Puerto Vallarta: Dolphin Swimming and Aquaventuras Park

Imagine a day where you get to play with dolphins in warm, clear waters, then unwind with a soft drink and a tasty meal, all while enjoying the thrill of zip lines and water slides. For roughly $159 per person, this tour offers an engaging combination of marine interaction and park adventures that lasts about 2 hours.

The experience is based at Aquaventuras Park, a well-equipped water park in Puerto Vallarta, with the main highlight being a 60-minute dolphin encounter. What we love most about this tour are the personalized interactions with the dolphins—shaking fins and even getting a peck on the cheek—plus the chance to explore the park’s water rides and extreme activities like zip lining and a challenge course.

One thing to keep in mind is that the check-in process can be a bit clunky, and the photo sales for dolphin pictures tend to be expensive. This tour suits families, wildlife lovers, and anyone wanting a balanced day of fun and relaxation. If you’re after a well-rounded experience that combines animal interaction and park thrills, this is worth considering.

Key Points

Balanced mix of marine interaction and adventure activities
Includes a meal, soft drink, and full park access
Well-trained guides ensure safety and fun
A variety of activities for all ages, from slides to zip lines
Cost-effective for a day packed with entertainment
Limited group size enhances personal attention

You can check availability for your dates here:

Diving into the Experience: What To Expect

This tour starts with a check-in at Aquaventuras Park, where you’ll begin a brief safety briefing. The staff is generally friendly and professional—an important aspect since you’ll be in the water with lively dolphins. Afterward, you’ll spend about 60 minutes engaged in direct interactions with well-trained dolphins.

The activities are designed to be accessible for most participants: you’ll get to shake fins, observe their anatomy, and even receive a gentle peck on the cheek from these cheerful creatures. Families with children will appreciate that kids over 4.6 feet can participate unaccompanied, while younger children need to be accompanied by an adult—details that reviewers note are quite important in planning.

Following the dolphin encounter, you can enjoy full access to the park’s attractions. We loved the variety of options, including 10 water slides, a lazy river, and the kid-friendly play area. The extreme activities like the climbing wall, challenge course, and zip lines add a dose of adrenaline for those craving adventure. The one-round zip line is included, which means you get to soar across the park and take in the views of Puerto Vallarta’s surroundings.

After working up an appetite, you’ll be able to refuel with a dish from the “Swimmer’s Menu” and a soft drink—a practical perk that keeps you energized for more fun. The included meal options are generally considered decent, especially for kids, but some reviewers have mentioned that the food isn’t gourmet. Still, it’s a convenient way to relax without having to leave the park.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The personal interaction with dolphins is the core of this experience. We appreciated the trainers like Alberto, who received praise for their professionalism and friendliness. Multiple reviewers noted how happy and healthy the dolphins appeared, which is reassuring for animal lovers. Megan from the U.S. shared, “The dolphins were happy, healthy, and well-trained,” which is a good sign.

The adage of good value for money rings true here, especially considering the full access to the park and extra activities included. The small group size—limited to 10 participants—means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and your interaction with the dolphins can be more personal.

Another highlight is the variety of activities available. Whether you’re racing down water slides or zip-lining through the park, there’s something for all. Families, in particular, find it a perfect outing because of the kid-friendly zones and the lazy river, which is perfect for relaxing after the more active pursuits.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While the experience has many positives, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some reviews pointed out that the check-in process can be a little awkward, perhaps due to paperwork or organization issues. It’s advisable to arrive a bit early to avoid feeling rushed.

The photo packages are notoriously expensive, with some reviewers mentioning costs upward of 3500 pesos for a set of photos. If capturing memories is important, you might want to bring your own camera, although cameras are not allowed during the dolphin interaction itself—likely for safety and comfort reasons.

Transportation isn’t included, so plan your route to Aquaventuras Park accordingly. The tour is usually available in the morning or afternoon, giving you flexibility depending on your schedule.

Lastly, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or anyone with mobility constraints who may find the water activities difficult. Children under 3.3 feet are limited to encounter activities, and those over 4.6 feet can participate alone if paying the adult rate.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re after a fun-filled day that combines animal interaction with park adventures, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for families with kids, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a balanced mix of learning and thrill. The knowledgeable guides and the safety measures in place give peace of mind, making it a value-packed outing for those new to marine encounters.

For travelers who want to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s natural beauty while experiencing something unique and lively, this tour offers a hands-on dolphin experience combined with the thrill of water slides and zip lines. Just remember, if you’re looking for a more luxurious or secluded dolphin experience, you might find other options, but for value and variety, this tour delivers.

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FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to make your way to Aquaventuras Park on your own or arrange transport separately.

How long is the dolphin interaction?
The actual dolphin encounter lasts about 60 minutes. The overall tour, including park access and activities, is approximately 2 hours.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 4.6 feet can participate alone, while younger children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Infants under 3.3 feet are limited to encounter activities.

Are photos provided during the experience?
Photos are not included and are known to be expensive if purchased. You might want to bring your own camera to capture the moments outside the water.

Is this experience suitable for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women are not allowed to participate in the aquatic activities for safety reasons.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for extras. Cameras are not allowed during the dolphin interaction.

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Final Thoughts

This Puerto Vallarta activity offers an engaging blend of marine life interaction and park fun at a reasonable price. The gentle, well-trained dolphins and friendly guides ensure a safe and memorable experience, especially for families and animal lovers. The inclusion of adventure activities like zip lines and water slides adds value, making this a full day of entertainment.

While some may find the check-in process awkward or the photo prices steep, these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall enjoyment. If you’re interested in getting close to dolphins and then cooling off with rides and slides, this tour is likely to satisfy.

Ultimately, it’s an accessible, fun, and varied outing that combines education, adventure, and relaxation—perfect if you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta and want a day filled with smiles and splashes.

Enjoy your trip and remember: the best souvenirs are the memories you make—and maybe a selfie with a dolphin or two!