Thank you for the review! JSTOR is a digital library for scholars, researchers, and students. The organization does not hold public shows or use the dolphins in their care for entertainment purposes. To reserve more than fourpeople for our VIP program, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 am to 4 pm eastern time or emailexception.request@dolphins.orgfor assistance. Imagine you are blindfolded and placed into a pool of water with a dolphin. Improve this listing Similar Experiences Parasail Adventure in Marathon 22 from $120.00 per adult What's the best island to stay on in the keys? This may serve to strengthen their bond and promote or strengthen social ties. Formed in 1999, this pioneering venture has produced more than 20 successful bottlenose dolphin calves to date. You will also get the opportunity to learn more about these beautiful animals from their trainers and researchers. I ended up paying $40 for over 50 pictures (actually, over 50 file downloads.). To help you plan your itinerary, we have shortlisted the best places to swim with dolphins in Florida. Bonjour Dolphin teeth are conical. Spend afun-filled half-day close-up with our dolphin and sea lion family! dolphin connection vs dolphin research center. (215) 898-7531 Email careerservices@vpul.upenn.edu Website https://careerservices.upenn.edu Address McNeil Building Suite 20 3718 Locust Walk Philadelphia, PA 19104 Service Hours Career Center Team Barbara Hewitt Executive Director Meet Barbara David Ross Director, Undergraduate Career Initiatives Meet David Joseph Barber Noting dolphins large brains, complicated communications, and social lives, opponents view being stuck in a barren tank as akin to psychological torture. At Dolphin Harbor, you will find various interactive programs designed to deliver gripping fun to your entire family. Any recommendations? Cons Keys are more expensive than anywhere in Florida. During your visit you may see DRC working on various cognition and behavior studies. The dolphin specialists will educate you on the mammals communication and behavioral abilities to help you form a connection with them. My only complaint was the price of the pictures, they were super expensive. The hope was that dolphins could be trained to locate and retrieve lost objects from the ocean using their capabilities. 4400 Rickenbacker CausewayKey Biscayne, FL 33149(305) 361-5705. The Royal swim adventures do make you love every second of it! more, Reply to: Theater of the Seas vs Dolphin Research Center. While the Gulfarium does not let you swim with the dolphins, you can certainly stand in shallow waters to play and feed the friendly creatures. This session is not timed and relies on how long the dolphins take to exhibit each behavior in their natural habitat. The one-of-a-kind tour also includes a photographer to capture your entire unforgettable experience. jezebel spirit scriptures; Recommended Hotel Nearby: Lime Tree Bay Resort, 25 Causeway Blvd Slip 23/24Clearwater, FL 33767(727) 466-0375. This information is also featured in a bi-monthly newsletter for members. Opponents of captive research note that no matter how big a tank there is, it can never simulate the vast open spaces of the ocean. One of the few excursions in the Keys that did not hound us for tips. Much of this can be attributed to revelations about the dark underbelly of the captive cetacean industry, including the brutal drive fishery used to acquire some dolphins. Can you confirm a few things? Should dolphins be in captivity? History [ edit] Fisherman Milton Santini opened Santini's Porpoise School in 1958, which he operated until 1972. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The issue for most researchers, according to Grimm, is how to get the data they want. Thank you. 289(584), 2000. Additionally, you can purchase a ticket for their Dolphin Encounter program to swim with the intriguing animals. This is a one-of-a-kind marine mammal rescue facility in the Florida Keys. Dolphin Encounter does not include a deep water swim and is great for families. In a 2011 article in Science, David Grimm lays out the ethics and efficacy of captive dolphin research. Bottlenose dolphins also seem to whistle while foraging on various prey items (Acevedo-Guiterrez 2004). Hotels and things to do besides dolphin research center, 1st time to the keys - Grassy Key - Vacation home. Nuzzle: Touch or rub another animal with closed mouth. They will print one per person on the spot plus you have digital access to all the photos they take. The Dolphin Research Center is a non-profit marine sanctuary that aims to educate visitors on marine life. This research and educational facility operates as a non-profit and has several interactive programs with dolphins. (Price does not include On-line Reservation Fee). This facility also has a Trainer for a Day program where you get an educational insight into the care and training of these mammals. Thank you for your review Steven, we're glad you had a great time. We learned some interesting facts. This is a MUST to experience dolphins like never before! Includes a digital photo package of all members of your group; all-day admission; and a one-year membership to DRC for each guest! Enjoy the company of a Dolphin with one deep water swim! It is much appreciated and we are thankful your family had a great time with us. Price: $475 per person. The other experiences are separate from the admission fee. Dolphins are marine mammals closely related to whales and porpoises. My kids really enjoyed getting up front and personal with the dolphins. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. al. nearest airport to Dolphin Research Center? The ideal program for families with young children! Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Hillsdale, NJ. Trying to decide between the two and they are priced very similarly. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Walt Disney World Dolphin, 7007 Sea World DrOrlando, FL 32821(407) 545-5550. short grain brown rice. We're a little more than two hours from Miami and about an hour and twenty minutes from Key West. Part of your stimulating experience will also include getting to feed these beautiful creatures. Researchers are still studying the behaviors and situations when dolphins use body language and there are still many questions regarding the meaning of any specific body movement. National Wildlife 32(3): 5-9. Dolphins may use other sounds besides whistles to communicate. If you want a one-on-one interaction with the dolphins, you should check out their Dolphin Encounter program. For groups larger than 10, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org for assistance. Animals such as dolphins, otters, sea turtles, sharks, etc., are rescued, allowed to recover, and then released back into the wild. Ready, go. 526-529, American Association for the Advancement of Science. You can also bestow pets and kisses to the adorable mammals and enjoy a belly ride with their Swim Adventure program. There will be a 17 year old, 7 year old and myself (adult) swimming with the dolphins. The trainer Stephanie was great. Dolphins often respond to another dolphins whistle by whistling themselves or moving toward the whistler. Eddie, our trainer, did a great job coaching each of us, but especially the little ones, so that everyone was successful in each thing we did, but especially swimming with the Chinook, our dolphin. of our planet. We were 10 people and had over 500 photos. The center's walkways, paths, and public buildings are wheelchair-accessible. the best part is they have a photographer and you can download all of the pictures he takes for free! The Dolphin Research Center offers internships for those looking to develop career skills and have the opportunity to learn how a marine mammal facility operates. If you are unsure where to swim with dolphins in Florida, you should consider the Miami Seaquarium. Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home since 1984. In addition to dolphin watching, you can also enjoy other activities, such as snorkeling in the beautiful waters of Key West. more. Your trainer greets you prior to your program to discuss your goals and special requests. These behaviors are possibly used as a means of visual communication. Co-Founder Mandy Rodriguez can still be seen playing with his animal family after 30+ years. Published by on October 31, 2021. Nachtigall (eds). We like both, so I'm no help. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Ages: 3 Yrs and Up. Work with our gray artists and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! Herman. They have been delighting visitors with their educational and entertaining dolphin shows ever since. Journal of Experimental Psychology 122(2): 184-194. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to a lot of marine animals, including seven dolphins. You will get to enjoy a cozy interaction with the dolphins and get to first-hand observe their care. Reply Guttman, Norman and Harry Kalish. Dolphin Connection is a very educational, informative, fun, once in a lifetime experience that I highly recommend. Looe Key (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary). You will have to sign up separately for each encounter. They offer several packages for the entire family, including your younger children. The Dockside Dolphin program is a land-based interactive program perfect for younger kids who are not yet ready to swim with the dolphins. The dolphins here swim in a natural lagoon and a structured lagoon. Dolphins are capable of imitating certain sounds very accurately and often learn other dolphins' whistles. HIGHLY recommend (& saw moms and little ones have such a great time also! Acevedo- Guiterrez, A., and S. C. Steinessen. Which should I choose!? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grassy Flats Resort & Beach Club, 84721 Overseas HwyIslamorada, FL 33036(305) 664-2431. Feel the smooth skin under your hand while you give the dolphin a backrub. We loved this! The professional photo package was amazing. A paying participating adult (18+Yrs) must accompany a child 5-7 Yrs, For safety and liability reasons, pregnant women are unable to participate in this program, Guests with Disabilities: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? It was well worth the cost. Christina Martin. 1993. Thanks so much! We enjoy providing a tailored experience to our guests and we're thrilled you had an exceptional time! Scientists continue to study these behaviors and the situations in which dolphins use them to learn exactly what they might mean. Swimming with the dolphins is an add-on package to your reservation. Providing Sanctuary and a Forever Home since 1984. Do spectators need to pay into the park or is it only the participants? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-85437055', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Theater of the Sea is more interactive. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-73459923', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Theater of the sea is more interactive and swimming more with them (not meaning time). Dolphin Research Center does not have wetsuits available but they can be rented from local dive shops. October. Another fun activity for your kids includes Paint with the Dolphin, where a dolphin creates unique art on a canvas with the colors of your choice. Dolphin Research Center established the College of Marine Mammal Professions, a licensed professional educational institution where students earn degrees and prepare for careers in marine mammal behavior, care and training. Categories . more. Pods of dolphins coordinate their movements to herd prey, and then take turns swimming into the middle of the assembled fish to eat. The direct contact was enough for them to feel they were close to the dolphin. Thank you. Plus you can play with parrot fish too. $3 Off On-line Purchase: Adults: $25.00, Children 4-12: $20.00,Children 3 and under: free. (Some scientists do work exclusively with wild dolphins.) Getting to Key West without tolls/Sun Pass Questions. But while dolphin experts largely agree that dolphin and whale shows purely for entertainment are not worth it, research is more controversial. To some extent, dolphins may also communicate by touch. Program Behaviors Single or Group Hug Hand Shake (deep water) Melon Rub Cheek Kiss 2 Deep Water Dolphin Rides including a Foot Push & Double Dorsal Ride Swim By's & Rubs Various mimics/playtime But we have also visited DRC several times and we like that too. The professional photo package was amazing. Non-swimmers can also enjoy dolphin interactions by getting on the bottomless boat ride and participating in the Meet the Dolphin program. An increase in the number of dolphins nearby also provides safety for all individuals, as sharks and other large predators are likely to want to feed from the same food source the dolphins have discovered. We rely on guest visits, participation in our programs, and donations to care for our animals, learn more in research, educate about conservation, help injured manatees and more. Thank you for the 5 Star Review! All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. It may let the rest of the pod know which pod members are around, where they are, and, perhaps, something about their mental state. You can have a friend take pictures from viewing deck but it's not that close. Researchers say that dolphins are so smart that captivity causes them psychological harm. Communication in bottlenose dolphins appears to be extensive and complex. Dr. Reichle says Bolivian river dolphins usually swim below the surface, and sightings often catch only a fin or a tail. The dolphin swims are in a private lagoon and only the people involved are allowed in there (and family members observing), you don't have all the general public gawking at you. 1. Check out the optional painting add-on, too! There are interactive programs for the non-swimmers, including Splash and Wade, where you can stand in three feet deep water to interact with the playful mammals. The regulations behind this change remain in place today - a true testament to DRI's leadership and outreach! Additionally, you will get a 15-minute window to interact with them, take photos, and get a quick lesson on their care and handling. Where can you swim with dolphins in Florida with kids? Get ready for a fun-filled, exciting time. It is a sightseeing boat tour that takes off from the Clearwater harbor several times a day. Bring nothing but yourself and a towel we can simply charge your program directly to your room. Wursig, Bernd. On the other hand, dolphins use touch in rough, aggressive ways during courtship and when establishing dominance. (and worth the money!). Duration: Your in-water experience lasts approximately 20-25 minutes. Then share a "flippershake"! Stranding on chest: One animal inverted, lifting another out of water, putting recipient between the flippers (often between mother and calf). Many other scientists have studied dolphin behaviors years ago and now have come to a possible result of dolphins being the closest relatives to humans. The dolphin performs a movement, such as spinning in a circle, or swimming in a zig-zag pattern, and your task is to imitate this movement, without having seen it. Chinook was so special! The Best Dolphin Swim Program for the Whole Family The first encounter, learn and have fun! 2004. Fury Water Adventures takes you on a ride across Key Wests blue waters and lets you enjoy an experience of a lifetime. Bite : Close mouth around body part of another animal.*. Today's top 137 Huawei Research jobs in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. more, Private Looe Key Snorkel from Big Pine Key, Private 8 hr Florida Keys tour Islamorada Key Largo to Key West, Key West Safari Eco Tour Adventure with Snorkeling, Boat Excursion in Florida Keys with Snorkeling Equipment, Private Tour of Florida Keys from Marathon to Key West. We love the pictures she took that are included in the package. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The cost is well worth the experience. Additionally, each program has certain height restrictions. A paying, participating adult(18+ Yrs) can holdonechild 3 years oldand under on hip during program for no additional cost. This exclusive experience involves a trip to the dolphins kitchen, picturesque views, and beautiful up-close interactions with the lovable mammals. Eddie, Melissa, and Chinook are a great team and I will share this feedback with them. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Uyeyama. 1999. (Program cannot be directly booked online.) Immerse yourself in the private Dolphin Encounter experience of your dreams! Looking for a vacation spot that includes a swim with dolphins in Orlando, Florida? Price: $2189 for one to six people in a private group. When under duress, dolphins emit pulsed squeaks. Guests with Special Needs: Do you or one of your group have a physical or cognitive limitation? A paying participating adult (18+ Yrs) must accompany children under 8Yrs. Although the oceanarium houses a variety of marine life, such as penguins, manatees, whales, etc., its Dolphin Harbor is the main highlight. SeaWorld is a major attraction in the country. Follow us: BOOK YOUR VISIT! We visited DRC one year and had kids swim at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? However, you only get 2 chances to get the foot push right (just keep your leg stiff when the dolphin comes up to push you. Purchase a General Admission and spend some time observing the dolphins and sea lionsin training sessions or interacting with each other duringtheir private time. 5(1). The tour includes knowledgeable guides that add to the experience with their fun facts on dolphins. Most researchers also agree that dolphin facilities should be as nice as possible. dolphins.Their health and welfare are our primary concern. One reason for imitating another dolphin's whistle may be to get its attention within a large group. DRC Members, to book Meet the Dolphin in advance, please email memberservice@dolphins.org. Parasailing & Paragliding, Scuba & Snorkeling. Open to individuals, couples, and families. LOVED IT. Any buckling of the knee and you won't go anywhere.) Keys in December where is best? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-98985920', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys forum instead. The Dolphin Plunge features a tunnel-like slide through the parks aquarium, where you can slide down and watch the dolphins from a safe distance. Experiments in Discrimination. Be Forewarned about Sea Grass On Gulf Side, Fishing tips please?? in the courts fredericton daily gleaner. DoubleTree Beach Resort by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay - North Redington Beach. DRC Members: To Book Play with a Dolphin in advance, please email memberservice@dolphins.org. While you cannot swim with the dolphins here, you can sit by the pool and interact with them. Teeth Structure. November. In the 1960s, Margaret Lovatt was part of a Nasa-funded project to communicate with dolphins. very nice staff. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Dolphins do not generally rely on visual communication, although they have excellent eyesight both above and below the waters surface. Herman. The tour is fun-filled and includes a professional staff that narrates the highlights of natural wildlife and relevant historical information. Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. Unfortunately, it is not handicap accessible. Collaborate with your dolphin friend and take home a lasting memory for only $25 more! In addition to the dynamic dolphins, exotic animals like sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, etc., also dwell in this park. The experience also includes a backstage pass to their training session conducted by specialists. I highly recommend being in the water with the dolphin if you want a true experience. Thank you so much for your review, Shiela! Admission Price: Adults: $28:00, Military/Veterans (present military ID): $25:00, Children 4-12: $23.00. Children ages 3-7 years must be assisted in the program by an adult (Age 18+). Make sure to call ahead to book your slot and get the program pricing. Dolphin Research Center: Dolphin Swim! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 4). A dolphin will paint a canvas for you while you stay on dry land; you get to go home with the unique artwork. If you've craved the chance to touch a dolphin, this is for you! Answer 1 of 2: My family is vacationing in the Florida Keys this July and we wanted to surprise our daughters, ages 14 and 16 with a dolphin encounter. Management worked to accommodate limitations I had at the time. My family and I were guests at Hawks Cay and once I saw that dolphin connection was on the property, we booked our 4th of July SWIM! Any recommendations? Get up close and personal with our amazing Bottlenose Dolphins, right in their natural lagoon habitat. Morton Street. The restorative program allows participants and caregivers to interact and swim with the dolphins. And the photography package they offered was amazing. Headwag: Rapid, side to side shaking of the head. They provide three dolphin programs that revolve specifically around swimming with them. We had a great time with this dolphin experience. If you are pregnant, please call us before booking this program at 305-289-0002 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time or contact us via email at exception.request@dolphins.org. Preliminary research seems to support this idea although details of the exact reason for imitation are still under investigation. Is this possible and what would the cost be? If your children can swim, they can do the experience w/o a parent. For many years, researchers have looked for evidence of a dolphin language, a way to share complicated information such as stories, family histories, and philosophy in the way that humans do. Check here to see what's in the research spotlight, publication announcements and details of DRC findings. For the non-swimmers in your pack, Marineland provides a dolphin interaction wrapped in an art program. Head over to Discovery Cove for a truly memorable adventure! My boys ages 8 and 11 loved this experience. The entire day was phenomenal!! Dolphin Research Center. Answer 1 of 2: My family is vacationing in the Florida Keys this July and we wanted to surprise our daughters, ages 14 and 16 with a dolphin encounter. We were a party of 10, so they had us in a single group and made sure everyone (from 7 to adult) got to do each activity. As a participant, you will get to assist expert staff in various hands-on duties and learn about the care and handling of the dolphins. You can not bring cameras or take photos as a participant. Get in touch with the tour to see what can be accommodated for your excursion. All Rights Reserved. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Report inappropriate content bluewater Marathon, Florida Destination Expert for Marathon, Islamorada Level Contributor 22,587 posts 31 reviews 25 helpful votes 2. One thing is certainyou will make unforgettable memories as Theatre of the Sea has something for everyone. The Encounters with Dolphins program allows you to observe the beautiful gray mammals undisturbed in their natural habitat. A Riddle Wrapped In A Mystery. Duration:Approximately 20-25 mins in-water on a submerged platform. In this case, the whistling may help the dolphins keep track of each other. Please take travel time into account when booking your programs! Further, advocates point out, the open ocean isnt always a happy place. The aquarium is essentially a rehabilitation center for a variety of marine life. However, you will have to go through a brisk introductory presentation before you can slap on your wetsuit and join the fun. To check availability or to reserve, please call 305-289-0002, M-F, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. eastern time or email exception.request@dolphins.org. I believe it is a height requirement ("Must be 46 or taller to participate"), rather than an age requirement. Dolphin Discovery is a ~25-30 minute deep water program including 1 deep water swim adventure with 1 dolphin. We offer a range of programs to accommodate the needs and comfort levels for all of our guests, and we're thrilled to offer these packages with complimentary photo downloads. Dolphin Connection becomes only the 2nd marine mammal facility to be accredited by the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA). (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For those who dont want to venture into the water, the Center also offers interactive sessions on the docks. Hold hands: Swim with pectoral fins overlapping. THE ULTIMATE TRAINER EXPERIENCE. Depending on your choice of program, you will enjoy an exhilarating belly ride with the dolphins, shake hands with them, get hugs and kisses, and more. During this fun and educational program, you will discover all you ever [] This whistle appears to serve as a means of individual identification, much like a name. The Question of Dolphin Awareness Approached Through Studies In Nature. Look at All You Get! The Dolphin Research Center in Marathon, Florida, offers educational presentations and narration sessions about marine life and the environment. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, 9600 Ocean Shore BlvdSt. Price: $130per person, ages 4 years and up -includesall-day admission. Worthwhile!! New Add-On Experience: Collaborate with your new dolphin friend to create a unique 8 X 10 inch painting. Well, the two dolphins, Hope and Winter, from that same movie, call Clearwater Marine Aquarium their home! Time 141(12): 54-61. Overview. The entire staff from the reception, photographer, to the outstanding and experienced trainer (Alexis) made this absolutely amazing! Dolphin sizes vary from 4 to 35 ft. Porpoises are usually smaller (1.5 - 2.5 m) but stouter than dolphins. Seventh Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. Thanks! See more details > Dry Meet And Greet . The photographers were great and very GRAM worthy! Most scientists studying captive dolphin cognition would study wild dolphins, but dont have good methods for conducting studies. One of its main highlights is Dolphin Cove, the biggest interactive dolphin attraction in the world. Cetus: Vol. There is often silt and other particles floating in the water column that can make it difficult for dolphins to communicate visually over long distances. Marineland of Florida opened in 1938 and is considered the worlds first oceanarium. Instead, their animal-assisted programs help children and adults with special needs requirements. And, it's one of the best experiences you could possibly give your kids. You will find playful dolphins turning tricks above and below water in an aquarium. Any recommendations? Dolphins in distress sometimes emit their signature whistles very loudly. The U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Research Program started to work with dolphins in the late 1950's to analyze their hydrodynamic properties and their biosonar. Their painting program is a particularly kid-friendly dolphin experience, where a dolphin will help you decorate a T-shirt by splashing watercolors on it. have 1/2 day outboard privilege, April vacation middle to lower keys with families. Hours:Open 7 days per week 9.00am to 4:30 p.m. Last admissions at 3:30 p.m. ClosedonMemorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. To reserve more than fourpeople for our Ultimate Trainer For a Day program, please call 305.289.0002, M-F, 9 am to 4 pm eastern time or emailexception.request@dolphins.orgfor assistance. Get our most competitive General Admission rates by purchasing your tickets on-line! Herman, Louis M. The Visual Dolphin. However, you will go through a short training lesson before your unforgettable interactive session begins. and Peter Corkeron. Their Dolphin Encounter program stands out as one of the best dolphin experiences in the country. 3). Enjoy more connection time with the dolphin(s) with individualized attention. We are happy to hear your kids loved the experience. Additionally, the parks Ultimate SwimWade with the Dolphin program offers a 30-minute interaction and a photo session. DRC is more educational. Ages: 1 Yr and Up. Please let us know prior to booking so we can connect you with our Coordinator about what assistance might be needed. Answer 1 of 2: My family is vacationing in the Florida Keys this July and we wanted to surprise our daughters, ages 14 and 16 with a dolphin encounter. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 6029 (29 April 2011), pp. where are the best quiet beach spots for a vacation? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach, 0 Duval StKey West, FL 33040(855) 831-5997. The facility has a series of programs that cater to almost everyone, including children as young as three.