Winter the Dolphin

Winter in Clearwater Beach is more than just a cold weather season. Winter the Dolphin, is a bottlenose dolphin with a story great enough to make her a movie star. Winter is the star of Dolphin Tale and one of the stars in Dolphin Tale 2.

The Story of Winter the Dolphin

Winter was found, entangled in a crab trap line, near Cape Canaveral, Florida. She was only two months old. Unable to swim and trapped so tightly, the line had cut off circulation to her tail. Winter was disentangled and transported across Florida to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Most dolphins do not survive being trapped in crab trap lines. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium helped Winter through extensive treatments, but her tail could not be saved. It had to be removed.

Winter the dolphin never stopped fighting for her survival. Even without a normal tail, she would fully recover and adapt to a new swim pattern featuring a prosthetic tail.

The full story of Winter the Dolphin can be read in the book, Winter’s Tail or in the movie filmed in Clearwater Beach, Dolphin Tale. (Learn about all the movies filmed in Clearwater Beach, Florida area.)

Visit Winter the Dolphin

You can visit Winter in Clearwater Beach, Florida any time of year. Winter the Dolphin still lives at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Winter’s story has inspired millions of people from all over the world. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a marine life rescue center focused on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick or injured marine animals.

While at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you’ll get a chance to see Winter the dolphin, Hope – the dolphin star of Dolphin Tale 2, and the other animals that are going through treatment and recovery including dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles, otters, sharks, stingrays, and even more! While you’re there you’ll learn more about the animals there, and you’ll learn more about marine life and conservation of marine life.

Purchase Tickets to see Winter the dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium today!