure operations while maintaining top notch care for our animals, guests, and Crew.
2010s
2016
Dolphin Quest becomes Humane Certified™
All three Dolphin Quest locations in Oahu, Bermuda, and the Big Island of Hawaii become Humane Certified™ through the American Humane organization.
2016
Dolphin Habitat Expanded at Dolphin Quest Bermuda
Dolphin Quest Bermuda dolphin habitat expands to include the Ocean Habitat sanctuary.
2014
Animal Trainer Development Programs Certified
All three Dolphin Quest locations have their Animal Trainer Development Programs certified by IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association).
2012
Dolphin Quest Hawaii Birth Video Goes Viral
Video posted to YouTube of a dolphin giving birth at Dolphin Quest Hawaii goes viral and currently has over 24,000,000 views. Click link to see video: Incredible Dolphin Birth at Dolphin Quest Hawaii.
2011
People’s Choice Award from IMATA
Receive the People’s Choice Award at IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association) for organizing the conference in Miami, FL.
2000s
2009
Moorea Dolphin Center Opens
Dolphin Quest French Polynesia transfers ownership to Moorea Dolphin Center at the Intercontinental Moorea Resort & Spa.
2008
DQ Village is Built at Dolphin Quest Hawaii
Dolphin Quest Village is built which includes a new Check-in Desk, Gift Shop, Photo Operations, Learning Center, Encounter Club, and a lanai that overlooks the dolphin lagoon.
2007
First A.I. Dolphin Babies Born at Dolphin Quest
The first artificially inseminated dolphin babies are born at Dolphin Quest Hawaii and Dolphin Quest Bermuda.
2006
New Dolphin Quest Logo
Our Dolphin Quest logo is completely reimagined with new colors. Royal blue = knowledge and stewardship. Aqua = water, and renewal. Crimson = love and friendship. Golden = warmth and happiness.
2006
Behavioral Training Award from IMATA
Receive the Behavioral Training Award for “Preventative measures for behavioral management and training of a visually impaired Atlantic bottlenose dolphin in an interactive environment” at IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association).
2006
Dolphin Quest Oahu Hosts IMATA Conference
Dolphin Quest Oahu hosts the IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association) conference on the island of Oahu and receives the People’s Choice award as well.
2006
Named one of the BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
Dolphin Quest is awarded One of the 25 Best Small Companies to Work for in America.
2005
Sonny Allen Professional Achievement Award from IMATA
Dr. Jay Sweeney receives the Sonny Allen Achievement Award from IMATA (International Animal Trainers’ Association) which honors an individual who has demonstrated a dedication to the field of marine mammal science, training, and service to IMATA.
2005
Behavioral Training Award from IMATA
Receive the Behavioral Training Award for “Conditioning breath hold and exhalation in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins to obtain transesophageal echocardiography” at IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association).
2005
Husbandry Training Award from IMATA
Receive the Husbandry Training Award for pioneering novel medical procedures and care for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association).
2003
The Bermuda Wild Dolphin Tracking Project Begins
The Bermuda Wild Dolphin Tracking Project is launched to investigate a pelagic diving population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the waters off Bermuda.
2002
Excellence in Marine Mammal Medicine Award from IAAAM
Dr. Jay Sweeney receives the Excellence in Marine Mammal Medicine Award from IAAAM (International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine) in recognition of his accomplishments and tireless contributions and dedication to marine mammal medicine.
2002
Husbandry Training Award from IMATA
Receive the Husbandry Training Award for pioneering novel medical procedures and care for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association).
2000
Dolphin Quest Oahu Opens
Dolphin Quest Oahu opens at The Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii Hotel on the island of Oahu taking over operations from Sea Life Park and reinventing operations.
2000
AMMPA Accreditation
Dolphin Quest Hawaii and Oahu both accredited by AMMPA (Alliance of Marine Mammal Park & Aquariums).
1990s
1999
AMMPA Accreditation for Dolphin Quest Bermuda
Dolphin Quest Bermuda is accredited by AMMPA (Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums) and is the first even facility to receive this certification.
1999
Dolphin Quest Bermuda Relocates to the National Museum of Bermuda
Dolphin Quest Bermuda relocates to the National Museum of Bermuda which is a repurposed 19th century fort dedicated to exploring, sharing, researching, safeguarding, and promoting Bermuda’s cultural heritage.
1999
Hurricane Gert hits Dolphin Quest Bermuda
Hurricane Gert damages the Dolphin Quest Bermuda dolphin habitat at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel.
1998
First Dolphin Calf Born at Dolphin Quest Bermuda
The first dolphin calf is born at Dolphin Quest Bermuda.
1998
Dolphin Habitat Expanded at Dolphin Quest Hawaii
The Dolphin Quest Hawaii dolphin lagoon expands dolphin access into the Hilton Main Lagoon which is a four-acre ocean-fed saltwater lagoon filled with tropical fish, green sea turtles, and a crashing waterfall.
1998
Education and Conservation Award from IMATA
Receive the Education and Conservation Award for “Animal Training Adventure: Teaching the basics of training using mice, dogs, and dolphins” at IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association).
1996
Dolphin Quest Bermuda Opens
Dolphin Quest Bermuda opens at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel in Bermuda.
1995
Dolphin Days Fundraiser with Shriner’s Children Hospital
Dolphin Days event at the Hilton Waikoloa Village benefiting the Shriner’s Children Hospital to celebrate the 1-year birthday of our dolphin calves Kolohe, Ku’oko’a, and Lokahi.
1994
First Dolphin Calves Born at Dolphin Quest Hawaii
The first dolphin calves are born at Dolphin Quest Hawaii by first time moms all within four days of each other and are named Kolohe, Ku’oko’a, and Lokahi.
1994
New Dolphin Quest Logo
The Dolphin Quest logo is redesigned to include a dolphin mom and calf since their births the prior year.
1994
Dolphin Quest French Polynesia Opens
Dolphin Quest French Polynesia opens at the Moorea Beachcomber Parkroyal on the island of Moorea.
1993
Dolphin Quest Hawaii Hosts IMATA Conference
Dolphin Quest Hawaii hosts the IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association) conference on the Big Island of Hawaii and receives the People’s Choice Award for that year.
1993
Hyatt Regency Waikoloa Becomes Hilton Waikoloa Village
The Hyatt Regency Waikoloa becomes the Hilton Waikoloa Village and our new partner for Dolphin Quest Hawaii.
1991
Partnership with the Kula Naia Foundation
Dolphin Quest begins partnership with the Kula Naia Foundation dedicated to marine research, education, and conservation.
1980s
1989
First Scientific Studies Supported by Dolphin Quest
Dolphin Quest Hawaii begins supporting scientific studies with the University of Hawaii.
1988
Dolphin Quest Hawaii Opens
The very first Dolphin Quest opens on the Big Island of Hawaii at the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa.
1988
First Dolphin Quest Logo Designed
The first Dolphin Quest logo was created in time to open our flagship Dolphin Quest location.
1984
The Dolphin Quest Idea is Born
Dr. Jay Sweeney and Dr. Rae Stone come up with the idea and name for Dolphin Quest and write it down on a napkin while at dinner.