Dolphinarium

In 1932 the swimming pool was opened on Clacton pier and was the first pool in the country to be built over the sea. In 1971 the pool was closed and turned in a dolphinarium, the original swimming pool was the subject of falling receipts and high running costs. The dolphinarium was a permanent summer attraction run by owner pier owner Michael Goss and dolphin trainer and expert Reg Bloom. Reg was a former curator of Flamingo Park and Chester Zoo, he also opened dolphinariums in London and Majorca. Mr Bloom also helped design and build the dolphinarium in Windsor Safari Park.

On 5th June 1971 the dolphinarium shows opened for the season, they had a two year old dolphin called Maria, with Dolly, Bubbles & Squeak delayed in America, they did eventually arrive and Maria and Paulette her trainer both returned to Malta.
Reg also had 2 South American sea lions performing, you could book yourself a seat for 30p, 40p and 45p with children being 20p, the shows were 45 minutes and there was a special floodlit night show at 8pm.