Pattaya Dolphinarium

Introduction: Asia's Premier Marine Mammal Show

Situated in Bang Lamung District, right along the Bangkok-Pattaya Motorway (Highway 7) and just a 10-minute drive from North Pattaya, the Pattaya Dolphinarium is widely recognized as one of Asia's top marine mammal attraction venues. Designed according to European standards for animal care and arena comfort, this world-class facility offers high-energy acrobatic performances starring South American fur seals and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

A favorite destination for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts, the indoor arena combines high-flying aquatic acrobatics with educational insights into marine mammal intelligence. Beyond watching the main show, visitors can participate in unique interactive experiences—including swimming with dolphins, photo shoots, and trainer-guided encounter programs.

Key Shows & Interactive Experiences

The Pattaya Dolphinarium centers on a state-of-the-art covered indoor arena surrounding a large, crystal-clear deep-water pool:

1. Acrobatic Dolphin & Fur Seal Live Show

A thrilling 50-minute performance featuring trained Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins and South American fur seals. Highlights include dolphins performing high-altitude aerial flips, ring jumps, tail walks, synchronized spins, and painting on canvas with paintbrushes, while playful seals perform comical balance tricks, ball juggling, and dance routines.

2. Swimming with Dolphins

An optional, supervised 10-minute deep-water interaction where guests aged 6 and above enter the pool with professional coaches. Participants hold onto dolphin dorsal fins for gentle rides, dance, hold flippers, and receive playful snouts kisses on the cheek.

3. Professional Photo Sessions

After each main show, visitors can take up-close photos with the performing dolphins or seals right by the pool edge, capturing memorable souvenir keepsakes.

4. Young Trainer & Birthday Experience

Specialized programs where children and animal enthusiasts can spend extended time behind the scenes learning training signals, diet preparation, and hand commands directly from professional marine animal coaches.

Key Highlights & Attraction Summary

• European-Standard Arena: Modern covered stadium ensuring optimal viewing angles and rain protection.
• 50-Minute Action Show: High-flying acrobatic flips, paintbrush painting, and sea lion comedy.
• Swim-With-Dolphin Sessions: Supervised 10-minute pool encounters to ride and dance with dolphins.
• Convenient Location: Positioned right off Highway 7, just 5–10 minutes from Central and North Pattaya.

How to Reach Pattaya Dolphinarium

Located at 22/22 Moo 1, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150.

By Taxi / Bolt / Grab (Easiest Route)

Ride-hailing cars or private taxis from Central Pattaya or Beach Road reach the Dolphinarium in about 10 to 15 minutes (approx. 150–300 THB). Free on-site parking is available for rental cars.

By Songthaew / Hotel Transfer

Chartered blue songthaew trucks or pre-booked hotel shuttle services connect directly to the facility along Sukhumvit Road and Highway 7.

Best Time to Visit & Show Timings

The facility operates daily except Wednesdays.

Opening Hours & Days

Open daily from **10:00 AM to 07:00 PM** (strictly **closed every Wednesday**).

Daily Show & Swimming Schedule

• Live Show Timings: 11:00 AM, 02:00 PM, and 05:00 PM.
• Dolphin Swimming Sessions: 12:00 PM, 03:00 PM, and 06:00 PM.

Top Nearby Attractions

1. Mini Siam Pattaya (3 km west)

A famous miniature park featuring detailed replicas of iconic Thai temples and global landmarks.

2. Sanctuary of Truth (6 km northwest)

A colossal, hand-carved wooden sanctuary and architectural masterpiece situated on Naklua beach.

3. Monster Aquarium Pattaya (3 km east)

An interactive family aquarium featuring exotic reptiles, albino animals, and an underwater fish tunnel.

Things to Do at Pattaya Dolphinarium

• Watch the 50-Minute Live Show: Experience synchronized dolphin jumps, paintbrush painting, and sea lion tricks.
• Swim with Dolphins: Jump into the pool with certified trainers for a 10-minute swimming experience.
• Pose for Photos: Get printed souvenir photos with performative seals or dolphins after the show.
• Bid on Dolphin Paintings: Participate in live post-show auctions to win artwork painted by dolphins.

Local Food and Culinary Options

The venue features on-site cafes, snack kiosks, and souvenir refreshment stands.

Must-Try Culinary Options Nearby

• Dolphinarium Cafe & Snack Bar: Serves popcorn, fruit smoothies, coffee, ice cream, hot dogs, and iced Thai milk tea.
• North Pattaya Seafood Restaurants: Enjoy fresh grilled squid, steamed blue crab, and Tom Yum Goong at nearby beachfront eateries along Naklua Road.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Visitors can stay in North Pattaya, Naklua, or Central Pattaya Beach.

Hotels in North & Central Pattaya ($30 – $180 USD / 1,000 – 6,000 THB per night)

• Grande Centre Point Pattaya / Dusit Thani Pattaya / Hotel J Pattaya / Cape Dara Resort: Modern resort hotels located 5 to 12 minutes from the Dolphinarium offering pools, ocean views, and family suites.

Budget Travel Guide & Seating Categories

• Ticket Price Categories: Show tickets vary by seating proximity: Standard seats cost **700 THB** (500 THB for kids 80–120 cm); Deluxe seats cost **900 THB** (700 THB for kids); VIP front-row seats cost **1,200 THB** (900 THB for kids). Toddlers under 80 cm enter free.
• Front-Row Splash Warning: VIP and first-row seats offer up-close views but are inside the splash zone—free rain ponchos are provided by staff.
• Online Booking Discounts: Pre-booking tickets online (via Klook, Traveloka, or official site) offers discounts up to 20% compared to box office counters.

Sample Half-Day Itinerary

• 10:15 AM: Arrive at **Pattaya Dolphinarium**; redeem online vouchers at the box office.
• 11:00 AM: Watch the acrobatic **Dolphin & Sea Lion Show** from your Deluxe or VIP seats.
• 12:00 PM: Participate in a pre-booked **Dolphin Swimming Session** or take souvenir photos.
• 01:00 PM: Enjoy lunch and iced coffee at the venue cafe or head to **Mini Siam** (3 km away) for afternoon exploration.

Essential Rules and Visitor Guidelines

• NO Flash Photography: Flash photography is strictly forbidden during shows and photo sessions to avoid startling marine animals.
• Arrive 30 Minutes Early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to clear ticket lines and take your assigned seats.
• Swimming Requirements: Participants in dolphin swimming sessions must bring swimwear/towels and must be at least 6 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Pattaya Dolphinarium located?

It is located at 22/22 Moo 1, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri, right off Highway 7 about 10 minutes from North Pattaya.

2. What are the daily show timings?

Shows run three times daily at **11:00 AM, 02:00 PM, and 05:00 PM** (closed Wednesdays).

3. How much are admission tickets?

Tickets range from **700 to 1,200 THB for adults** and **500 to 900 THB for children** depending on Regular, Deluxe, or VIP seating.

4. Is the venue open every day?

No, Pattaya Dolphinarium is open daily **EXCEPT Wednesdays**.

5. Can you swim with dolphins here?

Yes, 10-minute swimming sessions are available at 12:00 PM, 03:00 PM, and 06:00 PM for participants aged 6 and older.

6. Do you get wet in VIP front-row seats?

Yes, front-row VIP seats are inside the splash zone. Complimentary rain ponchos are provided by staff.

7. How long does the dolphin show last?

The main live show performance lasts approximately **50 minutes**.

8. Is flash photography allowed?

No, flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the vision and health of the animals.

9. How far is it from Central Pattaya?

It is approximately 5 to 7 kilometers away (a 10 to 15-minute drive by taxi or Grab).

10. What nearby attractions can be combined?

**Mini Siam**, **Sanctuary of Truth**, and **Monster Aquarium** are all located within a 10-minute drive.

Conclusion

Pattaya Dolphinarium stands out as one of Pattaya's premier family-friendly marine attractions, where high-flying bottlenose dolphin acrobatics, funny fur seal comedy, interactive swim sessions, and European-standard facility care converge in Bang Lamung. From watching dolphins paint artwork and jump through hoops to swimming alongside gentles mammals and posing for photos, it delivers an unforgettable marine adventure. Pre-book tickets online, pick your showtime, and explore Pattaya Dolphinarium!