• Situated on the northern part of the Seaside Park, Dolphinarium, Varna is one of the primary tourist attractions of Varna. The uniqueness of Dolphinarium lies in its fascinating style of construction. The convenient location of Dolphinarium has made it more popular among local residents as well as foreign tourists.

Features of Dolphinarium in Varna

• Dolphinarium, Varna was established in 1984 by an able team lead by the well-known architect known as Simeon Saraliev. The building is built in a shape of glass cubes. The hall has 1200 seating capacity. The main pool has a diameter of 6 meters and the depth is 3 meters. There is also another additional pool, which is smaller in size.

Design

• Many often very varied designs exist, but an often found basic dolphinarium design for public performances consists of stands for the public around a semi-circular pool, sometimes with glass walls which allow underwater viewing, and a platform in the middle from which the trainers direct and present the show.

• The water in the pools has to be constantly filtered to keep it clean for the spectators and the dolphins, and the temperature and composition of the water has to be controlled to match the conditions dolphins experience in the wild. To give an indication of pool sizes, the European Association for Aquatic Mammals recommends that a pool for five dolphins should have a surface area of 275 m² (2960 ft²) plus an additional 75 m² (810 ft²) for every additional animal

Dolphins at Dolphinarium in Varna

• Dolphinarium, Varna boasts of several dolphins, the friendliest sea creatures on earth. These dolphins are brought in from various parts of the world. Popi, Pipi, Split and Reina are the first dolphins of Dolphinarium and were caught from the waters of Guatemala. Under the able guidance of the trainers, the dolphins perform six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday.

Walking on tails, singing and catching fish from the mouth of the trainers are few of the most popular performances that take place at the Dolphinarium.

The coffee bar at the Dolphinarium, Varna is ideal place to relax and watch the dolphins play around lazily in the smaller pool before the performance begins

• The dolphins have a six days “working” week, Monday being their relaxation day. This schedule has never been changed. They receive their daily food at 5 or 6 portions, only during training and performances. Their menu contains of 8-10 kg perch pike, sprat, sardines, and their favorite delicates – the herring.  The trainings include old elements of the performances, as well as new techniques.  The visitors enjoy most of all when dolphins walk on their tails over the water, catch fish from the coach’s mouth, sing. In the moment they are practicing human participation in the pool. Soon new trainees are expected in the dolphinarium – sea lions.