The Research Eco-tour to RIMS planned for 5-12 January 2013 has been cancelled. But check out this page for info on upcoming trips!
Come Join DCP on a Research Expedition!
DCP is the only organization with researchers studying the behavior, communication and cognition of both captive and wild dolphins. Join us as we travel to Roatan to Anthony's Key Resort to study their dolphins. This group of bottlenose dolphins is perfect for both surface & underwater behavior observations & sound recordings.
DCP collaborates with the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) to study dolphins ranging in age from a few months to more than 30 years. Participants on this DCP eco-tour program assist with both data collection & data analyses. We observe these dolphins following the same protocol that we use at our study sites in the Bahamas and Japan.
2 dolphin swims & a dolphin encounter are reserved for each non-scuba diver participant.
Or, if you are a certified SCUBA diver ...
1 dolphin swim, 1 dolphin encounter & 1 dolphin dive are reserved for each scuba-certified DCP eco-tour participant.
Volunteer research assistants (diver or non-diver alike) will assist with surface observations and sound recordings on these dolphins. No previous experience is needed to join our trip.
Who: You! Join DCP on a trip to Roatan led by Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski. Each trip accommodates up to 12 participants. *Please note: children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian - absolutely no exceptions!!
What: DCP records the behavior and sounds of dolphins at RIMS, Anthony's Key Resort. We observe the dolphins following the same protocol for our studies of Atlantic spotted dolphins. Participants assist with data collection and analysis of video data.
Where: Anthony's Key Resort, Roatan, Honduras
When: Future dates TBA (Email us for the most up-to-date information regarding future trips, space, and availability!)
Cost: $1,765 per person per week (Returning DCP participants will receive a $75 discount on their trip fee.)
A 25% deposit will be needed to hold your space on the trip. The payment schedule for the remainder will be determined.
*Recieve a ~3% discount if you pay by check or money order. Please email Bill Sperling for details on paying by check.
Note: a portion of your ecotour trip fee may be tax-deductible. Consult your tax advisor for more details.
Included in the trip fee: Accommodations (dbl occ), all meals, airport transfers, 2 dolphin swims and 1 dolphin encounter (or 1 swim, 1 encounter and 1 dolphin dive for certified scuba divers), and entry to Bailey's Key Wildlife Sanctuary. Also included are horseback riding, hiking and kayaking. SCUBA divers receive: 3 single tank boat dives daily, 2 single tank night dives weekly, tanks, weights, and belt. Snorkelers receive: 2 daily guided boat trips. Each participant has the opportunity to assist with research on dolphins. By joining DCP's research, you have greater opportunities to be closer to the dolphins for longer periods of time and learn from the team who cares for them.
Air-conditioned rooms are also available upon request for an additional fee (subject to availability). If you want A/C, you must request this when making your reservation.
*Please note: children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian - absolutely no exceptions!!
Contact Bill Sperling for payment details. Credit card payments can be received through paypal. Or, to receive a ~3% discount, make check or money order payable to: Dolphin Communication Project. Please send payment to: DCP, P.O.Box 711, Old Mystic, CT 06372-0711.
SCUBA diving is included for certified divers through Anthony's Key Resort. Please contact Bill for more details about SCUBA diving opportunities. Also, if you wish to extend your time at Anthony's Key Resort, please contact Bill for details. Extending your time at the resort MUST be done prior to the beginning of your trip.
Get Involved 
captive and wild dolphins. Join us as we travel to Roatan to Anthony's Key Resort to study their dolphins. This group of bottlenose dolphins is perfect for both surface & underwater behavior observations & sound recordings.
be determined.
Included in the trip fee: Accommodations (dbl occ), all meals, airport transfers, 2 dolphin swims and 1 dolphin encounter (or 1 swim, 1 encounter and 1 dolphin dive for certified scuba divers), and entry to Bailey's Key Wildlife Sanctuary. Also included are horseback riding, hiking and kayaking. SCUBA divers receive: 3 single tank boat dives daily, 2 single tank night dives weekly, tanks, weights, and belt. Snorkelers receive: 2 daily guided boat trips. Each participant has the opportunity to assist with research on dolphins. By joining DCP's research, you have greater opportunities to be closer to the dolphins for longer periods of time and learn from the team who cares for them.