Quick Details
Total duration: 4 hours
Time with dolphins: 60 minutes
Ages: 15 and up
Group size: 2 people
Water depth: Swimming, Shallows, & Dockside
Per Person
$ 850
Join us at Dolphin Quest Hawaii to Experience What it’s Like to be a Marine Mammal Veterinarian!
Live out your dream job with the Veterinary Apprentice for a Day program, where you’ll spend time side-by-side with experts caring for our dolphins at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Gain hands on experience as you discover how we check and ensure our dolphins’ health and wellness each and every day. If you love taking care of animals, and want to learn more about the medical aspects of preventative dolphin care then this program is just for you.
Program Content:
- 60 minutes with dolphins.
- Participation in our Encounter Deluxe program is included during this experience.
- Spend time alongside our marine mammal specialists and dolphins, participating in dolphin health exams, lab analysis, and preventative healthcare.
- Spend time in our laboratory to see how we assess dolphin husbandry samples, while getting familiar with proactive exams we do with the animals.
- Learn hands-on how trainers use positive reinforcement and trust to teach cooperative healthcare behaviors with the dolphins.
- Collaborate behind the scenes with the team to ensure each dolphin’s physical and mental well-being for the day.
- Learn about careers working with dolphins and marine mammals.
- Guests will participate in our Dolphin Paint program where they’ll hold a blank canvas while our dolphin artist holds a paint brush and creates a one-of-a-kind painting which they will take home as a keepsake.
- The Veterinary Apprentice for a Day program is also available for extended days, so if interested please call or text us at (808) 746-7065.
Program Pricing:
- $850/person.
Program Logistics:
- Life jackets are required and provided.
- Swim masks are provided for underwater viewing.
- Dolphin Quest photographer will take photos of guests during their encounter.
- Digital photo packages are available for advance purchase at a special rate during booking.
- Digital or print photo options are available for same day viewing and purchase after encounter.
- To ensure the safety of our dolphins, no cameras, phones, GoPros, or loose valuables are permitted on the docks or in the water.
- Complimentary lockers, outdoor showers, and changing rooms available for guests.
- We recommend guests bring their own towels since they are not provided.
- Wear your swimsuit since you’ll be interacting with our dolphins from our docks and in the water.
- We recommend bringing or buying a rash guard to wear during the program for extra sun protection.
Important Information:
- Please review our Terms and Conditions prior to booking a dolphin encounter.
- For guests with special needs, please contact us directly at (808) 746-7065 or fill out a Contact Us form.
- If you need assistance or more information, please contact us at (808) 746-7065.