Feel the joy of connecting with dolphins and sea lions as you observe their playful, intelligent behavior up close.
Begin with an educational talk led by our Marine Mammal Specialists, who will guide you through their world of communication, anatomy, and personality. Then, swim alongside dolphins and interact with charismatic sea lions—watch their graceful underwater moves, share kisses, and enjoy affectionate hugs.
This heartwarming experience creates lasting memories and a deep connection with nature. Best of all, your participation supports rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs for marine mammals in the Mexican Pacific.
Our Lasting Impact on Oceans and Communities:
Our Marine Mammal Center is accredited by:
1 Hr. 15 min. Total
Min. 5 years old
Relaxed
40 Min. with dolphins
20 min. with sea lions
Small groups
To book this experience in Private
contact us at 1-888-526-2238
or [email protected]
Swim with Dolphins & Learn Everything About Them!
Discover the fascinating world of dolphin behavior, social dynamics, and communication with our expert animal care specialists. Discover how dolphins use clicks and whistles, and see their intelligence in action. The experience is both fun and educational, suitable for children and adults alike.
Of course, you'll do much more than learn and watch the fascinating behaviors of dolphins from the sidelines during this mesmerizing experience. Enter the water and feel the adrenaline as you swim, with the option to wear a viewing mask and appreciate the dolphins from the surface.
Dive to enjoy the fantastic experience of swimming with dolphins, and embark on an incredible underwater experience. You'll have the opportunity to hug the dolphins, feel their smooth skin, and swim with them as if you were part of the pod.
Meet a Sea Lion, Too!
After the thrilling dolphin swim, the excitement continues with a fantastic sea lion encounter. One of our Marine Mammal Specialists will introduce you to the sea lion’s fascinating physiology and behaviors, and then it’s time to get up close and personal!
These animals are full of personality and love to have fun, so be ready to play around with your new flippered friend. Their extraordinary expressiveness and amusing gestures are sure to steal your heart and send you into peals of laughter!
If you enjoy meeting and learning about marine mammals, you can check out our Trainer For A Day, which gives you a closer and personal look at this incredible world!
- Please arrive at the check-in point 45 minutes prior to the program beginning.
- Minimum age: Childs: 5 years old. Adults: 12 years old.
- Minimun height: 1.20 meters. All children will be measured upon arrival.
- Child price: Ages 5 to 11. Adult price: Ages 12 and older
- For children under 12 years old: If they are under 1.20 meters tall, they must be individually accompanied by an adult who pays their ticket. If they are 1.20 meters or taller, one adult may accompany up to 3 children in the water.
- No jewelry, accessories, or sunscreen are allowed.
- Cameras or mobile phones are not permitted during the Dolphin Program. We offer professional photos for purchase after your experience.
- This program is not suitable for pregnant women. If someone in your group is pregnant, they must book a Private Dolphin Swim.
- Swimsuit and sun-protective clothing
- Extra money for photos and souvenirs
Vallarta Adventures’ Dolphin & Sea Lion Premium Experience offers a unique and exciting experience filled with fun and learning opportunities! The Dolphin & Sea Lion Premium Experience goes beyond the thrill of the moment, connecting you to the mysterious world of marine life that has always fascinated scientists and conservationists.
When you come face to face with these friendly and intelligent creatures, you will feel a stronger connection with them and a desire to learn more not only about them but also about their natural environment and how to protect it.
Participating in the Dolphin & Sea Lion Premium Experience in Puerto Vallarta allows you to learn about dolphins' unique characteristics and directly contribute to marine mammal conservation. This immersive experience offers more than just an interaction; it's a chance to engage in rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts. Your participation supports ongoing conservation projects and helps us understand these remarkable animals, ultimately making a significant impact on the well-being of marine life.
Feel free to explore our other dolphin programs, suitable for kids and adults of all ages, such as the Dolphin Encounter or the Dolphin Signature Swim.
If your love for marine mammals takes you even further, don’t miss out on the fantastic Trainer for a Day, a 5-hour program that will show you the behind-the-scenes incredible life of the animals under our care. Our expert Marine Mammal Specialist will take you through a day in the life of these mammals, with visits to the fish preparation area, where their meals are prepared, the Laboratory, and our Veterinarian facilities, and teach you the key to communicating with dolphins and sea lions. It's a dream come true for those passionate about marine mammals!Our marine animal habitats are distinguished by international accreditations, rigorous reviews, audits, and certifications from premier animal welfare organizations. Notably, we have earned the esteemed Humane Certification™ from the American Humane non-profit organization, a testament to our steadfast commitment to the welfare of our dolphins and sea lions.
Furthermore, our team comprises experts affiliated with some of the most prestigious international institutions in marine animal care, such as the Alliance and IMATA. This association with leading bodies in the field underscores our dedication to excellence and best practices in marine animal welfare.
To delve deeper into our commitment to animal care, explore our Sustainability page.The Vallarta Adventures Rescue Teams are in constant collaboration with state, local, and federal authorities and stranding networks to maintain readiness for emergency situations around the clock. Our group includes expert animal rescuers, veterinarians, and caregivers, dedicated to helping animals in need, with a special focus on treating those that are sick, injured, or orphaned. This includes the vital work of disentangling marine mammals. Their ultimate goal is to nurse these animals back to health and return them to the wild.
For a more in-depth understanding of our dedication to animal care, explore our Sustainability page.
Yes! Being a unique program in Puerto Vallarta, the availability of Dolphin Extreme Swim is limited and tends to fill up fast. To secure your preferred date and time, we highly recommend making a reservation in advance.
Please note that cameras are only permitted in designated observation areas. They are not allowed in the habitats or during the program. However, you do have the option to purchase professional photos following the experience.
Please avoid the use of sunscreen, including biodegradable varieties, in our efforts to maintain high water quality for our dolphins and sea lions. Instead, we recommend using sun-protective clothing to protect both your skin and our marine mammals.
This restriction is implemented to mitigate potential risks, as jewelry, accessories (such as sunglasses), and medical devices like hearing aids and prescription glasses can inadvertently become dislodged and present a hazard to our marine mammals.
We provide safe storage areas for your personal items, but we advise leaving all jewelry and small items at your hotel for added security.Our programs have a long-standing safety track record, so you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands during any of our dolphin encounters. The health and safety records of these kinds of programs have undergone continuous scrutiny and study for over two decades.
Yes, but before making a reservation, please consult one of our Adventure Advisors.
Dolphins can typically stay underwater for 8 to 10 minutes, and some can hold their breath up to 15 minutes.
For safety, the regular swim program is not recommended for pregnant women. Please ask about our private dolphin swim options.
Our Marine Mammal Center follows a preventive health care program, which includes daily health assessments, regular voluntary veterinary examinations, and assessments of dietary needs.
We provide an exceptionally clean and stimulating environment for our marine mammals to develop their skills, establish their social communities, reproduce and grow. For more information please refer to our Sustainability Page.