How to Spend a Perfect 4 Hours at Dolfinarium Harderwijk: An Honest Review
Watching Dolphins Together
We visited the Dolfinarium in 2017. It is located in Harderwijk, Netherlands and is the largest marine mammal park in Europe. Since childhood, I was always fascinated by dolphins and loved watching their shows on television. So, you can imagine my excitement when Mehran told me about the existence of Dolfinarium in Netherlands.
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Arriving At Dolfinarium
- Via Train or Bus: Harderwijk is centrally located within the Netherlands and easily reached by train via Amersfoort or Zwolle, with direct bus links waiting right at the station. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to easily make your way to the heart of the country and experience the incredible Dolfinarium Harderwijk. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Netherlands
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Tickets & Information
If you are planning your own visit, the entry ticket is 21.50 Euros if purchased online. We spent around 4 hours at the Dolfinarium. The facility houses dolphins, walruses, seals, sharks, rays and other fish.
Catching the Live Marine Mammal Shows
As we entered, we noticed that it was feeding time for the walruses so we rushed to the area where walruses are fed. The performance lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes and we enjoyed it a lot.
Then, we moved to the area where dolphins were kept outdoors in a water body. The area was well maintained and the dolphins were jumping around and squeaking. Next, we watched the seal show which was as good as the walrus show.
Indoor Aquariums and Interactive Exhibits
There was also an indoor area where one could touch small sharks and rays under the care of the park staff.
However, the absolute highlight of our trip was the dolphin show. It lasted around 20 minutes and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Final Remarks
The trip would have been incomplete without visiting the park shop. We bought a cute blue dolphin stuffed toy from the shop and it is something my kids enjoy playing with even today. Dolfinarium is another attraction that we are looking forward to visiting again with our kids in the future.
Enjoyed our exploration of Dolfinarium? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to Dolfinarium Harderwijk using public transport?
The park is easily accessible by train from major Dutch cities. You take a train to Harderwijk Station, and from there, a short bus ride or a 15 minute walk brings you straight to the park entrance.
How long do you need to spend at the Dolfinarium?
Most families spend between 4 and 5 hours at the park. This gives you plenty of time to view all the major scheduled shows, explore the indoor aquariums, and visit the gift shop without feeling rushed.
Is Dolfinarium Harderwijk suitable for young children?
Yes, the park is very family friendly with paved walkways for strollers, interactive touching pools, multiple playgrounds, and engaging live presentations that keep children of all ages entertained.
