Dolfinarium — Attraction in Harderwijk

A Classic Day Out with a Splash of New

Having revisited the Dolphinarium after a few years, it's clear that while the core experience remains largely unchanged, the addition of the water park is a welcome boost, especially on hot summer days. Perfect for families with young children, it offers a refresh.

The park itself hasn’t undergone significant alterations, which is perhaps a good thing. It prioritizes the well-being of the animals over maximizing visitor experience. The dolphin show remains the star attraction. Securing a central seat is essential for optimal enjoyment, so arrive early. The walrus show is also worth catching, although the lack of shade can be uncomfortable on sunny days.

While the water park is a fun addition, the food options within the park are disappointing. The high prices don't justify the quality, so it's advisable to eat before or after your visit.

A word of caution for summer 2024 visitors: Due to construction, parking near the Dolphinarium is currently impossible. The nearest muncipality provided parking space is a 10-15 minute walk away, as indicated on their website. This inconvenience is actually a blessing in disguise, as it encourages visitors to explore the better food options available outside the park.

Plan for a full day at the Dolphinarium, especially with kids. The various animal enclosures and playgrounds can easily occupy 5-6 hours.

Key Points:

Water park: A great addition for families with young children. Dolphin show: A must-see, but arrive early for good seats. Walrus show: Enjoyable but consider the lack of shade. Food: Low quality for the price; eat outside the park. Parking: Currently unavailable due to construction; use alternative parking. Time: Allocate 5-6 hours for your visit, especially with kids. Overall: A classic experience with a modern twist, prioritizing animal welfare.

Tips: Arrive early for the dolphin show. Bring hats and sunscreen. Pack your own food and drinks. Utilize the water park on hot days. Be prepared for a walk from the nearest...

Dolfinarium is not a regular zoo/ aquarium, there are eight shows (3 main and five educationl) that you can visit throughout the day. We only managed to come to six of them. Additionally, several viewing points to see the dolphins and walruses, and the stingray and shark basin. We visited on a Sunday at the end of July, so it was packed. All the shows are quickly filled and it is hard to enjoy it when you have to struggle to even find a decent spot. We came 10 minutes before the main show, Aqua Bella, and the only seats left are on the side end. Due to the decor on the pool obstructing the view, this is the worst place possible to watch the show. In general, the shows are nice but not so spectacular. On the other hand, however, this indicates that the animals are not trained excessively, if you compared to the performance of the circus animals.

The many playgrounds are a nice touch to entertain the kids in between the shows. I do think, however, more greenery would be great, especially for a sunny day. We didn't go to the beach but the waterpark instead. Don't know about food because we brought our own and only bought coffee and ice cream in the park.

Be aware that all the shows are in Dutch, but you can still follow the story in the main shows without. I would hope that the viewing area for the shows are improved, so that it is not only to accommodate as many people possible, but also...

I recently took my three nieces to Dolfinarium for a special holiday treat, and it was truly unforgettable. Since I moved to Den Haag for work, I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like—maybe just a few times a year. So, this day meant a lot to all of us, and Dolfinarium made it even more special.

The girls were absolutely captivated by the dolphins, sea lions, and walruses. Their eyes sparkled during the dolphin show—it was magical to see how the animals performed and interacted with their trainers. We also enjoyed the underwater viewing areas, where they could watch colorful fish and other sea creatures swim right up close.

There are so many fun activities for kids! They had a blast at the water playground and loved learning about marine life through the interactive exhibits. The “Oceanica” area, with its tunnel aquarium, was a huge hit—it felt like we were walking under the sea!

Of course, no outing is complete without snacks! The food options were perfect for kids—fries, pancakes, and ice cream brought big smiles all around. It was easy to find something for everyone, and the staff was incredibly friendly.

Dolfinarium gave me and my nieces a day filled with joy, laughter, and connection. It was a wonderful way to create new memories together, and I can’t wait to take them back again next year.

I highly recommend it for families looking for a fun and...