Dolphin Discovery Puerto Vallarta
Dolphin Discovery Puerto Vallarta
Dolphin Discovery Puerto Vallarta
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
Does not meet animal welfare
guidelines
Tripadvisor does not provide bookings for this experience because it does not meet our animal welfare guidelines.
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See what travellers are saying
- Kristen P5 contributionsFamily funOur entire family had the most memorable experience of our entire vacation. 7 of us did the Royal Swim and had such a great time. The trainer Rodrigo did an outstanding job and the dolphins were incredible. We got beautiful pictures. The water park was very fun as well.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 February 2024
- Kaveh K1 contributionDolphins were fun.fun place to go.Fun park, great staff lots of fun with the dolphins. We had an accident but because the person attending the slide wasn’t paying attention. Fernando, Celeste, and the rest of the staff were extremely helpful and attentive. I recommend the place. But be very careful with the water slides and make sure the attendant is paying attention to you.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 April 2024
- Brianna J1 contributionMinnie was awesome! So was Luke & Merlin!Only went to swim with the Dolphins. Minnie was our instructor and she was AMAZING. We got to spend time with the best buds Luke & Merlin. She showed us a lot of tricks they knew, as we got to do interactive tricks with them as well. She gave us so much info & truly made the experience one to remember!!Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 April 2024
- Veronica BUnited States16 contributionsThe highlight of our vacation!The Dolphin Encounter was the highlight of our family trip! Interacting with these gentle, highly social, and intelligent creatures was simply wonderful. Family members between the ages of 3 and 79 participated, and everyone loved the experience. The dolphins are well cared for, and the trainers clearly have an affection for them. The photos are excellent. The Aquaventuras Park was great fun! There were water slides for every age group, and a separate area for the little ones. All staff members were friendly and helpful, and the food was very good. We highly recommend Dolphin Discovery and the Aquaventuras Park!We really appreciate your feedback, and we are very pleased to welcome you to be part of the experience of a life timeWritten 16 June 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 May 2024
- Esther L6 contributionsWe loved the dolphin trainer class with FernandoMy two tween daughters loved their dolphin trainer class with Fernando. They appreciated his warmth, enthusiasm, and eagerness to teach. Fernando drew out young guests and encouraged their curiosity about dolphins. We also appreciated the condition & professionalism of the facilities for both dolphins and guests. The program included a shallow pool dolphin swim, a deep pool dolphin swim, a behind the seems look to meal prep and dolphin husbandry, a swim with sea lions and a lunch. My family and I had clear views of what our kids were experiencing and were able to photograph and video from the different waiting areas. This was one of the most unique and memorable experiences that we had in Puerto Vallarta. I was very satisfied with this program and 100% recommend it to others.We really appreciate your feedback, and we are very pleased to welcome you to be part of the experience of a life timeWritten 16 June 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 June 2024
- Jessica C1 contributionGreat experience onMy husband and I had a great time. Jessie was our instructor and she was AMAZING. We got to spend time with the best buds Luke & Merlin. She showed us a lot of tricks they knew and also were able to learn about them. My only complaint is that I’ve now email them twice in reference too my photos I purchased and have not heard a response back. I’m a little disappointed that the code that was given to download is not valid, please contact me back as soon as possible.Thank you very much for your comments and my apologies for the situation, we will contact you as soon as possible. It is a pleasure to serve you!Written 20 June 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 June 2024
- Juan Carlos Z1 contributionAn unprecedented experience.An unforgettable experience from start to finish. Also, the attention of Minerva, Paula, Homer, Beto and Cristian. They made us feel at home. Special thanks to Columbus, Angel, Merlin, Luke and Popeye, of course.Agradecemos muchos sus comentarios y el tiempo requerido para compartirnos. Nos congratula escuchar lo mucho que disfrutaron al tener definitivamente una de las mejores experiencias de su vida, aquĂ con nosotros. Estamos enfocados en brindarles el mejor servicio, para que su experiencia sea completa e inolvidable. Esperamos tener el placer de recibirles nuevamente.Written 7 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2024
- Yazmin Z7 contributionsYou have to live it! :DWithout a doubt, Dolphin Discovery is one of the must-see places, a harmonious and very pleasant place, with great friendliness in all its staff from the reception to the premises. I recommend enjoying a beautiful experience with wolves and dolphins by Minerva, Paula and Homer, which will certainly make the moment unforgettable! I appreciate the constant supervision and attention during the activities to Alberto, and Christian, excellent hosts.Agradecemos muchos tus comentarios y el tiempo requerido para compartirnos. Nos congratula escuchar lo mucho disfrutaste al tener definitivamente una de las mejores experiencias de tu vida, aquĂ con nosotros.Written 17 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 July 2024
- lovetotravel23Wa141 contributions2nd time and still so funThis is my second time coming here and I must say I am quite happy with their customer service. I accidentally booked the wrong day and missed our time slot. I called in and told them the situation and they corrected my mistake without hesitation. Once at the park we enjoyed the lazy river and the slides…our dolphin interaction was a little shorter then the last time but the dolphins did seem tired after interacting with our party of 11 so it was understandable that our time got cut short… overall very happy with my experience.We are very pleased to know that we met your expectations and know that our staff was aware of your expectations and that they were of excellent quality. We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in the future very soon.Written 18 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 22 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
982 reviews
Excellent
581
Very good
232
Average
99
Poor
35
Terrible
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Eric Lazo
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
An unforgettable experience, literally, you have the dolphin in front of you to touch it, caress it, watch it do some tricks, all this within the same pool that the dolphin is in, I came with my family and we were with the trainer Lety and the dolphin Simba, Lety had total control over Simba the entire time and he followed her instructions at the bottom of the sign. If you have any questions, ask about the dolphin, its habitat, feeding, anything in general, they answer you kindly without any problem. with good treatment just like for the dolphins.
I will not comment on the price and time since everything depends on the experience you want to have, there are packages that include some interactions with the dolphin, there are some that include even more and there are some that even make you swim with them, so give it a try. We review the packages and you make the decision that suits you.
Right there you can acquire the photos that you like since at all times in each activity photos are taken of you even if you do not want to buy them, but if you want to buy them there is a kiosk where they show you all the photos or you can choose the ones you prefer for a cost that varies depending on. How many photos did you choose from?
When you finish you can stay in the park, there are slides and an area for children. The restaurant has affordable prices for the food, it tastes good and in my opinion they serve you enough.
You can take a locker for 50 pesos, and at the end of your day. You hand over the key and they return the 50 pesos.
I will not comment on the price and time since everything depends on the experience you want to have, there are packages that include some interactions with the dolphin, there are some that include even more and there are some that even make you swim with them, so give it a try. We review the packages and you make the decision that suits you.
Right there you can acquire the photos that you like since at all times in each activity photos are taken of you even if you do not want to buy them, but if you want to buy them there is a kiosk where they show you all the photos or you can choose the ones you prefer for a cost that varies depending on. How many photos did you choose from?
When you finish you can stay in the park, there are slides and an area for children. The restaurant has affordable prices for the food, it tastes good and in my opinion they serve you enough.
You can take a locker for 50 pesos, and at the end of your day. You hand over the key and they return the 50 pesos.

Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loren C
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The dolphin experience w Jessica our trainer was great—she tailored the experience to each guest. We got lifted out of the water, flying like superman w 2 dolphins pushing our feet. Got to hold the dorsal fin of 2 dolphins and pulled around the tank. 9 yr old girls got a nice slow swim lying on the dolphins belly as it swam up side down. Highly recommended. It seemed all the packages did similar things w the dolphins. The waterslide part of the park is a little tired. The photos are pricey but if in your budget, they are a great memory w lots of cute and action shots. We each got 26 digital photos and one hard copy. Say hi to Jessica, the trainer, if your lucky to get her. But all the trainers seemed good. Jessica had a degree in biology and knew everything about dolphins. Its a life time experience and you will never see dolphins the same.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abigale L
18 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was absolutely a one in a lifetime experience. We did the sea lion interaction. We got hugs and kisses from the sea lion. Nuevo Vallarta was not very busy when we went, so we had the whole interaction to ourselves. They don't allow you to take your phone to take photos; there are lockers where you can leave your phone for free before you go in. It was 900 pesos for all of the photos of my interaction. It was a little pricey but well worth it in my opinion. We learned a lot about sea lions and the preservation of their habitats.
Written 31 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amie M
aliso viejo3 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
2 minutes ago
NEW
It was ok. Was it amazing to interact with dolphins? Yes! Is there a reason why it’s outlawed in the United States? Also yes. The dolphins we interacted with had sores around their mouths and you can tell their whole daily routine is just to be show dolphins. They don’t make anyone wash their hands or shower prior to prevent transferring infection to these dolphins which I think should be required. Two sea lions are in a tiny dirty pool and circle in it the whole time. It’s actually really sad. The whole place is really run down and dirty and I don’t recommend going there. They over charge for pictures but we bargained and got it cheaper. In the gift shop a small white plastic bulb key chain was on the ground and my son stepped on it by accident because it was on the GROUND and he’s 3 years old and they made us pay for it even though it was on the ground. That was the final straw. We paid $400 for a dolphin swim and then charged us for a white plastic key chain that was on the ground. Also when you check it, it takes forever because they sit there and try to sell and overcharge you for everything. It’s not worth your bucket list
NEW
It was ok. Was it amazing to interact with dolphins? Yes! Is there a reason why it’s outlawed in the United States? Also yes. The dolphins we interacted with had sores around their mouths and you can tell their whole daily routine is just to be show dolphins. They don’t make anyone wash their hands or shower prior to prevent transferring infection to these dolphins which I think should be required. Two sea lions are in a tiny dirty pool and circle in it the whole time. It’s actually really sad. The whole place is really run down and dirty and I don’t recommend going there. They over charge for pictures but we bargained and got it cheaper. In the gift shop a small white plastic bulb key chain was on the ground and my son stepped on it by accident because it was on the GROUND and he’s 3 years old and they made us pay for it even though it was on the ground. That was the final straw. We paid $400 for a dolphin swim and then charged us for a white plastic key chain that was on the ground. Also when you check it, it takes forever because they sit there and try to sell and overcharge you for everything. It’s not worth your bucket list
Written 4 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christina P
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Overall, I will say it was okay. Our dolphin instructor Pamela (I believe her name is) was very nice and informative, along with the star of the show Angel. We brought 5 kids, and they were so patient with us, our smallest being two really enjoyed it. I would make sure that the photographer gets good pictures because they will offer you about 165 pictures that where definitely not worthy keeping for almost 220 dollars. They also do not clean their water park water so you will see bugs and spiders floating around. It was a once in a lifetime treat for the kids but probably wouldn't do it again at least here that is.
Written 6 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lane
Saskatoon, Canada1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Couples
We loved the dolphin adventure but we payed almost 300 Canadian for the photos and they emailed us photos of a different couple.
We have been calling and emailing constantly and nobody is getting back to us
It's very concerning. Any help would be appreciated
We have been calling and emailing constantly and nobody is getting back to us
It's very concerning. Any help would be appreciated
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheBCGuy
Kelowna, Canada6 contributions
Jul 2023
Swimming with the dolphins was great however we paid 1500 pesos for photos and the digital download code does not work after waiting more than 24 hours. There are numerous other reviews that have this same problem. Not only are the photo's way overpriced but it appears to be a scam. I will modify this review to a more positive one if dolphin discovery makes this right. If not will make this review 1 star and not recommend this place to anyone.
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas H
Vista, CA1 contribution
Jan 2024 • Couples
This review is just about the Dolphin Discovery in Puerto Vallarta. It is not about the other areas of the park.
The instructor that worked with the dolphins was fabulous. She was energetic, spoke good English and kept us consistently entertained. We wanted to tip her, but our money was in the park's locker and that is a pretty good distance away.
The dolphin was also a lot of fun. It seemed to really enjoy the activities and always requested a treat after doing her act (yes, the instructor showed that she was female). They took a lot of great pictures of us with the dolphin and we will always treasure those photos.
The instructor that worked with the dolphins was fabulous. She was energetic, spoke good English and kept us consistently entertained. We wanted to tip her, but our money was in the park's locker and that is a pretty good distance away.
The dolphin was also a lot of fun. It seemed to really enjoy the activities and always requested a treat after doing her act (yes, the instructor showed that she was female). They took a lot of great pictures of us with the dolphin and we will always treasure those photos.
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olivia s
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
The dolphin experience was timeless! It was interective and amazing in every way, and we got lots of pictures to remember all the memories. There are lots to do outside dolphins, like waterslides, a lazy river, ziplining, and a cool acrobatics playground. Definitely worthwhile!!
Written 29 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria G
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
Unbelievably amazing!!!! I did the Sea Lions and my friend did the Royal Swim with the dolphins. They spent double the time with us versus a shore excursion through the cruise ship. The trainers were so patient and did the instructions in English and Spanish. The animals are also bilingual! For the price you pay on the cruise ship and booking on your own, you get a much better deal booking on your own. I’ve done cruise line excursions and this was far better than any I’ve done! I have to add, that this experience is in a small water park with a zip line, regular pool, some water slides, and a lazy river which is all included with the dolphin or sea lion experience. What a great time!!! Definitely 5 stars!!!
Written 15 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I was curious if the dolphin swims are offered on Monday because it says they run daily but it also says Dolphin Adventure is Tuesday-Sunday.
Written 19 December 2022
Hi, we are heading down with a larger family member (250 lb/5'5").. will you have life jackets to accomodate her?
Thanks in advance..
Written 27 February 2020
Yes they do. I’m bigger around than that & it was fine!
Written 27 February 2020
How do I write a review through TripAdvisor???
Written 2 December 2019
Marco O
George Town, Grand Cayman
Hello Gary, you just need to enter the profile of the business you want to review and find the "review" box, since you already have a profile it will allow you to do it directly
Written 25 February 2021
Tengo una visita programada, me inquietan los comentarios sobre el costo excesivo de las fotografias. Me pueden informar cuánto cuestan..? Por lo menos para ir preparada
Written 17 October 2019
Hello there
Me and my family will be visiting here later this year have emailed the company regarding prices for the photos after the meet with the dolphins. We have 3 young kids 7,5 and 3 respectively and have been told via email the 5 and 3 year olds will go free for the meet. Just wondering how much the pictures will cost roughly for a full party.
What currency can I use in park
How much to get in to the water park.
Thanks guys.
Written 24 March 2019
Dear traveler,
Many thanks for your interest in Dolphin Discovery Puerto Vallarta.
Our photos have a cost of approximately $40 USD each, but we have some photo packages available with the swim programs.
For the moment we are NOT receiving dollars in cash at our location (check in, restaurant, boutique and photos), we are getting pesos in cash and if you want to use an international credit or debit card, payments will be done in Mexican or US Currency.
For further information we invite you to visit our official website where our on line agents will be pleased to assist you and answer all your questions about prices and packages.
Looking forward to welcome you soon at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Vallarta & Aquaventuras Park.
Best regards!
Written 25 March 2019
how much does a taxi cost from the hotel area in puerto vallata to the dolphin adventure???
Written 4 March 2019
Do you need to know how to swim?
Written 12 January 2019
Dear traveler,
Many thanks for your interest in Dolphin Discovery Puerto Vallarta.
The use of life jackets is mandatory in all water programs and a life guard is always ready to assist you so, you do not need to be a strong swimmer, depending the program you purchase the activities may vary.
If you need further assistance or have another question please do not hesitate to contact our call center or our reservations on line department, we will be very pleased to help you.
Looking forward to welcome you soon at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Vallarta.
Best regards!
Written 14 January 2019
How strenuous is the dolphin signature swim? Is it in rough open water? Do you wear life jackets?
Written 11 August 2018
You wear life jackets. You’re in a pool. It did not seem strenuous at all.
Written 23 September 2018
combien pour une journee avec parc aquatique et nage avec les dauphin? par adulte et par enfants
Written 5 August 2018
I don't know how to edit my post but our 2 year old grandson got a bladder infection a few days after he was in the dolphin tank. He did not swim or stay in the pool at our hotel. Unusual, but he doesn't like to play in water much. He was, however, in the water tank for the dolphin experience. The pediatrician said that the warm water in that tank could have been the problem. There are 3 groups of 10 in each group
in the water with the dolphins every hour. Even at our hotel, which was 20% occupied, there were fewer than 10-15 people in the pool all day.
Written 19 June 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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