the institute for marine mammal studies

Gozzies

At IMMS, they do a fantastic job of educating the public and rehabilitating the animals and releasing them, if possible. Plus, the staff is very friendly, they don't appear burned out from their jobs, and they actually want you to ask questions and become more knowledgeable. I felt welcomed and that people genuinely cared about their jobs and the animals. Also, it's very clean which says a lot. Nice afternoon. Make reservations in advance.

wooble5

It is a fun and educational experience right here in gulfport. Great for tourists and locals alike.Learn about sealife rehabilitaion and rescue, see dolphins feed the stingrays.... a great place. Great price.

blakeo105

Went with my child on a field trip, and thoroughly enjoyed the day! The dolphin show was great! Recommend.

CopperAddict

I did the morning tour, on one of the colder days that Gulfport has seen this year. NOTE - Some portions of the tour are OUTSIDE!!I wasn't aware of this when I booked, but it was still worth it. I really enjoyed learning more about the various marine life that is present in the gulf coast area.I think that young kids would really enjoy getting to see a lot of these things on the smaller scale that this institute offers over say SeaWorld.The touch tanks were really neat, and I enjoyed getting to feel what a shark and ray felt like under water.I would really like to go back in the summer when it is warmer again!

JBeaullieu

We were totally impressed with all that you get to do for the price. Our whole family was completely entertained for at least two hours. Would definitely recommend!!

Jclua

We had a great time. Our group was small and we went at o 30 so everyone was fresh and it was still pleasant out. The animals are adorable. The presentations are informative. The staff is courteous. Highly recommend.

RosieRose63

Entertaining and educational. The friendly and informative staff take you on a tour with wonderful animals. So enjoyed it! Can't wait to go back in the Summer to swim with the dolphins! Very inexpensive and worth way more than it costs.

cloggy70

Who knew you could meet dolphins here in Gulfport!!!! Yes they are open from April till October to meet and greet the animals. So much to learn and see. My son had a blast, I know your kids will too. And best you don't have to visit exotic places to see them...

stymie49

my wife and i were there this past september. very educational adventure for both adults and children. learned many new things from the well prepared staff. a great experience for children.

love2travelPei

I highly recommend The Institute to everyone. It is great for both kids and adults of all ages. Both myself and my 83 year old mother learned a lot and enjoyed it. Kids would love it. The staff were great. After we returned home we were still talking about how much we enjoyed the experience.

StephanieSwindle

Our family had a great time! There was so many hands on activities. Everyone loved the dolphin and seal lion show. The boys were so excited to adopt our sea turtle Benjamin. We will be back every time we are in Gulfport!

747emilyc

I visited The Instatute for Marine and Animal studies with my husband and 3 kids (2, 5, 8) and we all had a great time! I've never been so close to a dolphin or shark before! This was a great experience!!! We will definitely visit again!

valeriem300

Visited today and had a great time. Our guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. This is not Sea World, this is a rescue and rehab facility where they do demonstrations and educational talks. There was plenty of time to ask questions and we were well entertained. I would recommend this for families or retired folks like us.

seeingstars5

We visited the IMMS from Edinburgh Scotland in the UK for my wife and daughter who always wanted to swim or interact with dolphins. Well we were greeted by Ilene who was very friendly and welcoming and made our visit an excellent one. We were also given a private talk and show around the information centre by Skipper who was also fantastic and very welcoming and informative and new his stuff. My wife had the interaction which is where she got in to the pool and fed and played with Bo the only female dolphin at the centre. My wife was over the moon and was thrilled that she had got her wish which was to swim or be in a pool interacting with dolphins.My 15 yr old daughter which was a surprise for her had an experience with Buster and again she was over the moon with doing that and couldn't believe that she got to kiss and cuddle with Buster.I would like to say thank you to all the staff at the IMMS for doing what you do for these amazing creatures and that we highly recommend your centre for any one to go and visit and give there full support to you. Well done we will be visiting again in the future.

ObiKAH

We came for me to have the dolphin encounter. My time with Buster was great. I took a spectator and he enjoyed the show add much as I enjoyed my visit. The flash drive was filled with great pictures and they were very accommodating to my fiance in a wheelchair.