Batumi Dolphinarium | Batumi

The Batumi Dolphinarium is a marine mammal exhibition facility located in Batumi, Georgia.

It houses a collection of Black Sea bottlenose dolphins for public display and educational programs.

Visual Characteristics

The main building is a circular structure with a domed roof, constructed primarily from concrete and glass. The exterior is painted in neutral tones, with the central dome being a prominent feature. Inside, the primary visual element is the large, rectangular pool where the dolphin performances take place. The seating area is tiered, surrounding the pool on three sides.

Location & Access Logistics

The Batumi Dolphinarium is situated at 1 Rustaveli Avenue, Batumi, Georgia, within the city's central park area. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Batumi city center. Parking is available in designated lots adjacent to the facility, though it can be limited during peak hours. Public transport options include bus lines 1, 7, and 10, which stop within a 5-minute walk of the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Batumi Dolphinarium was constructed in 1977. It was originally designed as a facility for the study and exhibition of Black Sea dolphins. The dolphins housed within are Black Sea bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus ponticus), a subspecies native to the Black Sea region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Daily dolphin shows are the primary activity, featuring trained dolphins performing various behaviors. Educational presentations about dolphin biology and conservation are also offered. Visitors can observe the dolphins from the seating area during scheduled performances.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the facility. Limited shaded areas are present in the outdoor queuing zones. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good in the vicinity. Food vendors and cafes are located within the adjacent park area, but not directly inside the dolphinarium itself.

Best Time to Visit

Performances are scheduled multiple times daily, with the midday shows often receiving the most direct sunlight on the pool. The best months for visiting are typically May through September, when the weather is warmest and most conducive to outdoor activities. No specific tide requirements are relevant to this facility.

Facts & Legends

A specific operational detail is that the dolphinarium utilizes filtered seawater from the Black Sea. Local folklore sometimes associates dolphins with good fortune and protection for sailors.

Nearby Landmarks

• Batumi Botanical Garden (2.5km Northeast)
• Batumi Boulevard (0.3km West)
• Piazza Square (1.2km Southwest)
• Holy Mother Virgin Nativity Cathedral (1.0km Southwest)
• Batumi Archaeological Museum (1.8km Southwest)