Place detail
Batumi Dolphinarium
The Batumi Dolphinarium is a modern show and education center in the heart of Batumi, where visitors can experience spectacular dolphin shows. It combines entertainment with environmental education and is one of the city's most popular attractions.
About this place
What makes this place useful, interesting or worth a stop.
Batumi Dolphinarium – A Historic Marine Attraction in the City's Heart
Overview
The Batumi Dolphinarium is a cherished landmark and one of the city’s most popular family attractions. First opened in 1975, it was one of the largest dolphinariums in the world and quickly became a beloved symbol of the city. Today, after a full renovation and reopening in 2011, it continues to captivate visitors with its spectacular dolphin shows, where these intelligent marine mammals perform elegant jumps, acrobatic stunts, and playful interactions with their trainers. More than just a show, the Dolphinarium also houses a diverse aquarium, making it an entertaining and educational outing for visitors of all ages.
Location & Contact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 51 Rustaveli Ave, Batumi 6010, Georgia |
| Phone | (+995) 422 22 17 30 |
| Website | [www.dolphinarium.ge](http://www.dolphinarium.ge/) |
| office@dolphinarium.ge | |
| Nearby Landmark | 6 May Park (Central Park) |
Operating Hours & Show Schedule
The dolphinarium is open daily, but the show schedule can vary seasonally. You can find the most up-to-date schedule on their official website [www.dolphinarium.ge](http://www.dolphinarium.ge/).
Typical Show Schedule:
| Show Time | Notes |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Performance (summer schedule) |
| 3:00 PM | Afternoon performance |
| 5:00 PM | Early evening performance |
| 7:00 PM | Evening performance |
| 9:00 PM | Late-evening performance |
⚠️ Important: It's highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially during the summer season, as shows often sell out quickly.
Ticket Prices & Packages
Ticket prices may vary based on seating sections and the age of the visitor.
General Show Tickets:
| Category | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 20 – 40 GEL |
| Children (6–12 years) | ~20 GEL |
| Children (under 6) | Free (if no separate seat required) |
| Night Show | 16 GEL |
VIP & Animal Interaction Experiences [7†L28-L30]:
| Activity | Price (GEL) |
|---|---|
| Swim with Dolphins (5-16 years) | 150 GEL |
| Swim with Dolphins (16+ years) | 200 GEL |
| VIP Seating | Starting from 150 GEL |
💡 Purchase Methods: Tickets can be bought directly at the box office (open 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM) or online via [tickets.dolphinarium.ge](http://tickets.dolphinarium.ge) to avoid waiting in line.
Amphitheater & Facilities
The Batumi Dolphinarium is designed to be a comfortable and accessible venue for all guests with modern technology and amenities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Amphitheater Capacity | 887 spectators |
| Number of Sectors | 4 (A, B, C, D) |
| Accessibility | Ramps and elevators for visitors with special needs |
| Disabled Toilets | Available |
| Swimming Pools | Spacious pools with seawater changed up to five times a day |
🪑 Tips on Choosing Your Seat
| Row | Experience |
|---|---|
| First Rows (Sectors B & C) | Best view of the dolphins’ eyes and emotions. Guaranteed to be splashed by the dolphins at the end of the show (great for kids or hot summer days). |
| Middle-Front Rows | Offers a dry experience if you want to avoid getting wet. |
| Rows from the 4th and Above | Guarantees you stay completely dry during the show. |
The Dolphin Show
Prepare to be amazed by a vibrant 35-40 minute spectacle showcasing the incredible intelligence and grace of the Black Sea bottlenose dolphins.
What the Show Features
The show is a rich program of up to 30 acts:
- Synchronized jumping and acrobatics
- Playing with rings and balls
- Balancing on their tails
- The unforgettable "Foot Push" stunt
- Creating paintings
- Heartwarming interactions with skilled trainers
Meet the Stars
The dolphinarium is home to a pod of 10-15 Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. Their positive energy and showmanship come from resident stars named Monica, Zoro, Bellucci, Marco, Maya, Tsitsi, Olympia, Batu, Chibu, and Khvicha.
The On-Site Aquarium
The dolphinarium is also home to a diverse aquarium. The facility is a small but diverse aquatic facility that houses:
- Up to 100 species of fish from the Black Sea and Georgia’s freshwaters.
- Exotic species from around the world, including Amazonian piranhas, cichlids, gourami, barbus, discus, and red-tailed labeo.
Important Tips & Guidelines
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for everyone, please follow these guidelines:
- 🎟️ Book in Advance: Tickets, especially in summer, sell out quickly. Online booking is the safest bet.
- 💦 Expect to Get Wet: The front rows guarantee a "dolphin shower," so you may want to sit higher up if you prefer to stay dry.
- 🐾 No Pets Allowed: For the safety of the animals and guests, pets are not permitted.
- 🍽️ What to Bring: There are no refreshments sold inside, so bring your own snacks if needed.
- 📸 Photography: Photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the magical moments.
Guest Reviews & Highlights
The Dolphinarium is praised for an incredible show that captivates audiences of all ages.
| Positive Highlights | Guest Feedback |
|---|---|
| Show Quality | "The dolphin show is amazing and deserves to be visited. I recommend it for all ages." |
| Professional Crew | "The trainers of the dolphins are professional." |
| Multilingual Commentary | "The speaker’s commentary in both Georgian and English is a great touch." |
| Suitable for Families | "Must attend... its really fun and kids will enjoy for sure." |
| Value for Money | "Only 20 lari... works out about £7. The show itself lasted about 40 minutes." |
⚠️ Ethical Considerations
Dolphinariums are becoming increasingly controversial worldwide. Some animal rights groups have raised concerns about the welfare of captive dolphins and have even protested or demanded their release. The Batumi facility itself has been the subject of some of these protests. As an informed traveler, you may wish to consider these perspectives when deciding whether to visit.
⭐ Nearby Attractions
Make a day of it by exploring the surrounding 6 May Park, which also features:
- 6 May Park Lake: A scenic lake perfect for relaxing.
- Small Zoo: Located nearby for more animal viewing.
- Children’s Playgrounds: For younger kids.
Why You Should Go
Whether you are looking for:
- An Unforgettable Family Experience: A chance for children to see the intelligence and magic of marine life firsthand.
- A Top-Rated Attraction: With thousands of positive reviews, it's a Batumi trip highlight.
- An Educational and Fun Outing: The show combines entertainment with knowledge about these amazing creatures.
- A Memorable Adventure: The opportunity to swim with dolphins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Batumi Dolphinarium stands as a cherished institution in the city, offering a spectacular show that blends entertainment, education, and the undeniable charm of its amazing marine mammals. It's an experience that will leave you smiling long after the final splash.
Getting There
The Batumi Dolphinarium is conveniently located at 51 Rustaveli Avenue inside 6 May Park (Central Park). It's right by the Dolphinarium bus stop and just 3 km from the Batumi taxi stand. The well-known landmark is easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
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