Batumi’s dolphinarium has been a fixture of the city since 1975, making it one of the oldest in the region. After years of disuse, the building was renovated and now houses an indoor pool with seating for around six hundred spectators. The space feels intimate despite its size, with tiered rows that bring the audience close to the water, where the performances unfold.
The shows last about forty minutes and run several times a day, featuring Black Sea bottlenose dolphins trained to perform a mix of acrobatics, synchronized swimming, and playful interactions with balls and hoops. The trainers move with practiced ease, guiding the animals through routines that blend athleticism with a sense of lighthearted fun. For those who want a closer encounter, there’s an option to take photos with the dolphins or even swim with them after the show, though these come at an additional cost.
The ethics of keeping dolphins in captivity have become a growing topic of debate in recent years. Critics argue that no man-made pool can replicate the vastness of the ocean, and the training methods often rely on food-based conditioning. The dolphins here were either born in captivity or have been in human care for many years, which shapes their relationship with both the trainers and the audience.
Beyond the dolphinarium, the surrounding May 6th Park offers a quiet escape from the city’s more crowded areas. A small pond with swans glides near shaded walkways, while the nearby zoo and aquarium provide additional distractions. The park itself is free to enter, with open-air cafés scattered along its paths, making it a pleasant place to linger before or after a show.
Tickets for the dolphinarium tend to sell out quickly, especially in July and August, when performances are in high demand. The schedule shifts with the seasons, with fewer shows in winter, so it’s worth checking ahead. The venue sits just a few minutes’ walk from the seaside promenade, tucked between the old boulevard and Lake Nurigeli, with public transport stops nearby for those coming from farther away.
The first few rows are marked as splash zones, a detail that’s hard to miss when buying tickets. Photography is allowed during the shows, though without flash, so visitors can capture the moments without disrupting the performance. The indoor setting means the experience isn’t weather-dependent, a small but welcome detail in a city where sudden rain showers aren’t uncommon.
For those interested in marine life beyond dolphins, the park also houses a modest aquarium showcasing Black Sea fish. The entry fee is separate but affordable, offering a low-key alternative to the main attraction. The dolphinarium’s location makes it easy to combine with other sights—it’s a short bus ride from the train station, and the walk from the city center is straightforward, with the park serving as a natural landmark along the way.
