Off-Site Programs

Deep Dive Into CMA: A Working Marine Animal Hospital (K-Adult)

Dive deep into our mission: preserving our environment and inspiring the human spirit through leadership in marine life rescue, rehabilitation, release, environmental education, research, and conservation. Immerse yourself in videos showcasing recent rescue efforts and witness firsthand the expansion of our aquarium. Uncover exciting career opportunities at a dynamic working marine animal hospital and set your sights on a future dedicated to oceanic stewardship and discovery!

TAIL TALK (K– Adult)

Winter the dolphin is CMA’s most popular resident. Her amazing story of survival has inspired millions around the world. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of Winter’s rescue, get up-close and personal with Winter’s tail, and learn how her ongoing progress is benefiting people and animals across the globe. The maximum capacity for this program is 100 participants.

SEA TURTLE NESTING (PRE K– Adult)

CMA works to protect sea turtle nests up and down Pinellas County’s coastlines. Learn all about the loggerhead sea turtle life cycle. Examine the anatomy of the sea turtle, including hands-on time with real turtle shells and skulls. (Participants will have an interactive experience as we simulate the conservation efforts of our sea turtle staff.) The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

NO BONES ABOUT IT! (K– 12th Grade)

This program focuses on invertebrates. Learn all about the Gulf of Mexico’s smaller inhabitants that call CMA home through this hands-on look at sea stars, crabs, and sea urchins. The program will focus on describing these animals using our five senses, comparing and contrasting locomotion modalities, and discussing survival adaptations. Participants can apply what they have learned by touching some of these creatures to see how these spineless animals have adapted to live on our ocean floor.The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

FLIPPING FOR DOLPHINS (4th Grade- Adult)

Have a class full of future marine mammal trainers? Flipping for Dolphins focuses solely on the work done by CMA with our three resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The program will discuss learned and natural behaviors and how psychology plays a role in animal care as we discuss the biography of each of CMA’s resident dolphins. Students will learn about training methods, operate conditioning, and positive reinforcement as they apply real training methodology in an interactive activity by “training” one another to do fun behaviors. The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

DOLPHIN DEPUTIES (PRE K- 2nd Grade)

Students discover the positive and negative impact humans can have on the oceans and coastal environments through the stories of our resident animal ambassadors. We will discuss ocean hazards and play “Scan your Can” – a recycling game that focuses on how sorting garbage can help save the planet. By the end of the program, each class member will be dubbed a “Dolphin Deputy.”The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.