Dolphin Island

Philippines , Philippines

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Dolphin Island in the Philippines refers primarily to the main attraction within the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP), located in Libertad Bago, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental on the island of Mindanao, where rescued dolphins are cared for in a facility that claims to release them back into the wild once they are fit.

Visitors reach the island via a 10–15 minute boat ride from the main park, paying an entrance fee plus boat fare, and can optionally swim and play with the dolphins for an additional fee that includes snorkeling gear. The park itself functions like a mini zoo with exotic animals including tarsiers, Philippine crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, birds, as well as fishponds containing freshwater prawns, Philippine carp, and lobsters.

The island features cement walkways raised on concrete stilts with seawater flowing through, and dolphins are enclosed with nylon nets in water only about three to four feet deep at high tide. Activities available include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and swimming with dolphins, with on-site cottages on stilts available for overnight stays and a restaurant serving fresh seafood and chicken. 

The facility has faced controversy, with wildlife advocates questioning whether it is a genuine rescue and rehabilitation center or a commercial establishment, noting that spotted dolphins do poorly in captivity and that catching and breeding dolphins violates Philippine wildlife laws. There is also a different location called Patawan Island in Balabac, Palawan, nicknamed Dolphin Island due to a sandy formation resembling a dolphin, known for crystal clear waters and excellent snorkeling with marine life.