A Story of Survival

In August 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi, was destroyed, leaving 16 dolphins stranded. Fortunately, these dolphins were rescued, nursed back to health and given a new home when Dolphin Cay was built at Atlantis, Paradise Island. Since that time, “the Katrina Dolphins” family has grown, welcoming three new baby calves in 2007—and now, it’s time for you to join in this wonderful family story.

With a size equal to 10 American football fields and a continuous flow of fresh saltwater, Dolphin Cay at Atlantis is one of the largest and most sophisticated marine habitats and animal rescue-rehabilitation facilities in the world. This dolphin habitat also features an educational center, where we encourage you to learn a little more about these incredible mammals and discover what you can do to help protect them.

Naturally, one-on-one interaction with the Katrina Dolphins is the highlight of most visits to Dolphin Cay at Atlantis. Participate in the Shallow Water Interaction program and wade in the water with these playful animals. Take a Deep Water Swim and venture in the depths of Dolphin Cay at Atlantis as you dive alongside a dolphin using a hand-held water scooter, or enjoy the thrill of watching these creatures in their natural habitat while stand-up paddleboarding! For a true dolphin experience, consider Dolphin Cay’s Trainer for a Day program where you get a chance to feed, train and care for the marine animals. Spend the day in the company of a marine mammal specialist and learn more about the lives of these dolphins during a backstage tour of the facility.