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 Encounter

Highlights

  • Shallow Water Program Designed for Non-Swimmers
  • Short but Informative Orientation About the Dolphins Behavior and Biology
  • One-On-One Interaction With Our Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins in Waist-Deep Water
  • Get Acquainted With the Dolphins, Touch Then, Hug Them, and Communicate With Them Using Hand Signals
  • Ideal for Kids and People Who Are Not Comfortable in Deeper Waters

Tour Summary

If you are not comfortable swimming, but still want to interact with live Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, you can join us for this great alternative to a dolphin swim. You can encounter these friendly cetaceans from the safety and security of a shallow-water platform. If you are visiting the sunny resort destination of Puerto Vallarta, you do not want to miss your chance to interact with the charming, brilliant, and playful dolphins at our marine mammal compound on our Dolphin Encounter tour.

Before you step onto the water platform with one of our Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, we’ll enlighten you about these fascinating aquatic creatures. You will learn about their physiology, habitat, and social interaction. We’ll teach you all about the care and training of these amazing animals. We’ll introduce you to the various training techniques our professional animal trainers employ while interacting with the dolphins. You will learn the hand signals needed to direct the dolphins to perform astonishing tricks.

After your orientation, you head over to the dolphin lagoon with a maximum of seven other participants. This limited number ensures that everyone will have ample one-on-one time with a dolphin. Once you wade into the water of the platform, you can physically touch the smooth skin of a dolphin. They truly enjoy it when folks pet their underbellies. You can even hug and kiss these friendly marine mammals. You can even feed them some fish and instruct them to perform acrobatics in the pool. Encountering these engaging creatures will be the highlight of your Puerto Vallarta vacation.

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

A: 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.

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.

  • Encounters take place in Nuevo Vallarta only, guests in Puerto Vallarta will need to travel to this location.
  • Infants between 1-4 years old are FREE when accompanied by a paying adult (16 or older).
  • Each Child 5-11 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult (16 or older. 1 adult per child).
  • Child prices applies 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 Encounter 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 ͡°)