Practical and no-nonsense dolphin tours await in Nuevo Vallarta. The top options cluster around two main venues: Aquaventuras Park and Splash Water Park. The standout choice is Aquaventuras Park’s wade-along experience, allowing close encounters while supporting legitimate conservation work. Splash Water Park’s 45-minute Royal Swim delivers good value, letting you pet and play with these intelligent creatures. For maximum flexibility, the Puerto Vallarta combo tour pairs seasonal whale watching with dolphin swimming – smart planning for wildlife enthusiasts.
Let’s explore the best dolphin tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Aquaventuras Park offers a Dolphin Encounter experience, providing a unique interaction with dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Splash Water Park provides a Dolphin Experience with swimming, kissing, and hugging activities, accompanied by a Spanish-speaking tour guide.
- Aquaventuras Park’s Dolphin Royal Swim offers a 60-minute interaction with dolphins, including petting and playing, with access to the water park.
- Whale watching and dolphin swimming combo tours are available in Puerto Vallarta from December to March, with expert marine mammal guides.
- The Dolphin Swimming Experience at Aquaventuras Park includes various interactive activities, such as dorsal fin tow and fin handshake, with a discounted price.
Nuevo Vallarta: Dolphin Encounter at Aquaventuras Park
Visiting Aquaventuras Park in Nuevo Vallarta offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with dolphins in their natural habitat.
The park’s Dolphin Encounter program provides a chance to observe these intelligent marine mammals up close and even interact with them. During the experience, participants can wade into the shallow waters and have the dolphins swim alongside them, allowing for unforgettable photo opportunities.
The knowledgeable staff at the park ensures a safe and educational encounter, sharing fascinating insights about the dolphins’ behavior and biology. Visitors can also learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
The Dolphin Encounter at Aquaventuras Park is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Nuevo Vallarta, offering a chance to create lasting memories while supporting the well-being of the dolphins.
Read our full review: Nuevo Vallarta: Dolphin Encounter at Aquaventuras Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Nuevo Vallarta: Dolphin Experience at Splash Water Park
The Splash Water Park in Nuevo Vallarta offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to interact with dolphins in an immersive setting. The 25-45 minute dolphin swim experience allows participants to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures, with activities like swimming, kissing, hugging, and even going for a belly ride.
The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized encounter. Guests can revel in the unique sensations of feeling the dolphins’ skin and engaging in these thrilling interactions. The experience is accompanied by a live Spanish-speaking tour guide, adding to the educational and cultural aspects of the visit.
At just €56.32 per person, this dolphin encounter is a remarkable value, especially with the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Beyond the dolphin experience, visitors can also enjoy the wider water park offerings, including various slides, shows featuring cat sharks, dolphins, and sea lions, as well as an aquarium.
Facilities like showers and parking are available, making the Splash Water Park a complete and convenient destination for a memorable day in Nuevo Vallarta.
Read our full review: Nuevo Vallarta: Dolphin Experience at Splash Water Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Nuevo Vallarta: Dolphin Royal Swim at Aquaventuras Park
Travelers to Nuevo Vallarta can indulge in a truly extraordinary dolphin encounter at the Aquaventuras Park. The “Dolphin Royal Swim” experience offers a 60-minute interaction with these magnificent creatures, allowing participants to pet, play, and witness their strength and agility.
Priced at $131.48 per person, this activity includes access to the Aquaventuras Water Park, where visitors can enjoy zip lining, rock climbing, and a challenging circuit.
The small-group tour, limited to 10 participants, is led by a Spanish-speaking guide and includes a hot cooked lunch with a soft drink. Guests can also purchase photos and videos of their dolphin encounter.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this experience is both flexible and convenient.
Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable animal encounter or a full day of water-based activities, the Dolphin Royal Swim at Aquaventuras Park is a must-do in Nuevo Vallarta.
Read our full review: Nuevo Vallarta: Dolphin Royal Swim at Aquaventuras Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Puerto Vallarta: Whale Watching and Swimming With Dolphins
Seeking an exhilarating day in Puerto Vallarta? Experience a thrilling combo tour combining whale watching and swimming with dolphins. This 5.5-hour adventure is perfect for families and nature enthusiasts, available from December to March for the whale watching season.
Priced from $165.39 per person, the tour features a whale watching catamaran ride with hydrophones to hear the whales’ songs. Led by expert marine mammal guides, the experience also includes a deli-style buffet meal and open bar on board, as well as relaxation on overwater hammocks and floating islands.
The highlight is the interactive dolphin swim on a shallow platform. While children under 4 and pregnant women can’t participate, guests ages 5 and up can enjoy this unforgettable adventure.
Remember to leave jewelry and sunscreen behind during the dolphin swim, as cameras are only permitted for the whale watching portion. Professional photos of the Dolphin Adventure are available for purchase.
Read our full review: Puerto Vallarta: Whale Watching and Swimming With Dolphins Review
Book now: Check availability
Puerto Vallarta: Dolphin Swimming and Aquaventuras Park
Visitors to Puerto Vallarta can enjoy an immersive dolphin swimming experience at Aquaventuras Park. The dolphin swimming package includes admission to the park, where guests can swim with well-trained dolphins and participate in activities like the dorsal fin tow, foot push, fin handshake, and dolphin peck.
The experience lasts 2 hours and is available at a discounted price, starting from £107.85 per person.
For safety, a 15-minute briefing is provided before the dolphin interactions. Age and height restrictions apply, with children as young as 5 able to participate in extreme activities.
Amenities include lockers, showers, restrooms, and lounge chairs, as well as a dish from the Swimmers Menu and a soft drink.
Read our full review: Puerto Vallarta: Dolphin Swimming and Aquaventuras Park Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Touch or Feed the Dolphins During the Tour?
Touching or feeding the dolphins is generally not allowed during dolphin watching tours, as this can disturb the animals and is often prohibited for their safety and well-being. Visitors are usually asked to observe the dolphins from a distance.
Are There Any Age or Height Restrictions for the Dolphin Encounters?
There are typically no strict age or height restrictions for dolphin encounters, though some tours may have minimum requirements to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their specific policies.
How Long Do the Dolphin Interactions Typically Last?
The dolphin interactions typically last around 30 to 45 minutes. This allows visitors ample time to interact and observe the dolphins in a safe, controlled environment. The duration may vary depending on the specific tour and the dolphins’ activity levels.
Are There Any Special Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities?
Most dolphin tours offer accommodations for individuals with disabilities. They provide assistive devices, designated seating areas, and experienced staff to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for all guests.
Can I Bring My Own Camera or Is One Provided?
Visitors can typically bring their own cameras on dolphin watching tours. Some tour operators may provide cameras or photography services, but it’s best to check with the specific company beforehand to confirm the options available.
Recap
Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta offer a variety of dolphin-related activities. Visitors can choose from dolphin encounters, experiences, and royal swims at Aquaventuras Park, as well as dolphin swimming and whale watching excursions. These tours provide opportunities to interact with and observe these intelligent marine mammals in their natural habitat or in controlled settings.