6 photosDolphin & Sea Lion Programs
Nine programs with Pacific bottlenose dolphins and sea lions at the dolphin center in Nuevo Vallarta, from a 20-minute poolside encounter for non-swimmers to a full day working beside the trainers.
Starting price based on the currently published rate. Final pricing and availability require confirmation.
Request this service- Where
- Dolphin center, Nuevo Vallarta
- Programs
- Encounter · Adventure · Signature · Extreme · Trainer for a Day
- Interaction
- 20 minutes to a full day
- Kids program
- Ages 4 to 9
- Private swim
- 2 or 6 guests
Locally fulfilled by MexiTravels · booked, confirmed and supported by Villa Experience.
About the experience.
Every program starts the same way: a short poolside introduction by the trainers to the dolphins’ anatomy, physiology and the hand signals used to communicate with them. What follows depends on the program. The Encounter is 20 minutes in shallow water and is designed with non-swimmers in mind. The Adventure is 30 minutes and includes a dolphin ride; the Signature Swim is 45 minutes in the smallest group size offered.
Dolphin Extreme is 60 minutes with mask, snorkel and fins, so you spend part of the time underwater, and it is combined with a boat ride to the beach club at Majahuitas. Trainer for a Day runs all day: you wear the trainer’s uniform, learn feeding and behavioral training techniques, take the Signature Swim and the Sea Lion Encounter, and go home with a certificate. Dolphin Kids is a supervised 20-minute program for children aged 4 to 9 on the shallow shelf of the maternity pool.
Caletas & Dolphins adds the Signature Swim to a full day at Las Caletas, the private cove on the South Shore, with lunch and an open bar. For a group of your own, the Private Swim is arranged with the marine mammal specialists for two or six guests. Life jackets and lockers are provided for the swim and encounter programs.
What’s included
- Poolside introduction by the trainers
- Interaction time as listed per program
- Life jackets
- Lockers
- Lunch, uniform and certificate (Trainer for a Day)
- Las Caletas day with lunch and open bar (Caletas & Dolphins)
Good to know
- Child prices apply on most programs: Encounter $89, Adventure $89, Signature Swim $89, Sea Lion Encounter $77, Caletas & Dolphins $139 USD. Dolphin Kids ($95 USD) is for children aged 4 to 9 only.
- Minimum ages: the Encounter and the Private Swim from age 1; the Adventure, Signature Swim, Sea Lion Encounter and Caletas & Dolphins from 5; Dolphin Extreme from 8, with strong swimming ability; Trainer for a Day from 12.
- Children aged 5 to 11 must be accompanied by a paying adult aged 16 or older (under 12 on Dolphin Extreme and the Private Swim). On the Encounter, infants aged 1 to 4 join free with a paying adult. On Dolphin Extreme a parent or guardian signs a waiver for anyone under 18.
- The programs are not open to pregnant guests.
- Jewelry and sunscreen are not allowed in the pool, and cameras stay in the observation area. Life jackets are provided, and are required on the Signature Swim, Caletas & Dolphins and the Private Swim.
- Bring: swimsuit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen for the rest of the day and money for photos; a sun hat and a light jacket for Caletas & Dolphins.
Choose your program
| Option | From (USD) |
|---|---|
| Dolphin Encounter20 minutes, shallow water, suited to non-swimmers | $99 |
| Sea Lion Encounter20 minutes with the sea lions in a purpose-built pool | $99 |
| Dolphin Kids20 minutes for children aged 4 to 9, under close supervision | $95 |
| Dolphin Adventure30 minutes, including a dolphin ride | $119 |
| Dolphin Signature Swim45 minutes in the smallest group size offered | $159 |
| Dolphin Extreme60 minutes with mask, snorkel and fins, plus a boat trip to Majahuitas | $179 |
| Dolphin Trainer for a DayAll day beside the trainers, with lunch, uniform, Signature Swim, Sea Lion Encounter and certificate | $189 |
| Caletas & DolphinsSignature Swim followed by a full day at Las Caletas with lunch and open bar | $199 |
| Private SwimPrivate program for 2 or 6 guests, designed with the marine mammal specialists | $459 |
Published starting rates per person unless stated. We confirm the final price with your quote.
Request Dolphin & Sea Lion Programs
Send your preferred date and details. We confirm availability with our local partner and reply with a confirmed price and a secure payment link.
- 1Request
- 2We confirm
- 3Pay securely
- 4Itinerary
Answered plainly.
01Which program suits non-swimmers?
The Dolphin Encounter. It lasts 20 minutes in shallow water and was designed with non-swimmers in mind. Life jackets are provided for every program.
02Is there a program for young children?
Yes. Dolphin Kids is for children aged 4 to 9 and takes place on the shallow shelf of the maternity pool under close supervision. Infants from age 1 can join the Encounter free with a paying adult; the Adventure, Signature Swim and Sea Lion Encounter start at 5, Dolphin Extreme at 8 and Trainer for a Day at 12.
03Where does it take place?
At the dolphin center in Nuevo Vallarta. Transport from your villa can be added to the same request.
04Can we have the dolphins to ourselves?
Yes. The Private Swim is arranged for two or six guests with the marine mammal specialists, and the content of the session is planned with you. From $459 USD.
05Can we combine dolphins with a beach day?
Caletas & Dolphins pairs the Signature Swim with a full day at Las Caletas, including lunch and an open bar. Dolphin Extreme includes a boat trip to the beach club at Majahuitas.
Plan the rest of the stay.
Las Caletas Beach Hideaway
The director John Huston once called this cove home. Today it is a private beach on the South Shore, reachable only by boat.
Scuba Diving in Banderas Bay
Banderas Bay has beginner dives among the granite islets of Los Arcos, a shipwreck off Mismaloya, and wall, cave and tunnel dives at El Morro for certified divers. Every trip includes a PADI divemaster and full equipment.
Ocean Mania Water Sports Day
A speedboat across the bay to a secluded cove set up for a day of water sports: parasailing, a zip-line into the sea, the Step-Up, a ride on the Thriller jet boat, snorkeling and a sea lion encounter.