Many adults — and likely the vast majority of children — love dolphinariums. Shows with these intelligent mammals are always fun and exciting. If you've never been to a dolphinarium before, we recommend visiting the one in Batumi.
History
The first dolphinarium in the Soviet Union was established in 1975. It became one of the symbols of Batumi and was extremely popular among tourists. Every traveler wanted to see this curiosity — the lines were enormous. Unfortunately, during the perestroika period, the dolphinarium declined due to a lack of funding and proper care. It was soon demolished, and the marine animals were sent to Cyprus.
For quite a long time, the residents of Batumi were left without this fascinating attraction. But in 2009, an unknown benefactor gifted the city a new dolphinarium, which quickly became very popular.
Complex information
Finding the dolphinarium is very easy - it is located on the way to the beach, in the 6th May Park, to be more precise - at 51 Rustaveli Street. The facility is small but spacious, accommodating up to 700 spectators. The complex has three pools and is divided into four sectors. Visitors are protected from the weather by a canopy. There are ramps for strollers and facilities for people with disabilities. Additionally, the dolphinarium complex features:
Show performances
Every day, except Mondays, you can attend a 40-minute show. The main stars of the dolphinarium - two baby dolphins and eight adults - perform twice a day (at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM).
The trainers interact with the audience in two languages:
The peak season with the highest attendance is from May to September. During the colder months, the performances are less frequent, mainly on weekends.
Prices
Tickets for the show cost:
- Daytime show (16:00)
20 GEL;
- Evening shows (19:00 and 21:00)
25 GEL.
Children under 6 enter for free (if no separate seat is required).
Please note that during the summer it may be difficult to get a seat, so it is recommended to buy tickets in advance or visit the ticket office before opening at 10:00.
The dolphinarium also offers a paid activity — swimming with dolphins (15 minutes):
- For children aged 5 to 16
150 GEL;
- For adults (16 and older)
200 GEL.
Advance booking is required for swimming, preferably one week before your desired date.
More information and ticket reservations can be found on the official website: dolphinarium.ge.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's start with the disadvantages:
In the past, the dolphinarium's program was much more entertaining, featuring not only dolphins but also seals and sea lions, and the shows were longer. The dolphinarium itself was more spacious.
The main drawback of the modern dolphinarium is that it is outdoor. The canopy does not provide much protection in case of severe weather. If you expect that the shows are canceled in the rain, you are mistaken - they are held in any weather.
Another unpleasant nuance is that if you want to stay dry towards the end of the show, get tickets for the 5th row and above.
The advertised 40-minute duration of the show is not accurate - in reality, the show lasts a maximum of 25 minutes. There is also an issue with languages: trainers mainly speak in Georgian and English, so if you don't know these languages, you can only watch the show without fully understanding it.
The acts are short and somewhat boring. There are very few of them. The only positive moment is when the trainer selects children from the audience to interact with the dolphins.
The dolphin pool is very small, and it seems crowded for the animals.
Unfortunately, there are fewer advantages:
Affordability - one of the lowest prices.
The new building of the dolphinarium.
The show may appeal to tourists who have not been to such places before and have nothing to compare it with.
