Anapa Dolphinarium

The Anapa Dolphinarium has operated since 1992 in the village of Bolshoy Utrish, a coastal village within the Anapa municipal area about 20 km from its center, inside the Utrish nature reserve. The enclosures are set directly in a natural sea lagoon: flowing seawater keeps the animals in conditions close to their natural environment, and shows take place in the open air.

The dolphinarium is home to Black Sea bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, northern fur seals and Patagonian sea lions. Visitors can watch shows in which the animals demonstrate their abilities and trained tricks; those who wish can also have a photo taken with a dolphin or swim with one.

Besides the show program, the dolphinarium practices dolphin therapy — communicating with dolphins is used as a supporting method when working with children who have developmental disorders and mental conditions.

Bolshoy Utrish can be reached from Anapa (about 20 km) by car or by excursion boat.