Dolfinarium Harderwijk — Zoo & Aquarium in Harderwijk

Dolfinarium Harderwijk and its collection

Dolfinarium Harderwijk, opened in 1965, is a mixed in Harderwijk.

Across Europe no marine mammal park is larger. Between 2005 and 2011 attendance stayed in a band of 700,000 to 800,000 a year. Takings fell by roughly €2.4 million to €12 million in 2012, a year in which the orca Morgan left and part of the site shut for building work.

History

Frits den Herder, a businessman, started gathering sea mammals with his brother Coen in 1955, and the collection was opened to the general public a decade later, in 1965. Frits described the aim as getting people in the Netherlands to regard sea mammals with respect and awe.

Things to do

Things to do include Oceanica (dolphin show), Atlantis (indoor playground), Waterpret (water play area) and Swimming with dolphins.

What the venue says

• Areas where visitors can get a close-up look at rays and other sea creatures.
• The park offers an "all-in" reusable thermal mug option that allows visitors to get unlimited refills of hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) during their visit and take the mug home as a souvenir.
• The park features multiple food stands, kiosks, and sit-down options offering coffee, ice cream, fries, snacks, and seafood like _kibbeling_ .
• Plentiful parking is available around the park, with nearby lots such as P6 (Dolfinariumeiland).
• The Dolfinarium is fully accessible for wheelchairs, with unobstructed paths leading to all major facilities, locations, and show arenas.
• There are dedicated wheelchair seating sections on the tribunes for shows (like the dolphin presentations).