Dolfinarium Harderwijk

There are a lot more things to do in The Netherlands aside from experience Dutch culture, history and attractions. And if you’re looking to get up close and personal with some aquatic animals, the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk can make for a memorable adventure. The marine mammal park is the largest in all of Europe and receives about 700,000 visitors per year, making it a popular tourist attraction. Having opened its doors in 1965, the park annually opens in the spring and closes for the year in the fall, using the winter season to carry out maintenance and exhibit upgrades.

Top Dolfinarium Attractions

The park is broken up into different areas, each of which highlight a marine mammal. These areas (and animals) include:

·       Harbor porpoises.
·       Bottle nosed dolphins.
·       Crabs, lobsters and fish.
·       Rays, sharks and more large fish.
·       Sea lions.
·       Walruses.
·       Harbor and grey seals.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Dolfijnendelta, which offers an area where dolphins can be observed underwater via a 60-meter glass wall. The tank that the dolphins are held in is the largest in the park at 15 million liters.

The park also holds many shows featuring its animals. Specifically, Dolfinarium hosts daily shows with its dolphins, sea lions, walruses, sea otters, harbor porpoises, sharks and rays.

The park also offers a special breakfast with the dolphins program and also features programs with dolphins designed for children with autism and down syndrome. A hotel is also in the works for the property, so that guests can stay and experience the park, furthering its reputation as one of the top things to do in Holland.

Location, Hours and Admission 

As we noted in the opening, Dolfinarium is open spring through fall and closes for the winter season. It also opens from December 26 through January 8 for a special holiday-themed experience. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the spring and fall, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months. Tickets start at €15,00 per person online, or €22.50 at the door. Group discounts are also available.

The park is located at Strandboulevard Oost 1, 3841 AB Harderwijk and can be accessed by car, train or bus. For those self-parking, the price is € 8,50.

Check out all our Dutch animal attractions and zoos.

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FAQ - Dolfinarium Harderwijk

What is Dolfinarium Harderwijk?

Dolfinarium Harderwijk is a marine mammal park located in Harderwijk, Netherlands, known for its collection of dolphins, seals, and sea lions. It is a popular destination for educational presentations and interactions with marine animals.

Visitors can see common bottlenose dolphins, Californian sea lions, common and gray seals, among other marine animals at the park. The Dolphin Delta and dolphin enclosures are highlights showcasing intelligent dolphins.

The blue dome is a characteristic structure at Dolfinarium Harderwijk, where dolphin presentations and interactive sessions with dolphins take place. It is an iconic part of the park, providing a space for visitors to enjoy shows.

Dolfinarium Harderwijk was owned by the French recreation company Compagnie des Alpes but is currently managed by Aspro Parks, a company known for running various amusement and water parks across Europe.

The SOS Dolfijn program is a rescue initiative at Dolfinarium Harderwijk aimed at helping stranded and injured marine mammals. It provides rehabilitation and care to ensure the safe release of these animals back into their natural habitat.

Dolfinarium Harderwijk offers educational presentations that teach visitors about marine mammals, animal welfare guidelines, and the behaviors of species such as dolphins and seals. These sessions are designed to be engaging for children and adults alike.

Yes, Dolfinarium Harderwijk is a family-friendly park with interactive shows, play areas, and attractions suited for children. The park hotel and nice water park facilities ensure a comfortable experience for families.

Ticket prices vary depending on the season and visitor age, with options for day passes and valid season tickets for regular guests. Special discounts may be available for season ticket holders or during promotions.

The decline in visitor numbers at Dolfinarium Harderwijk has been attributed to competition from other amusement parks, changing public opinions on animal welfare, and general shifts in tourism trends within the Netherlands.

Dolfinarium Harderwijk follows strict animal welfare guidelines to ensure the well-being of its animals. The park focuses on natural behaviors, proper care, and suitable environments for species like bottlenose dolphins and Californian sea lions.

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