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.A family enjoying a Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta.Kid playing with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta.

Learn all about dolphins and experience the magic of interacting closely with them in small groups during our unforgettable Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta.

Perfect for the entire family, including children as young as 1-year-old, this endearing experience allows you to connect and bond with dolphins in the safe environment of a shallow platform. No swimming skills are required to enjoy the Best Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta!

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 Vallarta20 Min

All ages activities in Puerto VallartaMin. 1 year old

Relaxed activities in Puerto VallartaRelaxed

Family Activities in Puerto Vallarta.Families

Small groupsSmall groups

For Groups & Private Events,
contact us via email or call us at +52 (322) 889 6077

Dolphin Encounters for the Whole Family



Our Dolphin Encounter is a perfect activity for the entire family, including toddlers. As part of the added value we offer to our guests, children between 1 and 4 years old have complimentary access!

Guided by our dedicated Marine Mammal Specialists, you will learn about the anatomy, intelligence, and behavior of these beautiful creatures. This informative introduction sets the stage for an exciting and educational dolphin encounter.

Regardless of the age or swimming abilities of everyone in your group, our special shallow water platform ensures that everyone can participate in this extraordinary experience.

You'll be able to stroke their soft skin, admire them up close, share a hug, and perhaps even get a smooch! Don't miss the opportunity to create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Interesting educational session led by our expert Marine Mammal Specialists

  • Dance, hug, and share time with our playful dolphins in shallow waters

  • Towels, lifejackets, and lockers are provided

  • Wetsuits, during the winter months

  • Please arrive at the check-in point 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
  • Minimum age: 1 year old
  • Infants between the ages of 1 to 4 enjoy complimentary access to this program.
  • Child prices apply to ages 5 to 11. Adult prices apply to ages 12 and older.
  • Each infant and child under 12 must come with a person aged 16 or older who pays for their ticket. One companion is required for each infant and child.
  • No jewelry, accessories, or sunscreen are allowed
  • We have wetsuits available during the winter months
  • 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

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 take rides holding their fins or being propelled by them. Dolphin Adventure and Dolphin Signature are 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 Adventure, Dolphin Extreme Swim, 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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