Batumi Dolphinarium
The Batumi Dolphinarium is a modern show venue by Nuri Lake, first opened in 1975, with bottlenose dolphins, sea lions and a small aquarium.
Batumi DolphinariumPhoto: Yanina Bondarenko, CC BY-SA 2.0The Batumi Dolphinarium is a show venue and marine research centre on Rustaveli Avenue, at the edge of 6 May Park, with Nuri Lake on one side and the sea a few minutes away on the other. In the modern building, bottlenose dolphins and sea lions perform in front of an amphitheatre of roughly 800 to 900 seats, and the show goes ahead in any weather. The centre also runs a small aquarium of Black Sea and freshwater fish, with its own ticket. Like any dolphinarium, it keeps its dolphins in captivity. In summer the seats sell out early.
Most people come for one show, which lasts about 35 minutes and is presented in Georgian and English. The dolphins leap through hoops, chase balls, stand up and travel backwards on their tails, and push their trainers across the water, while the sea lions have a few routines of their own. You can then spend twenty minutes at the fish tanks, or book a 15-minute swim with the dolphins as a separate activity. The centre also lists dolphin sessions for children with disabilities; ask it directly about them. Afterwards, walk around Nuri Lake or cross to the beach.
History
The original dolphinarium opened in 1975. Georgian sources call it the earliest show dolphinarium in the Soviet Union, and at the time one of the largest anywhere. It stopped working in the early 1990s, during the political and economic turmoil that followed independence. After about 20 years without dolphins, a completely new building opened on 6 May 2011, an initiative of the city hall carried through with the backing of the Cartu charitable foundation. It now belongs to the Black Sea Flora and Fauna Research Centre, which also names a breeding programme and help for stranded Black Sea marine mammals among its projects.
What to see and do
- The ~35-minute dolphin show, with high jumps, hoop and ball tricks and tail-walking
- Sea lions that live and perform alongside the dolphins
- A small aquarium of Black Sea, Georgian freshwater and ornamental fish
- A 15-minute swim with the dolphins, booked separately, for ages 5 and up
- Nuri Lake and the shady paths of 6 May Park right outside the door
How to visit
Getting there
The dolphinarium stands at 51 Rustaveli Avenue in central Batumi, ~1.3 km from Europe Square (15 to 20 minutes on foot) and ~300 m inland from Batumi Boulevard. Batumi International Airport lies ~9 km to the south by road, and a taxi covers that in about 15 minutes when traffic is light.
When to go
May to October, when shows run on most days; in winter, weekends only. Plan 1–2 hours here.
- Seats cannot be reserved, only bought: tickets go on sale at the box office and on the official ticket site 2 to 3 days before each show, and summer shows fill up.
- The lowest rows are close enough to the pool to get splashed; higher rows are drier and give small children a better overall view.
- The venue is closed to visitors every Monday, so plan around that and check dolphinarium.ge for the current show times.
- Children under 6 enter free as long as they sit on an adult's lap rather than in their own seat.
Weather at Batumi Dolphinarium
Based on the climate of Batumi, 2 km away. Warmest in August (28° by day), coldest in February (5° at night), with 2,519 mm of rain a year. Best months: Jul–Sep.
Batumi Dolphinarium: FAQ
How much does the Batumi Dolphinarium cost?
A show ticket at the Batumi Dolphinarium is about 30 GEL (about $11) in 2026, with a small extra fee when you pay online. For the aquarium alone, expect about 5 GEL (about $2) in 2026, while under-6s sharing an adult's seat pay nothing.
How long is the dolphin show in Batumi?
Around 35 minutes. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so you can find your sector and settle in before the dolphins come out.
Is the dolphinarium open in winter?
Yes, it stays open all year. Once the tourist season ends there are fewer shows, and through the winter they usually take place only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Can you swim with dolphins in Batumi?
Yes. The dolphinarium offers a 15-minute swim for anyone aged 5 or older, booked online in advance, at about 200 GEL (about $75) in 2026. One companion, or two for swimmers under 14, may watch from the poolside and take photos or video.
Read more in our guides
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Nearby places
Straight-line distance from Batumi Dolphinarium.
