There are a lot more things to do in The Netherlands aside from experience Dutch culture, history and attractions. And if you're looking to get up close and personal with some aquatic animals, the Dolfinarium in Harderwijk can make for a memorable adventure. The marine mammal park is the largest in all of Europe and receives about 700,000 visitors per year, making it a popular tourist attraction. Having opened its doors in 1965, the park annually opens in the spring and closes for the year in the fall, using the winter season to carry out maintenance and exhibit upgrades.
Top Dolfinarium Attractions The park is broken up into different areas, each of which highlight a marine mammal. These areas (and animals) include:
· Harbor porpoises.
· Bottle nosed dolphins.
· Crabs, lobsters and fish.
· Rays, sharks and more large fish.
· Sea lions.
· Walruses.
· Harbor and grey seals.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Dolfijnendelta, which offers an area where dolphins can be observed underwater via a 60-meter glass wall. The tank that the dolphins are held in is the largest in the park at 15 million liters.
The park also holds many shows featuring its animals. Specifically, Dolfinarium hosts daily shows with its dolphins, sea lions, walruses, sea otters, harbor porpoises, sharks and rays.
The park also offers a special breakfast with the dolphins program and also features programs with dolphins designed for children with autism and down syndrome. A hotel is also in the works for the property, so that guests can stay and experience the park, furthering its reputation as one of the top things to do in Holland.
Location, Hours and Admission As we noted in the opening, Dolfinarium is open spring through fall and closes for the winter season. It also opens from December 26 through January 8 for a special holiday-themed experience. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the spring and fall, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months. Tickets start at 15 Euros per person online, or 22.50 Euros at the door. Group discounts are also available.
The park is located at Strandboulevard Oost 1, 3841 AB Harderwijk and can be accessed by car, train or bus. For those self-parking, the price is 8.50 Euros.
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