Dolphin Encounter

$99 USD-30%

$69 USD

Google: 4.5 - 17,870 reviews

Dolphin Encounter

  • 20 Minutes

  • Families

  • Min 1 year old

  • Easy

  • Small Groups

Our Dolphin Encounter is perfect for the whole family because it gives adults, kids, and non-swimmers of all ages a chance to interact with and learn everything about these friendly and intelligent mammals.

Coming with toddlers and non-swimmers? This is the ideal program for all!

For 20 minutes, you will learn all about the Pacific Bottlenose from the best possible teacher - one of our cheerful dolphins! As part of this small-group program, you’ll communicate with your dolphin like the professionals do and make a new friend for life.

The experience will be a truly magical one that you will never, ever forget.   

A Dolphin Encounter for the Whole Family

Under the guidance of our knowledgeable marine mammal specialists, children as young as one can bond with a dolphin through touch and play. Have you ever wondered what a dolphin feels like?

Or dreamed of giving one of these playful animals a hug and getting a wet dolphin kiss in return? You and your family will do all that and more in our specially designed shallow-water habitat.

Your program will begin with a short poolside introduction to our dolphins! Our trainers will share information about the Pacific Bottlenose’s fascinating anatomy, what makes them unique among marine mammals, their history with human beings and their underwater social lives.

From there, you’ll get into the water and start interacting with your new dolphin friend. You’ll feel their sleek skin, give them a treat, play with them, give them a smooch and learn interesting facts about their behavior.

Communicate Directly with Dolphins

On our shallow water platform, you’ll be able to concentrate on the experience of getting to know your dolphin and letting them get to know you. Bonding is the focus of this dolphin encounter, and you’ll discover that these curious creatures are just as interested in learning more about you!

Throughout the encounter, you will feel the warmth and sense the intelligence of what we believe are the ocean's friendliest creatures.

Why Connecting with Dolphins Is Important

We believe everyone should learn how to best protect them from the impact human beings have on their habitats.

When people, especially children, have an opportunity to interact with dolphins through our Dolphin Encounter, they’re inspired both to learn more about what they can do personally to ensure that dolphins in the wild can thrive and to support ongoing research and conservation efforts.

We Take Our Dolphins’ Welfare Seriously

To ensure our dolphins stay healthy and happy, they are given regular checkups and their diets are closely monitored. For more information about why we invest so much in the care of our animals, please take a look at our Corporate Responsibility page.

We are extremely proud to provide the highest standards of animal care to our dolphins and sea lions. Learn more about the Humane Conservation certification that Dolphin Adventure obtained.

What's included in this experience

  • Lockers
  • Life Jackets

What do you need to know before you book

  • Infants between 1-4 years old have COMPLIMENTARY ACCESS when accompanied by a paying adult (16 or older). One child per adult. Please call to include infants in your reservation
  • Child prices apply to ages 5 to 11. Adult prices apply to those 12 years and older.

  • Each child under 12 must be accompanied by a paid adult (16 years or older). One child per adult.

  • For the well-being of the dolphins, access with jewelry, accessories, or sunscreen is not allowed.

  • Access with cameras or cell phones is not permitted. We offer professional photos for purchase after your experience.

  • Please note that you must be at the check-in point 30 minutes before your activity.

  • This program is not suitable for pregnant women. If someone in your group is pregnant, they can book a Private Dolphin Swim.

What to bring

  • Sun protective clothing
  • Swimsuit
  • Money for souvenirs & photos
  • Towel

FAQ

Do I need to reserve in advance?
YES! Spaces are limited and fill quickly. In order to ensure your tour date/time we recommend booking in advance.
May I bring a camera or video camera to take pictures?
Cameras are only allowed in the observation areas they are not allowed in the lagoons. However we offer professional photos that are available for purchase after your experience.
Can I wear sunscreen (SPF)?
The oils and residues from sunscreen (even biodegradable ones) are harmful to many marine species including Dolphins. Please use sun-protective clothing so you take care of your skin and marine life at the same time.
Can I wear jewelry?
Although we provide areas to secure your personal belongings we recommend you leave all jewelry and small items in your hotel.
Why do you limit the number of sessions for people to interact with the animals?
Our animals’ health and welfare are of the utmost importance so we limit each session. These incredible animals spend less than two hours each day interacting with the public. The rest of the day is allocated to their private valuable training time as well as for play and social interaction.
How safe are Interactive Programs?
Our programs have a remarkable and well-established safety record. The health and safety records of these kinds of programs have been continuously studied for over 20 years each time reaffirming their impeccable records.
Can I make an animal sick if I participate in a swim program?
No you cannot. Since the beginning of in-water marine mammal interactive programs in 1985 there have not been any instances of disease transmission between humans and these animals reported at any facility.
Can special needs visitors participate in your dolphin programs?
Before making a reservation please talk to one of our Adventure Advisors so they can better inform you.
How do you care for your animals?
At our centers we follow a program for preventative health care including daily health assessments regular voluntary veterinary examinations and dietary needs assessments. 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. For more information please refer to our Corporate Responsibility page.

Location Details

Map
Vallarta Adventures
Vallarta Adventures' Center, Av. Las Palmas #39 Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit; ZC 63732, Mexico