Thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your Puerto Vallarta trip? The Dolphin Royal Swim at Aquaventuras Park offers a unique chance to interact with dolphins in a lively, family-friendly setting. For $183 per person, you get roughly 2.5 days’ worth of fun — including a 60-minute dolphin swim, all the park’s water attractions, and a tasty hot lunch. The provider has a solid 4.4-star rating, which suggests most visitors leave satisfied with their experience.
What we love about this experience is first, the chance to actually swim with dolphins, not just watch them from a distance. Second, the full access to Aquaventuras Water Park makes this a great value for a full day of entertainment. The thrilling zip lines, rock climbing, and challenge circuits really complement the dolphin encounter, adding variety for thrill-seekers. On the downside, the experience is primarily in Spanish, so non-Spanish speakers might want to brush up or go with a guide. Still, the overall mix of marine magic and water park fun makes it ideal for families, groups, or anyone craving a lively, interactive day in Puerto Vallarta.
Key Points
- Authentic dolphin interaction: A full 60-minute swim with the chance to pet, hug, and be pushed through the water by dolphins.
- Full-day adventure: Includes access to Aquaventuras Water Park with zip lining, rock climbing, and challenge circuits.
- All-inclusive experience: Lunch, lockers, showers, dolphin show, and photo/video options are part of the package.
- Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
- Language: Live guide in Spanish, so some understanding of the language enhances the experience.
- Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund – useful if your plans change.
A Practical Look at the Experience
Planning more time in Nuevo Vallarta? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Location and Setting
The tour takes place at Aquaventuras Park in Nuevo Vallarta, a popular resort area just north of Puerto Vallarta. The park is designed to cater to families seeking a mix of marine encounters and water-based fun. Its proximity to the ocean means the environment feels natural and vibrant, with the chance to see dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life in a well-maintained setting.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted and given an orientation. The meeting point details are provided upon booking, but rest assured, transportation options or directions are straightforward. The park’s layout is accessible, with lockers and showers available, which is helpful after a long day of swimming and sliding.
The Dolphin Experience: What to Expect
The highlight is the 60-minute Royal Dolphin Swim. You’ll be in a small group, usually with a maximum of 10 participants, which helps keep things intimate and manageable. The experience kicks off with a brief orientation to meet your trainers and learn about dolphin safety and behavior.
Once in the water, the real magic begins. You’ll get to pet, hug, and kiss these intelligent animals, and your guide will demonstrate various activities. You might be pushed through the water with a foot push, giving you the sensation of flying. The dolphins are known for their strength and agility, and watching them propel you through the water is a thrill.
Many reviews mention the friendly demeanor of the dolphins and the informative nature of the guides. One reviewer loved the way the trainers emphasized safety and respect for the animals, making the experience both fun and ethical.
Additional Activities at Aquaventuras
Once your dolphin encounter ends, you’re free to explore the rest of the park. The admission includes access to all water park attractions, which is a significant value add. Expect zip lining, where you’ll soar over the park; rock climbing, for a physical challenge; and the challenge circuit, a series of obstacle courses.
The park also offers dolphin and sea lion shows, which are lively and engaging, designed to entertain and educate visitors about marine life.
More Great Tours NearbyFood and Photos
A hot cooked lunch with soft drinks is included, providing a welcome break and a chance to rehydrate after your water adventures. For those wanting to capture the moment, photos and videos of your dolphin encounter are available for purchase, often seen as a worthwhile souvenir, especially given the natural smiles and adorable moments you’ll want to remember.
While you're exploring Nuevo Vallarta, here are other experiences we've looked into
Duration and Pacing
The entire experience spans approximately 2.5 days, with options for morning or afternoon sessions. This flexibility allows you to fit the tour into your Puerto Vallarta schedule. The total duration of the activity—including water park access, lunch, and the dolphin swim—is about half a day, making it a manageable addition to your trip.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re traveling with family, especially kids, this experience hits all the right notes. The combination of marine interaction and waterpark fun appeals to a broad age range. Adventure travelers will appreciate the zip line and challenge circuits, while animal lovers will value the ethical approach and the chance to interact directly with dolphins.
However, keep in mind that the live guide is in Spanish, so some basic Spanish knowledge or a translation app might be helpful to fully understand the safety instructions and commentary.
Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability
This tour offers a well-rounded day of excitement at a reasonable price. For $183, you get a genuine dolphin encounter, full access to a water park, and lunch, making it hard to beat in terms of value. The small group size enhances the experience, ensuring everyone gets personal attention and plenty of time with the dolphins.
That said, the experience is primarily in Spanish, so if language is a barrier, you might find yourself relying on the enthusiasm of the staff or other travelers. The park’s lively environment and variety of activities mean there’s enough to keep everyone entertained, from thrill-seekers to those just looking to relax and watch the dolphins.
In summary, whether you’re a family wanting an unforgettable day, an adventure seeker craving more than just a swim, or someone who loves marine life, this tour delivers. It balances fun, education, and interaction in a setting that’s both safe and professionally managed.
FAQs
Is transportation included?
Transportation details are not specified, but directions are provided upon booking. You might need to arrange your own transportation to Aquaventuras Park.
How long is the dolphin swim?
The actual dolphin interaction lasts about 60 minutes, including orientation. The entire experience, including park access and lunch, spans roughly 2.5 days.
Can non-Spanish speakers join?
Yes, but a basic understanding of Spanish will enhance your experience since the live guide is in Spanish. Some instructions or commentary might be missed otherwise.
What activities are included besides the dolphin swim?
You get access to all water park attractions, including zip lining, rock climbing, and challenge circuits, as well as dolphin and sea lion shows.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which is helpful if your plans change unexpectedly.
Are photos and videos worth buying?
Many visitors find the photos and videos a charming souvenir, capturing moments they might not be able to recreate. Prices are not specified, but they tend to be a popular add-on.
To sum it up, the Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Royal Swim at Aquaventuras Park blends marine interaction with fun-filled activities in a lively setting. It’s especially suited for families, adventure lovers, and anyone wanting a memorable day with dolphins, topped with water slides, zip lines, and a good meal. The experience’s balance of value, authenticity, and variety makes it a compelling choice for a day out in Puerto Vallarta.
You can check availability for your dates here: