Limited Spaces Available! For reservations call 888-558-3330. Spaces are extremely limited this time of year so book early to ensure the date you want.
Dolphin Swim Experience

Highlights

  • Interact, Chat, Cuddle, Hug, Kiss, Play and Swim With the Adorable and Extremely Sociable Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin
  • Interactive and Educational Orientation to Teach You About the Dolphins
  • Get to Know the Dolphins in Shallow Waters Inside of Our Especially Designed Pools
  • An Unforgettable Ride Across the Pool With One of the Dolphins 

Tour Summary

Experience this fabulous once-in-a-lifetime activity at top-notch Dolphin Center on the shores of Banderas Bay in the resort destination of Puerto Vallarta. You will be able to personally interact with members of our Dolphin family. More than twenty-five Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins reside in our Nuevo Vallarta compound. After participating in this activity, you will forever hold a place in your heart for these incredible aquatic creatures.

The tour begins with a brief informational presentation about the Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin.  During our orientation, participants will be instructed all about our resident dolphins. You will learn about dolphin anatomy, social structure and interaction, diet, habitat, and migration patterns. You will also be instructed on how to interact with theses amazing cetaceans in order to ensure that you will enjoy your close-up experience. Our bilingual trainers will instruct you on how to communicate with the dolphins via hand signals. You can also as the dolphin to perform acrobatic tricks by using non-verbal communication. You will learn how to influence animal behavior through positive reinforcement. You can utilize the theory of these behavioral techniques on your family dog when you return home from your vacation.

After your orientation, you will head over to the dolphin environment in a group limited to a maximum of eight swimmers. These tour groups are limited in order to maximize individual contact with the dolphins for each participant. You will then have the chance to swim with these creatures in their natural habitat. These extremely smart, highly-friendly cetaceans enjoy interacting through touch and play. Once you enter the water with them, you will have the opportunity to embrace them in a hug, pet their tummies, swim with them, and even receive a wet dolphin kiss.

Do I need to reserve in advance?

We have a limited number of participants during our dolphin activities, so in order to assure your place we suggest your reservation in advance, especially if you plan to visit us during the high vacation season.

May I bring a camera or video camera to take pictures?

Cameras are not allowed into the pools or observation areas for your safety, for the dolphins safety and the safety of the equipment but professional photos will be available for purchase after your experience.

Can I wear Sunscreen? (SPF)

While we recommend you wear sunscreen, it must be biodegradable for the protection of our dolphins and sea lions. Any other sunscreen must be showered off before entering the dolphin area. Our gift shops sell biodegradable sunscreen.

Can I wear jewelry?

We recommend you remove all jewelry, including wedding rings, ear rings, and piercings, before coming to the dolphin center. Although we provide an area to secure your personal belongings, it is easy to drop, lose or misplace, so we recommend you to leave jewelry and small items secured in your accommodation’s safe or front desk safe.

Why do you limit the number of sessions for people to interact with dolphins?

At Dolphin Adventure the animals' health and welfare are of primary importance.  The sessions are limited to ensure an enjoyable schedule including a variety of activities for the dolphins. The dolphins spend only a combined total of less than two hours each day voluntarily interacting with the public. The rest of the day is allocated to the dolphins' private time, valuable training time, as well as play and social interaction.

How safe are Interactive Programs?

In-water-interactive programs have a remarkable, well-established record of dolphin and human safety. The health and safety records of these innovative programs have been studied, analyzed, and restudied for over 20 years, each time reaffirming their exemplary achievements

Can I do any of the dolphin programs if I am pregnant?

For your personal safety and the wellbeing of your unborn child we do not allow pregnant women to participate in our dolphin and sea lion programs.

Can special needs visitors participate in your dolphin programs?

We do our best in trying to provide this experience to everyone although it is not always possible. It is very important for you to mention during your reservation, which is the specific need. We will assess your request and decide on the best option for your comfort and security in a group setting. Our dolphins gladly interact with all of our visitors, no matter their sex, appearance, or abilities.

What are the minimum ages for the different Dolphin Programs?

  • For the Signature Swim, children must be a minimum of 5 years old. Any child age 12 years pays adult ticket price.
  • For the Swim Experience, children must be a minimum of 5 years old. Any child age 12 years and over pays adult ticket price.
  • For the Dolphin Encounter, all children under 10 must be accompanied by a paying adult. In the Family Encounter, parents may hold children aged 1 to 3 years, free of charge with each paid adult/parent or guardian over 16 years of age. Any child age 12 years and over pays adult ticket price.
  • The Dolphin Kids Program is specially designed for children ages 4 to 9 years old.
  • For the Sea Lion Encounter, children must be a minimum of 5 years old and 4. 5 feet tall. Any child age 12 years and over pays adult ticket price.

How do you care for your dolphins?

At our Dolphin Centers, we utilize a program of preventative health care, including daily health assessments, regular voluntary veterinary examinations and dietary needs assessments for each dolphin. We continually provide an exceptionally clean and stimulating environment for them to live and thrive in, while providing a safe and stable setting for their social community (pods) and family to reproduce and grow.Our dolphins have exhibited a particularly high level of good health. 

It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of and understand all restrictions pertaining to this tour before booking online or over the phone. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically qualified and within any limits listed below in order to participate in this activity. No refunds will be given to those who reserve a spot and can not participate due to the restrictions listed below. For more information please read our cancellation policy and terms and conditions page or call our staff with any questions regarding your ability to participate.

  • Cruise ship passengers MUST book through cruise line
  • Minimum age: 5 years old
  • Children 5-11 years old: Must be accompanied by a paying adult (16 or older)
  • Child prices apply to children ages 5 to 11
  • Cameras are only allowed in the guest observation area
  • No jewelry or sunscreen allowed
  • Lifejackets are available upon request
  • Each dolphin program is unique and based upon our groups, trainers and dolphins
  • All of our programs are designed with our dolphins wellbeing in mind
  • Expecting mothers are restricted

Vallarta Tour Center is always interested in your tour experience with us. We hope you enjoyed your tour and love to hear comments.

Bob Smith

I have been to the Bahamas many times, but Dolphin Swim Experience is one of my favorite trips! It includes everything that everyone should do here. As a Bahamas veteran, I can say only the best about this experience!

Jim Peters

Thanks to the professional guides! I was a bit worried about kayaking because I had never done it before, but the instructions were great and I had such a good time!

Richard Dixon

The best way to discover nature! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)