Our 2024 RIMS Ecotour program date is set!
5-12 October 2024 – space available!
Come Join DCP on a Research Expedition!
And do some SCUBA diving and/or snorkeling, too!
DCP is the only organization with researchers studying the acoustics, behavior, communication, physiology, and cognition of both wild dolphins and those in managed care.
Join us as we travel to Roatan, Honduras, to Anthony’s Key Resort to study their dolphins at the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS). This group of bottlenose dolphins is perfect for both surface and underwater behavior observations and passive acoustic sound recordings.
DCP collaborates with the RIMS staff to study dolphins ranging in age from a few months to more than 35 years. Participants on this DCP ecotour program assist with both data collection and data analyses — as much or as little as you’d like! We observe these dolphins following the same protocol that we use at our study site in the Bahamas. Check out the DCP methods page for more details on our protocols.
NO PREVIOUS RESEARCH 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 16 participants, unless identified as limited space. *Please note: children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian – absolutely no exceptions!!
What: DCP records the behavior and sounds of the bottlenose dolphins at RIMS, Anthony’s Key Resort. We observe the dolphins following the same protocol for our studies of Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas. Participants assist with data collection and analysis of video data to confirm dolphin IDs.
Where: Anthony’s Key Resort, Roatan, Honduras
When: 5-12 October 2024
Send us an email to info {at} dcpmail {dot} org to request the most up-to-date information regarding future trips, space, and availability!
Cost: See below for diver and snorkeler rates in Key or Hill Superior rooms, which include air conditioning and a small mini fridge. Rates include 19% hotel tax.
Key Superior Diver: $2,450.00
Key Superior Snorkeler: $2,350.00
Hill Superior Diver: $2,050.00
Hill Superior Snorkeler: $1,950.00
Deposit: A $200 USD/person nonrefundable deposit is required to hold your space on DCP’s Ecotour program. After receiving your deposit, your remaining balance can be split into two payments. 50% of balance due 30 April 2024; final balance due by 30 June 2024. (Note, a 3.5% convenience fee is added for credit card payments. Contact DCP for information.)
Note: a portion of your ecotour trip fee may be tax-deductible. Consult your tax adviser for more details.
Also: These costs are based on double occupancy and include lodging, three meals a day and more (see below). Contact DCP for more details about trip logistics. Bottled water, alcohol and soda are available for a small fee. Airfare and Honduran departure taxes are NOT included.
Included in the trip fee: Accommodations (dbl occ), all meals, airport transfers on Roatan, and entry to Bailey’s Key Wildlife Sanctuary. Also included are hiking, paddle boarding, 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 daily research on dolphins. By joining DCP’s research, you have greater opportunities to be closer to the dolphins for longer periods of time as well as to learn from the team who 
cares for them.
*Please note: children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian – absolutely no exceptions!!
Contact DCP for payment details. Credit card payments can be received through PayPal or Square. Make check or money order payable to: Dolphin Communication Project. Please send payment to: DCP, P.O. Box 7485, Port St. Lucie, FL, 34985, USA.
SCUBA diving is included for certified divers through Anthony’s Key Resort. Please contact DCP (info [at] dcpmail [dot] org) for more details about SCUBA diving opportunities. Also, let us know in advance if you wish to extend your time at Anthony’s Key Resort. Extending your time at the resort MUST be done prior to the beginning of your trip.
More videos from Dolphin Communication Project on Vimeo and YouTube.