Visiting the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys!

The Tula Shop: tulasendlesssum... The dolphin research center on Grassy Key (right next to Marathon) was a perfect way to spend the day. They do a ton of research as well as training and it is just amazing to see how smart and social these mammals are. In just a few hours we got to know some of the dolphins, high five and pet them, see a bunch of training and tricks, and even see some research sessions which will help scientists learn more about them. We highly recommend checking out the center if you are in the Florida Keys. dolphins.org/
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[@deckert618]

My wife and I just visited there 2 days ago. It was one of the greatest experiences of our lives! The dolphins are very obviously happy and well cared for, and the idea that they are prisoners is ridiculous. Any of them could quite easily leave at any time they wanted to

[@ilikeminecraftgaming9331]

Yeah.I was thinking how easy it was to clear the fence.

[@sc1212able]

This video brought a few tears, I was involved in the rescue of WINTER the dolphin, for those not familiar with the story, Winters tail was severely damaged and had to be amputated and she was refitted with a prosthetic tail at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, she became a star, people come from all over the world to see her, they even made two movies about her, Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2, and my niece, Nashville recording artist Caroline Kole wrote and recorded the soundtrack for the first movie, there is a video on KZbin of her performing Winter the Dolphin, The Clearwater Aquarium is a must visit when visting Florida and you can meet the most famous of all Bottle nose dolphin.

[@samiamisme]

What an amazing experience that must have been!🤗

[@sdevilx1074]

YES I GO THERE EVERY TIME I VISIT KEY WEST I LOVE IT

[@samiamisme]

The one dolphin squealing after each kiss reminded me of little kids saying, again! So cute. Great video.

[@willmoritz5493]

That lady from the DRC seems like an awesome person, such a great smile and attitude, I bet y'all really enjoyed that visit!! I know we enjoyed watching it! Stay safe and keep the entertaining videos coming

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

It was a blast! Thanks for watching!

[@MsStrong30]

There are not words to describe how much I enjoy watching you videos! You two are doing what I wanted to do 30 years ago. Thanks so much for sharing your life and your love!

[@billberry557]

I felt as usual this is a great video, and shows two people who have gone outside of the comfort zone most of us would stay within venturing into areas we seldom see from our computer screens at home. Please keep up the good work, and sharing your lives with all of the armchair sailors viewing your travels.

[@gregparker237]

Stupid people make stupid comments. After hurricane Katrina the Dolphins in Gulfport were set free for safety. After a couple days they all came back from being set free.. I was there.. thanks again guys for a great video.

[@linda-MyLifeAndOtherAnecdotes]

Questions though: why were they held captive to begin with? And if they were released and chose to return, why are they being held captive again? I’m just wondering why they wouldn’t have a more open ocean set up so the dolphins can come and go as they please if as you mentioned, they chose to return on their own volition? I’m trying to understand and make sense of what’s actually happening here, but at face value it’s not looking any different than Sea World and other profit-for- captivity water parks and that’s a little hard to swallow given what takes place in Japan for example. If you have legitimate insight, that would actually be appreciated, cuz I’m finding this footage bothersome to be honest so more info would be great. 🙂

[@miggzvaldivia5786]

Love your videos. It's like I'm on a mini vacation every time I watch.

[@JettytheGypsy]

Miggz Valdivia thanks for watching!

[@jamesbulldogmiller]

Thanks for showing us that! That is cool what they're doing

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@Donbragg1]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

[@michelleellsworth3886]

was missing you guys. so glad you posted a vlog. can't wait for another one. great job guys. Michelle and Harley kisses and hugs to Jetty.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

She sends lots of love your way!:)

[@SGudur]

This was so lovely.. Thank you for sharing such a nice video..

[@clayfarnet970]

Wow, so cool. Another wonderful and informative video. I'll definitely check that place out. Fair winds!!!

[@JettytheGypsy]

Clay Farnet thanks! You will learn a lot!

[@jdmac62]

Thanks for posting my pic at the end of this video at 6:27!

[@craftyladydi]

The dolphins seem pretty happy being in captivity. Were coming down for mini lobster season will are going to try and stop by the Dolphin Research Center. Thanks for the video :)

[@JettytheGypsy]

craftyladydi have fun!!!:):)

[@craftyladydi]

You could see when the dolphins jump high, they must be thinking if they could scale the fence to be free,after all they are smart. :)

[@dannyhalstead6524]

Guys this video was one of your best. Please do not let the negative folks dissuade you from future efforts in this area.

[@randallmurphree2053]

They are good company when you are alone on the boat and they just show up and .take the lead. Good video

[@samuelconnolly4549]

I love the layout of the video!!! Especially the part when you’re on the dinghy. Also I loved the interview with the lady!

[@JettytheGypsy]

Samuel Connolly thank you:):)

[@xavierdebeuf5776]

You 2 are such good People!!! Amazing!! Thank you 😍😍😍

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you!!!:)

[@robertniles1781]

Have spent lots of time snorkelling and SCUBA diving at Marathon and sombrero reef. Great video as usual.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you!

[@onthebeaches]

What a great video! Nice that there are places like this for our friendly dolphins! THANKS GUYS! PEACE OUT!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevemuskett9553]

Always great videos!

[@bill4nier]

Wow, such negative comments. 😲 I thought the video of the center was pretty neat! Thanks for sharing!! 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JettytheGypsy]

bill4nier thanks for being positive :)

[@alphasxsignal]

I thought it was very nice too. The take care of them very well.

[@gregparker237]

Freaking awesome!! thanks you guys

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank YOU!

[@RandyR1422]

Loved the video. To tell you the truth this was one of my favorite ones. Don’t pay attention to negative comment, everyone will have a different way of seeing things. Keep it up guys AWESOME JOB!!!! 🤙🏻🤙🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻⛵️⛵️

[@zzzxxzzz4797]

That was super cool ! Thanks for sharing 😎 I'm taking a whistle with me next time I go sailing and see 🐬 dolphins

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

😂

[@Craigs_car_care]

Guy's I see both sides of the fence and am not going to try and form or express an opinion on this platform, Don't let any of the negative stuff get to you. You are very good people and if anything you positively raised awareness about rehabilitation centers and will keep the conversation going for a better future. Thanks for sharing. I think if people have very strong feelings about the center they should be calling them to ask the hard questions and not focusing on where you personally go to learn and explore with personal attacks.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Agreed thanks for the input Craig!:)

[@edsmetaldetecting31]

Awesome!! Best video yet and love the interaction you guys had at the research center. Documentary style!!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks Ed!

[@kmoves2760]

Dolphin Research Center is one of my favorite places!!!!!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

We loved it too!!

[@brianpetersen3429]

Great video! Nice to see humans interacting with dolphins (or dogs) in a respectful, intelligent manner.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks for watching!!:$

[@cruisingwithlarsen4576]

Great video as always. Thanks!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobbland5744]

Thanks for sharing

[@gogs1468]

Thanks, that was fascinating and educational.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you for watching!

[@hankjohns4095]

Loved this episode! Hoping to bring my 9 yr old down to the Keys next winter and Dolphin Research Center was on my radar. I love following you two because you are giving me cruising ideas for when I get to visit.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Yay awesome the aquarium was cool too!

[@lov2playtn]

Hi Billy...talked with you at the PB Paddlefest while you were getting ready for the race. You are a really nice fellow. Love your videos of the three of you...looking always forward for the next one...Pete

[@reelchaoscharters3605]

Thanks Jetty..

[@debbymost8548]

Love love love! You guys are so authentic and normal! : ) Keep on having fun forever.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks! We will try!!!

[@alphasxsignal]

Jetty was listening and heard Dog friendly,,, Nice video

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you:)

[@garyfreeman8523]

Great video. Your channel is the best, fun, informative, and exciting.

[@JettytheGypsy]

Gary Freeman thank you!!:)

[@joanstump285]

great video like always guys. you are really making rethink key west and go to marathon instead.

[@rmacsrmaddog2192]

I didn't want this video to end.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Sorry! We will have another one out soon!

[@scottpetrone6284]

Both of you have been good decent people what does why many people follow your Channel. Keep On Keepin On. Fair Winds and following Seas.... Bravo Zulu!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

:):) thanks for watching!

[@oldtimergoalie1]

Thank you Billy and Sierra for the video. I really enjoyed it.

[@JettytheGypsy]

Thomas Schreiber thanks for watching :)

[@brucekrupke8085]

Great video, keep them coming! Think I'll visit that place if I'm in the Keys..

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

It is worth the stop!:)

[@MsRandiCook]

Awesome video! The next time I am in Florida, definitely going to look up this place!

[@JettytheGypsy]

Randi Cook it is worth it! Thanks for watching!:)

[@Rob89139]

People please, enough with the negativity already. Sierra and Billy are two of the most genuine people on the planet and you're throwing shade because they are sharing an adventure we all envy, seriously? Keep doing what you're doing you two, live your dream, haters could learn a thing or two from you.

[@JettytheGypsy]

Rob B 🤗 you are awesome!

[@Rob89139]

You guys are the awesome ones..... and I have to admit, Jetty’s got it going on as well. Thanks for sharing the adventure, it’s so appreciated

[@gilby1795]

thank you.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you!

[@billroberts4910]

When I was a teen and a surfer, I was once surrounded by a pod of dolphins. They allowed me to touch them and stuck around for five minutes. I had huge goosebumps for an hour.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

They are super friendly! We have surfed with a pod of the too in North Florida :)

[@laurieswezey2867]

They’re soooo adorable !

[@bobn1378]

Thanks that was informative

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Your welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@kaypotter9097]

Reminds me of the place in Finding Dory, since it's right next to the ocean

[@paulcondie9932]

another awesome vid!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you!

[@jensen7194]

Love You Guys!!!...DO You know They are as smart as We are??...just in their water environment!?....GO GUYS1!!

[@MrHAPPYHAWAIIAN]

jensen7194 if they are smart as us, why do they keep ending up in my tuna fish can?😩

[@JettytheGypsy]

They just found out they can add numbers!

[@fishbrains29]

looks like Jetty is loving it too.

[@dejanira2]

Very cool video! The dolphins looked like a cool show. 🙂🙂

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you very much!

[@anythingplants4434]

Could you guys do an episode on boating basics? Like signs, flags, laws, where is it good/not good to anchor, some of the lingo? Please and thanks

[@VicsYard]

Playing catch up on your videos. Gotta get back up to speed peeps!!!! Vic

[@shmo183]

You guys should check out foldable bicycles. You could easily store them on the boat without taking up much room. Cheers, love the videos. ✌🏼

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

We have thought about it! But everything rust so easily... for now our skateboards will do!:)

[@KCautodoctor]

I never realized there were so many professional marine biologist watching this channel. The comments read like a bunch of talking points from radical animal rights groups. Did any one actually look into the history of the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Keys, Florida? How about all the rescue & rehabilitation work they do for all the injured dolphins in the Florida Keys and many of the states along the Gulf Coast? How about all the US federal regulations they must follow in order to keep dolphins in captivity? People should really educate themselves before leaving such wildly inaccurate comments on this video.

[@Domhpd]

Someone always has something to complain about, if it not the dolphins, its the snails or "save the sand fleas" Like you stated, this facility has done so much good for these animals, but people refuse educate themselves and just go off at the mouth, or fingers in this instance.

[@JettytheGypsy]

You rock 🤗

[@crarls27]

They can do all the ‘research and conservation’ they want - but forcing animals to perform for human entertainment is wrong. That’s what people are upset about. It’s not ‘extreme’ to care about other creatures.

[@Domhpd]

you and many others are always welcome to stand outside the location with your signs

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

They are not forced to perform. While we were there we saw one dolphin give signs that he did not want to interact. They then moved on to the next who was happy to offer a high five.

[@rebawhite4903]

fun for all

[@shanemcmahon4812]

It's heaven!

[@stspinks1]

That is awesome!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you!

[@danasims2446]

Awesome Video...Stay Safe❤️❤️❤️

[@frankrice5364]

WOW WOW WOW

[@captandy34449]

Very cool!!!!!!! Thanks!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks for watching !

[@PrincefromJacksonvillefl]

Off-topic...you guys have genuine Beautiful Smiles

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you:)

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you:)

[@reelchaoscharters3605]

Another good video guys, really enjoy watching you guys live out your dreams of leaving on a boat. But not sure how I feel about these poor animals in pens doing tricks for food.

[@JettytheGypsy]

Reel Chaos Charters thanks. And I agree but under certain circumstances when a dolphin has beached itself or become entangled the DCR would take them in. If they show they cannot eco locate or cannot demonstrate that they can feed themselves then they are deemed un releasable. They just would not survive in the wild😕 . Now many of the dolphins were born at the Center and have never physically lived in the wild. Which yes is very heartbreaking. But I feel very confident that they are conducting everything at the highest quality possible to give the dolphins there best chance and the best life they could have. Research also helps understand more about the species in a whole. By knowing how they think, eat, associate with each other helps protect and people figure out the best ways to preserve the entire species... just some food for thought :)

[@leonbeck6254]

Awesome vidieo😎🐠

[@Sun-Soul]

Aw guys! You're taking a lot of hits on this video! At least a comment and even a thumbs down brings in revenue! Just learn what you can. Sure, there are some trolls, but most are well meaning. I agree, any Being in captivity for our entertainment is just wrong. If they need rehab of some kind, we are good to do it and then release when possible. If we can live happy healthy lives without harming another Being, why wouldn't we? Sierra is learning so much about the sea and all it's beautiful Beings, and I know you are great people! I love to hear her tell us about the animals in and around the ocean. I appreciate you sharing what you learned. Take away any compassion you can here and move on. No one has a right to judge you! We all have to see and experience to learn things. Many people will see your video and learn to be compassionate in all circumstances. Thank you for being brave and showing us your day! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JettytheGypsy]

Sun Soul thanks! :) look into the place a little more and you will find out all the great rescues they have done:). There dolphins now were either rescued and deemed unreleasable or born into the facility. But they had done multiple rescues up and down Florida :)

[@Sun-Soul]

❤️❤️❤️

[@derfwt1]

Love those dolpins

[@alphasxsignal]

These places save many Dolphins too.

[@sweetfreedommediallc5580]

I Love Marathon, FL

[@ss442es]

Thanks, "Seaworld on a budget!" That was fun.........

[@BushImports]

So what sort of diving lessons are you taking, scuba? Nice video, I always did like dolphins, I think probably most people do.

[@harleco1]

Great video!

[@JettytheGypsy]

Harley McCorcle thank you!

[@justincutts9529]

For artificial reefs if I can cast a 100 lb concrete reef component 5 times a yr and place it in the same place I can construct an artificial reef in 10 yrs of sailing home waters. If we make standardized interlocking pieces and a website map, assuming others participate, cruisers could contribute over the long term as well.

[@anthonyholmesoutdoors1837]

uhoh You guys seem to have gotten a lot of negative people commenting in your comments section. Sorry about that. I still think you guys are great and thank you for bringing us along on your adventures in Marathon. Keep up the good work and don't let the negative comments get you down.

[@JettytheGypsy]

Anthony Holmes thanks for watching!!:):)

[@4.9copblank49]

Wow, those are pretty big fish.

[@stevemccormick4938]

Mammals, not fish

[@Rhoedision]

Awsum video guys

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you!

[@rickseifert9040]

I always wanted to go there. I wanted to work there when I was younger until I realized my brain doesn’t work in chemistry and calculus needed to get a biology degree. Did they say how they acquired their resident dolphins?

[@JettytheGypsy]

Rick Seifert all the dolphin there were either rescued, born at the facility, and I believe two were already at the center when it was taken over by the current owners (many years ago). They can help rescue dolphin by using their equipment and hospital but they cannot bring in any new dolphin because there has been a disease going around that could seriously harm the dolphin by bringing in anyone new 😔

[@rickseifert9040]

Oh ok, that's really cool. There is a similar place up in Clearwater where they take in sick dolphins and turtles in hopes to release them. They have resident dolphins that can't be released as well. One of them is "Winter". Check that place out if you're ever up the west coast. Thanks for the info.

[@williamswezey6715]

hi jetty!!!!!

[@davecheney8501]

😍😍❤❤❤❤❤ you guys and Jetty

[@JettytheGypsy]

Dave Cheney ruff ruff!

[@beeamerican3767]

you said jetty was jealous be glad it wasn't a dogfish my favorite are pelicans there's such Wise Old Birds

[@Gregory39]

Hi guys, great video again. My wife and I are about to begin our boat buying process, here in Flordia for the first time! We're considering not using a broker, but would welcome any advice you may have on this process!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

We have never used a broker so we cannot really recommend a good one. We did all of our searching through craigslist, sailboat listing, boat trader, and pretty much any boating classifieds you can think of. Every few years boat yards do auctions as well and you can usually score a good deal there. :)

[@Gregory39]

Tula's Endless Summer Yea we found a boat online which we are planning to check out this weekend. Hopefully all goes well, thanks again.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

If you aren't very familiar with boats definitely hire a good surveyor. Try not to go with the surveyor your broker recommends...

[@Gregory39]

Tula's Endless Summer Good point! We're not going to use a broker, however we are using a surveyor that we found online from All Florida Marine Survey. Cross fingers if there are no major issues, we will go forward with the purchase and be liveaboards relatively soon!

[@George39280]

I was wondering if you had given any thought to diving to see Jesus of the Abyss. It is in the area of the keys, and from what I have been told it is only 25 ft below the surface. If you do decide to go there, please pose some video of it.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

When we passed by it was super windy and the visibility was not very good. We will definitely try to stop next time:)

[@vincecappello2202]

Hey great video

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks!!:)

[@BadLaryRy]

Jack Hanna needs to watch out. LoL. You need to have Tula and Neverland in the intro always. They brought you this far. Jus sayin. Come back to the north east when it's warm and everything isn't closed.

[@BadLaryRy]

And for the record. Of all the KZbin's I follow your t-shirt was the first article of "merch" I've ever purchased . I won't send you a pic until the boats back in the water. By then I'll have a hoodie as well. I thank the 4 of you for awesome content

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thanks for watching Ryan!

[@bobspamail]

After seeing this I want to visit the Dolphin Research Center.

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Check it out it was awesome!

[@alanwheelock1460]

I miss flipper

[@Foxykkj]

Omg I love your channel 💖 #notificationsquad also you are one of the most friendly , kind channels ever!

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Thank you!! 😀😀

[@chigrashark5592]

When will you be selling t-shirts and hoodies again?

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

They are out now at the Tula Shop tulasendlesssummer.com/shop-tula/ :-)

[@133dave133]

Have you guys had any scary experiences with free diving?

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

Nope! Knock on wood! We have lost a fish wile spear fishing to a friendly shark though. At least someone got dinner

[@nwbackcountry5327]

It's torture to keep a dolphin in a cage, no matter how pretty that cage may be. They are sentient beings. Watch "The Cove".

[@messix7768]

did you happen to see how the dolphin can jump? do you think those dolphin could jump the pen nets? some more critical thinking might be needed here.

[@nwbackcountry5327]

Of course, you are right. It's obvious the dolphins are in the cages by their own freewill. How could I be so uncritical?

[@nicoandalysa]

NWBackcountry they look pretty happy to me

[@nicoandalysa]

Kurt Loeffler you tell me since you seem to know. I can tell you that if you look in the mirror you will see what a miserable human being looks like.

[@gregparker237]

Yup I second that lmao

[@jazminbarragan79]

❤️

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

😃

[@DLO1158]

This day of social media is both beneficial and at the same time not. People are so quick to judge and be negative with little to no information. It's hard to understand what the negative comments are really even supposed to accomplish. It isn't going to make the center disappear and I mean are they upset at you for showing the center, you didn't build it. It's unfortunate that people are so eager to tear others down. I am in a group on facebook that is a cruisers page and there is so much negative comments about the couple to left Tarpon Springs and sunk their sailboat 2 days in. I was surprised and disappointed, as I have most found cruisers to be positive and encouraging. I say ignore them the best you can and keep the positive energy going.

[@edwardleffler7738]

Since Sierra has a background in stuff like this what was she like there? Did she do any I'm a know it all? Or was she humble and respectable?

[@Tulasendlesssummer]

I like to learn from others and always try to be respectful as possible.

[@bayardtaylor4704]

What kind of camera do you use ?

[@JettytheGypsy]

Bayard Taylor iPhones or GoPro :)

[@midisax]

Tried to order a T-Shirt today, but your PayPal account would not accept payment.

[@JettytheGypsy]

Peter Ballin hi! We will try to have the issue resolved by tomorrow!:) thank you

[@carolinabeacher1558]

i bet them dolphins are doing some research on the humans as well, they probably think, man these humans are easily amused

[@JonParrYucatan]

Or, "These humans are so cruel. They won't let us out into the sea to live our lives as we were intended to". :(