From Moorea Dolphin Center to Moana Ora Association
The Moorea Dolphin Center opened in 1994, at a time when dolphinariums were widely seen as places of both entertainment and education. Visitors came to meet dolphins and learn more about them. At that time, there were approximately 60 dolphinariums worldwide. Today, there are more than 350, including around 30 in natural settings like ours.
Through programs led by experienced caregivers and accredited by international organizations, the Moorea Dolphin Center has raised awareness among more than 250,000 visitors over 30 years, including many school groups.
The well-being of the dolphins has always been, and will always remain, at the heart of our priorities. However, knowledge and perspectives on captivity have evolved. Today, greater emphasis is placed on respectful observation from a distance and in the wild.
In this context, on December 31, 2025, the Moorea Dolphin Center made the decision to end its public presentations and interactive programs, and to transform the site into a:
Management of the site has been entrusted to MOANA ORA OCEAN RESEARCH ALLIANCE, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, research, and education of Polynesian marine biodiversity. Supported by the PACIFIC BEACHCOMBER FRENCH POLYNESIA group.
From Moorea Dolphin Center to Moana Ora Association
The Moorea Dolphin Center opened in 1994, at a time when dolphinariums were widely seen as places of both entertainment and education. Visitors came to meet dolphins and learn more about them. At that time, there were approximately 60 dolphinariums worldwide. Today, there are more than 350, including around 30 in natural settings like ours.
Through programs led by experienced caregivers and accredited by international organizations, the Moorea Dolphin Center has raised awareness among more than 250,000 visitors over 30 years, including many school groups.
The well-being of the dolphins has always been, and will always remain, at the heart of our priorities. However, knowledge and perspectives on captivity have evolved. Today, greater emphasis is placed on respectful observation from a distance and in the wild.
In this context, on December 31, 2025, the Moorea Dolphin Center made the decision to end its public presentations and interactive programs, and to transform the site into a:
Management of the site has been entrusted to MOANA ORA OCEAN RESEARCH ALLIANCE, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, research, and education of Polynesian marine biodiversity. Supported by the PACIFIC BEACHCOMBER FRENCH POLYNESIA group.