Dolphin Encounter
tours/Dolphins & Sea Lions/Dolphin Encounter

Dolphin Encounter

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Tender moments of a dolphin encounter in Puerto Vallarta, ideal for families with toddlers.A dolphin swimming in the best Marine Mammal Center in Puerto Vallarta.
Friends learning about dolphins in Puerto Vallarta.A family enjoying a Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta.Mom and her daughter in a family-friendly dolphin encounter in Puerto Vallarta.

Meeting a dolphin in the water for the first time is a heartwarming and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression.


Perfect for families, especially those with young children, the experience takes place in shallow water, making it safe and accessible for all. No swimming skills are required to enjoy the Best Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Encounter.


Toddlers aged 1 to 4 enjoy complimentary access when accompanied by someone 16 or older*, making this a joyful and enriching experience for the whole family. Best of all, by joining this program, you help support vital rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts for marine mammals across the Mexican Pacific.


Our Lasting Impact on Oceans and Communities:

Vallarta Adventures' commitment to marine mammal conservation and community impact, in figures.


Our Marine Mammal Center is accredited by:

Vallarta Adventures Marine Mammal center is accredited by IMATA, Alliance and American Humane.

Less than 3 hours tours in Vallarta30 min. total

All ages activities in Puerto VallartaMin. 1 year old

Relaxed activities in Puerto VallartaRelaxed

.20 min. with dolphins

Family Activities in Puerto Vallarta.Families

Small groupsSmall groups

To book this experience in Private
contact us at 1-888-526-2238
or [email protected]

A heartwarming family-friendly dolphin encounter


This small-group program is one of the most kid-friendly activities in Puerto Vallarta, ideal for families looking to share meaningful moments together.


Designed for all ages, it offers a safe and welcoming environment where children and adults alike can enjoy the magic of being close to dolphins. Guided by our expert Marine Mammal Specialists, you’ll explore how dolphins communicate, behave, and form social bonds—all in a fun, interactive way.


The experience takes place in shallow water, making it easy for little ones to participate and feel comfortable. It’s the perfect addition to your list of things to do with children in Puerto Vallarta. Whether you're traveling with young kids, tweens, or grandparents, this unforgettable family activity brings everyone together for playful interaction, connection, and joy.


From the comfort of a shallow platform, you’ll feel the joy of sharing a warm hug and a sweet kiss with a dolphin. And don’t be surprised if one of our playful marine friends gives you a gentle splash—laughter is all part of the fun!


Enjoy the smiles, giggles, and wide-eyed wonder as your family bonds with one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures in an experience that will be cherished for years to come.

  • Engaging educational session: Learn about dolphin behavior, communication, and care in an inspiring session led by our expert Marine Mammal Specialists.

  • Shallow-water dolphin interaction: Stand in waist-deep water and enjoy gentle, respectful contact with our playful dolphins.

  • Get warm and fuzzy: Feel the joy of sharing a warm hug and a sweet kiss from the comfort of a shallow platform.

  • All the essentials are included: Towels, lifejackets, and secure lockers are provided to ensure your comfort throughout the experience.

  • Wetsuits for cooler weather: Stay warm with wetsuits available during the winter months.

  • Marine mammal conservation: Your participation directly contributes to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals through our ongoing conservation programs in the Mexican Pacific.

  • Please arrive at the check-in point 45 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  • Minimum age: 1 year old.
  • Child price: Ages 5 to 11. Adult price: Ages 12+
  • Infants from 1 to 4 years old enjoy complimentary access to this program. To book with infants, please contact us in advance as it is subject to availability.
  • One adult (+16) can go in the water with up to 3 kids (if each is at least 1.20 m tall). Kids under 1.20 m need one paying adult (+16) per child.
  • Kids under 4 ft. (including infants) need one paying guest (16+) per child.
  • Guests 12+ can join on their own.
  • Pregnant women must opt for the Private Dolphin Swim
  • No jewelry, accessories, or sunscreen are allowed.
  • Cameras or mobile phones are not permitted during this program. We offer professional photos for purchase after your experience.
  • Swimsuit and sun-protective clothing
  • Extra money for photos and souvenirs

Our Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Encounter is designed to help you create a wonderful connection with these breathtaking mammals through touch and ludic learning.

Our Marine Mammal Specialists are committed to providing a safe and fun experience for both you and the dolphins in the shallow waters of our habitats, specially designed for small groups.

If you're looking for a more interactive experience where you can swim with dolphins, explore the other options we have designed to delight visitors of all ages and swimming abilities

During the winter season, a fantastic option is our incredible Combo Whale Watching & Dolphin adventure; ideal for families with children aged 5 and older and older adults.

This experience allows you to marvel at marine mammals in two different environments. Observe the grandeur of humpback whales from the comfort of our catamaran boats, and enjoy a close and personal encounter with bottlenose dolphins in the pristine habitats of our Marine Mammal Center.

It's a family-friendly adventure, perfect for animal lovers!

We strongly believe everyone should learn about the impact humans have on dolphin environments in order to develop a newfound appreciation for these impressive mammals.

Through education and interaction, individuals who meet and learn about dolphins are inspired to help these populations thrive in the wild, which in turn supports ongoing research and conservation efforts.

We are proud to help families from all over the world experience and learn from these truly breathtaking animals in Puerto Vallarta.

At Vallarta Adventures, we prioritize the welfare of the marine mammals under our care.

Our Marine Mammal Centers undergo stringent evaluation and accreditation processes by reputable international animal welfare organizations. Notably, we proudly hold the Humane Certification™ from the American Humane non-profit organization, showcasing our unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of our dolphins.

In our relentless pursuit of excellence in animal care, our expert team collaborates closely with esteemed institutions such as Alliance and IMATA. For a deeper insight into our commitment to animal welfare, delve into our Sustainability page.

The Rescue Teams at Vallarta Adventures collaborate closely with governmental agencies at multiple tiers and actively engage in stranding networks, ensuring 24/7 readiness for urgent interventions.

Comprised of seasoned wildlife rescuers, veterinarians, and caretakers, our experienced team is dedicated to assisting distressed animals.

Our focus lies in providing care for ill, injured, or abandoned wildlife, with a particular emphasis on freeing marine mammals from entanglements. Our overarching objective is the rehabilitation and eventual release of these animals back into their natural habitats.

Explore our Sustainability page for deeper insights into our commitment to animal welfare.

A dolphin encounter is an experience where you interact with dolphins from a platform in shallow waters. Our dolphins will come close to you to play, be caressed, and even give you a smooch. You’ll enjoy their agility as they jump and glide through the pool. Since the entire experience takes place on the platform, no swimming skills are needed, and toddlers can be held securely in their parents' arms.

In a dolphin swim, you'll venture into deeper waters to swim alongside dolphins and even swim with the opportunity to wear a mask to appreciate the dolphins from the surface. Dolphin Signature is a fantastic dolphin swims suitable for those aged 5 and up, while Dolphin Extreme is for ages 8 and above. Basic swimming skills are desirable for any of these activities.

No, this encounter provides the opportunity to connect with our dolphins from a shallow water platform. Those looking to swim with dolphins should consider our Dolphin Sea Lion Premium Experience, Signature Dolphin Swim, or Private Dolphin Swim Experience.

No, children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a person aged 16 or older who pays for their ticket. For example, if you are coming with three children under 12 years old, there must be three participants over 16 years old in your group as well.

If you are looking for an activity that your children can enjoy by themselves, visit Dolphin Kids, an experience designed specifically for those between 4 and 9 years old. Parents have their own observation area from which they can watch their children having a blast!

Yes, but before making a reservation, please consult one of our Adventure Advisors for more information.


Cameras are only allowed in the observation areas, but they are not allowed in the pools. We offer professional photos of your time with the dolphins; those are available for purchase after your experience.


The oils and residues from sunscreen (even biodegradable ones) are harmful to dolphins. Please wear sun-protective clothing to protect your skin and our marine life at the same time.

This restriction was implemented to prevent potential hazards, as jewelry, accessories (including sunglasses), and medical devices such as hearing aids and prescription glasses can easily fall off and pose a choking risk to our marine mammals.

Although we offer secure areas to store your personal belongings, we recommend leaving all jewelry and small items at your hotel.

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