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Recommended Reviews - Dolphin Adventure
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This is a definite don't miss when you are in Puerta Vallarta! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and the sea lions were so sweet. We had Karla (the trainer) and Kaila (the sea lion). You could tell that they had a great connection. We learned about Sea Lions, saw what Kaila could do. We also got to pet her, give her hugs, and got kisses from her! It could not have been more awesome. The photos and videos that the photographer took were amazing. Finally the lunch buffet at the end was surprisingly tasty.

We did the dolphin adventure for kids age 1-4 and thought it was fun. The whole process is well organized and things run smoothly. The dolphin connection (as the program is called) is 30 minutes which is a good amount of time for kids in that age range. She enjoyed it although maybe not as much as I had hoped for the price ($99). They have photographers on hand who take a video and lots of pictures of your child and you can buy a photo package or the video, or everything. I think it's a good activity for kids and I would recommend it.

Solid experience for kiddies and adults alike. Dolphin Adventure is located inside of a resort, but if you're traveling via cruise ship, you can still book this excursion. You're able to swim with the dolphins, of course, with a guide. From there, the staff brings out a sea lion for photo ops. I'm giving this experience 3 stars because of the ridiculous picture prices. The staff will tell you to put your phone away - this is because they want you to purchase their exorbitantly priced packages. For a couple of pictures and maybe a DVD of the experience will cost you $259! I'm good, thanks. I'll take my pictures on the sly.

This place was the highlight of our trip! All the staff was very informational and everybody can tell how much they genuinely enjoy their job. Prices are very reasonable and get so much for your money. Not to mention how many fun activities you can do with the dolphins! All the staff have so much love for these animals and have them so well trained, you can tell it is such a fun environment. If in Mexico definitely add this to your list!

Came here because our daughter wanted to swim with dolphins which was advertised in things to do pamphlet. Warning it is extremely expensive! We got there 10 minutes before the 2pm show. They told us they have an opening for one more swimming with a dolphin, ride on the belly and interactions. We wanted only one ticket for my daughter who is 8 but they force you to purchase one for an adult as well. Regulate price: $150 for adult $90 for kid Promotion is $120 for two people I honesty think it was unnecessary to force us to purchase two tickets as the interaction is in groups and you get to individually do the belly ride. Plus everyone is in a life jacket and the all workers speak English. ***Do not put sun block when swimming with the dolphins. The water is extremely cold. *** Then comes the pictures. They started with 4 pictures for $69 USD I was like that's too expensive. Then they said 3 pictures for $55 and I was like no that's still expensive. So I left and we told our daughter only one picture. Next thing I knew they lowered it to $119 USD for video and all pictures in USB. The experience was awesome and memorable.

This was our first of 3 adventures booked through Vallarta Adventures. Our scheduled time for the Dolphin Signature Swim was at 1:30pm, but we had something that lasted longer than expected, so we weren't able to make it on time. I wasn't sure if we'd be able to swim with the dolphins or not, since I had booked the 3x2 deal (where you buy 2 tours for 2 people and get the 3rd for free). So we went anyways, to see what they could do, and in the end, the lady was super nice and was able to get us into the last swim of the day since there was still space. So we only waited for about 10 minutes before the orientation. During orientation, they gave us an overview of dolphins and what to expect. Then we were lead to the changing/waiting area. Since we weren't sure if we were going to be swimming or not earlier in the day, we weren't ready with our swim gear at all. But they were super nice and accommodating even though we were the last to finish getting ready. We then got our life jackets before meeting the rest of the group by the pool. We then jumped in the super salty pool of water and swam with the dolphins! I hadn't been in a pool in about 2 years, so I had forgotten what to do in the pool. So that wasn't a fun experience for me. Even though we had life jackets, it was hard for me to stay in one area. But everyone was nice and patient during the entire time. We did everything from grabbing onto the fins of 2 dolphins and riding through the pool to the other side, to hugging, kissing, and dancing with the dolphins, to riding on the belly of the dolphins. Afterwards, we got to change, and then go to the photos area to check out the photos/videos. They were a bit more pricier than I had expected, even though I knew ahead of time it was a bit pricey. Our photographer kept lowering the price because we were so hesitant. In the end, I ended up getting all the pictures on the USB and the video for 2000 pesos (~109 USD). It's a bit steep, but well worth it! Both dolphins that we had the chance to interact with looked so happy, so I'm glad to see that they are being well taken care of! The staff were all so nice and friendly, and they spoke English too. So it was definitely an experience to remember! The person I was with also commented how they had an amazing time too. I've never done anything like that before, but Vallarta Adventures made it a memorable and amazing experience! I'd HIGHLY recommend this!!
This experience was not up to par with another dolphin encounter we experienced. 2 1/2 stars for the following reasons. The excursion info says we need to bring our own towels - no, we don't. They provide them, and a locker at no extra cost, so that's a plus. Here come the cons. If you have long hair, they require you to take any hair ties out, even ones that are securely in place to tie back all your hair! My daughter and I had our hair tied in a high ponytail, and our heads never got submerged and I don't see how it's likely the hair tie will fall out. Then you are asked to shower off...before they do the photo of you before the encounter. Why not do the photo first when you're more "put together" instead of after with crazy wet hair?? No water shoes (or anything really) allowed in the water. There is also no bench or anything for little kids to be able to sit on while in the water waiting their turn. They constantly have to be kicking and wading and being pulled back away from the area we can't go into until it's their turn. We had another experience where they talk about dolphins and it was informative and interesting, but not this place. So it wasn't very engaging in comparison. After the experience was over, myself, husband, and three young kids were eager to go eat, as that was important for us to have enough time and enjoy a meal. However, we got split up due to me needing to take some of the kids to the bathroom. After I came out of the bathroom with my kids, I told a staff member we were looking for my husband and another kid. They said that they were right this way and they led me to the gift shop and photo gallery area. My husband and youngest were not in there. And then they're telling me to wait there, but my husband and youngest were back on the other side where we began the excursion where we would wait to get in the water. I had to go back over there with my daughter and son who are hobbling from getting blisters from their water shoes that just began forming. So once we're finally all together again, we're hungry and we're trying to go and eat and they stopped us from going over to eat to have us go back into the gift shop! I felt like they were being very pushy with that as if we are not allowed to go eat at all until we take a look at our photos first. Having lunch/food for the kids was more important and would take more time than the photos. Why not let one parent go with the kids to get food plated and begin eating, and one other parent to look at the photos? So that really just gave me a negative experience. And by the time I finally got to sit down to eat, there was only 10 minutes left, because then they said the last boat back to our cruise was leaving. And before the excursion started they were saying how we can relax and enjoy our time after the encounter. But no, we can't just enjoy our time, if it's limited as much as it was. read more
Years ago on a different Mexican Riviera Cruise, Diane and I swam with dolphins, including a short ride on one. It was a fun activity. But on a just completed cruise on the Norwegian Bliss we opted to partake in a Sea Lion Encounter here instead. This entailed standing in a line with others in a swimming pool to have a female sea lion brush by us a few times; being hugged by the sea lion; and joining the sea lion in open mouth grimaces as it stood erect towering over us. This was also a unique enjoyable activity whereby we felt like we shared some warm connective moments with a sea mammal. read more
1 year ago
We had really bad experience here. The staffs were rude, information provided was not clear. It was a rip off.
2 years ago
I'm usually not for all the touristy type of stuff. But yes was honestly pretty awesome, and one of the coolest experiences I have had. Took my girlfriend for this and it was such a good thing to do. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable, Carlos was our group leader and was funny, friendly and informative Our dolphins Nemo and Yashui stole the show and were a blast to swim and interact with. This is a bit pricy, especially when you add in the photo's but I think it is worth it read more
This is a definite don't miss when you are in Puerta Vallarta! The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and the sea lions were so sweet. We had Karla (the trainer) and Kaila (the sea lion). You could tell that they had a great connection. We learned about Sea Lions, saw what Kaila could do. We also got to pet her, give her hugs, and got kisses from her! It could not have been more awesome. The photos and videos that the photographer took were amazing. Finally the lunch buffet at the end was surprisingly tasty. read more
7 years ago
We did the dolphin adventure for kids age 1-4 and thought it was fun. The whole process is well organized and things run smoothly. The dolphin connection (as the program is called) is 30 minutes which is a good amount of time for kids in that age range. She enjoyed it although maybe not as much as I had hoped for the price ($99). They have photographers on hand who take a video and lots of pictures of your child and you can buy a photo package or the video, or everything. I think it's a good activity for kids and I would recommend it. read more
2 years ago
My family and I had a great time learning about our dolphin, Yashui, with our trainer Fernanda. My young kids were comfortable (for the most part) and learned a lot about their new dolphin friend. They even got a kiss. We ordered the photos and can't wait to get the videos as well! This was a highlight of our trip! read more
3 years ago
Absolutely incredible and the animals love being here. This was informative and about as cool as it gets. The staff are very knowledgeable and super friendly the sea lions and dolphins are health and happy. read more
3 years ago
Me, my husband, and our littlest were here yesterday . It was such an amazing experience and we loved every second of it . The staff was amazing and so informative . Will def look into coming back when we visit again ! read more
7 years ago
Solid experience for kiddies and adults alike. Dolphin Adventure is located inside of a resort, but if you're traveling via cruise ship, you can still book this excursion. You're able to swim with the dolphins, of course, with a guide. From there, the staff brings out a sea lion for photo ops. I'm giving this experience 3 stars because of the ridiculous picture prices. The staff will tell you to put your phone away - this is because they want you to purchase their exorbitantly priced packages. For a couple of pictures and maybe a DVD of the experience will cost you $259! I'm good, thanks. I'll take my pictures on the sly. read more
4 years ago
Me and my family loved every minute of it, are guide/instructor was Michelle who had a wealth of knowledge in addition to showing bounds of energy. Our dolphins were Due & Yashui. Thank you for making our day special read more
6 years ago
The experience: if you can afford to do the private tour, then do it. Make sure you agree on an all inclusive package before doing the tour! I can't say that enough. Private tours are expensive! You shouldn't need to be nickled and dimed when you're paying for 1st class. The experience of being in the water with 2 400 pound dolphins and you....... nothing matches the experience... it's incredible. read more
5 years ago
This place was the highlight of our trip! All the staff was very informational and everybody can tell how much they genuinely enjoy their job. Prices are very reasonable and get so much for your money. Not to mention how many fun activities you can do with the dolphins! All the staff have so much love for these animals and have them so well trained, you can tell it is such a fun environment. If in Mexico definitely add this to your list! read more
3 years ago
Richie and Jessie were so informative, good with the animals, and helpful! I can tell they have a special bond with the animals they train. They made our experience so special and unique. I would recommend this experience at Caletas through Vallarta Adventures to everyone! read more
Came here because our daughter wanted to swim with dolphins which was advertised in things to do pamphlet. Warning it is extremely expensive! We got there 10 minutes before the 2pm show. They told us they have an opening for one more swimming with a dolphin, ride on the belly and interactions. We wanted only one ticket for my daughter who is 8 but they force you to purchase one for an adult as well. Regulate price: $150 for adult $90 for kid Promotion is $120 for two people I honesty think it was unnecessary to force us to purchase two tickets as the interaction is in groups and you get to individually do the belly ride. Plus everyone is in a life jacket and the all workers speak English. ***Do not put sun block when swimming with the dolphins. The water is extremely cold. *** Then comes the pictures. They started with 4 pictures for $69 USD I was like that's too expensive. Then they said 3 pictures for $55 and I was like no that's still expensive. So I left and we told our daughter only one picture. Next thing I knew they lowered it to $119 USD for video and all pictures in USB. The experience was awesome and memorable. read more
7 years ago
I've always wanted to swim with dolphins. This was by far the best memory I have of Puerta Vallarta. It was so fun. The dolphins are extremely smart and cute. read more
This was our first of 3 adventures booked through Vallarta Adventures. Our scheduled time for the Dolphin Signature Swim was at 1:30pm, but we had something that lasted longer than expected, so we weren't able to make it on time. I wasn't sure if we'd be able to swim with the dolphins or not, since I had booked the 3x2 deal (where you buy 2 tours for 2 people and get the 3rd for free). So we went anyways, to see what they could do, and in the end, the lady was super nice and was able to get us into the last swim of the day since there was still space. So we only waited for about 10 minutes before the orientation. During orientation, they gave us an overview of dolphins and what to expect. Then we were lead to the changing/waiting area. Since we weren't sure if we were going to be swimming or not earlier in the day, we weren't ready with our swim gear at all. But they were super nice and accommodating even though we were the last to finish getting ready. We then got our life jackets before meeting the rest of the group by the pool. We then jumped in the super salty pool of water and swam with the dolphins! I hadn't been in a pool in about 2 years, so I had forgotten what to do in the pool. So that wasn't a fun experience for me. Even though we had life jackets, it was hard for me to stay in one area. But everyone was nice and patient during the entire time. We did everything from grabbing onto the fins of 2 dolphins and riding through the pool to the other side, to hugging, kissing, and dancing with the dolphins, to riding on the belly of the dolphins. Afterwards, we got to change, and then go to the photos area to check out the photos/videos. They were a bit more pricier than I had expected, even though I knew ahead of time it was a bit pricey. Our photographer kept lowering the price because we were so hesitant. In the end, I ended up getting all the pictures on the USB and the video for 2000 pesos (~109 USD). It's a bit steep, but well worth it! Both dolphins that we had the chance to interact with looked so happy, so I'm glad to see that they are being well taken care of! The staff were all so nice and friendly, and they spoke English too. So it was definitely an experience to remember! The person I was with also commented how they had an amazing time too. I've never done anything like that before, but Vallarta Adventures made it a memorable and amazing experience! I'd HIGHLY recommend this!! read more
5 years ago
When selling 5 tickers over the phone, they were fine selling our children adult tickets and never mentioned someone needing to be 16. When we arrived the next day, they said we needed adult also. Blaming soneone else. Never taking partial blame for not clarifying on the phone. Buyer beware. read more
7 years ago
We swam with sea lions. Such a fun experience, except every activity is picture posing. The pictures are beautiful, except the pictures are more expensive then the actual event. At least $220 for a package. Ridiculous, ruined the entire experience. So sad leaving. read more
7 years ago
The dolphin swim is a scam. Be aware. They sold me and my family a SUPER expensive package for an one hour private swim, when we got there after 30 minutes, the instructor (April) told us we were done and it was only 30 minutes not an hour! My kids cried when they were asked to leave because they expected an hour with the dolphins and it was supposed to be the highlight of the vacation. We talked to the supervisor and started arguing about the time we were owed. They pointed the finger to the Vidanta representatives and started to vent on how poor their relationship was. They sell an hour, give you 30 minutes and don't care! The experience was horrible and expensive. Stay in your hotel! Do something else. Don't trust these people. This is a Company with no integrity or principles. This company has scammed many people. Run! Run! Do not spend your dollars here. Avoid the horrible ordeal we went through. Unbelievable! read more
Awesome, definitely worth the money. Way better than sea world. More interaction with the dolphins more time in the water. They teach you different commands and the pictures are awesome. I am 35 years old and this was so fun for me. I was skeptical at first thinking oh I might be too old but it's definitely a great experience. And then after they take you to a private beach which are you can drink beer, snorkeling, paddle boarding, Kayak and banana boat. We had a blast. read more
7 years ago
Beware they will rob you! I was sold a 60 Minute very expensive private dolphin swim from Vidanta 5 diamond resort at Grand Luxxe by George B. In Puerto Vallarta. When I get to my dolphin swim they tell me it was only for 30 minutes and not one hour!! I could not believe it! This company has no integrity! Shame on Vallarta Adventures. The only thing they offered was a 20 Percent discount on photos and they denied that it was 60 minutes. Shame on George B. for lying and Vallarta Adventures for not doing anything for your customers. read more
4 years ago
The dolphin experience was fun but overall I didn't like that they had limited times available for the other attractions. Good thing they had the slides or else we would have overpaid for the dolphins since we didn't get on anything else. read more
7 years ago
We did swimming with the dolphins and it was great! Jonathan the trainer and Dolly the dolphin was spectacular. Strongly recommend
8 years ago
Would have loved to given this place 5 stars. Dolphin excursion was amazing. Being in the water with Dophin Nila was a great experience and unforgettable. Didnt allow for cameras or gopros or cells in with dolphins. Asked about how much it was and they said pricing would be available afterwards. We all knew it was going to be pricey. They take great pictures and even do a fabulous movie. The movie is included in the most expensive package only which we were told is $249. If we wanted the cheaper package it was $129 no movie, and the last option is 2 pictures of your choosing for $45. We get the 2 pictures and they then tell us it's going to be emailed to us digitally! So we get 2 good prints emailed and I would have to worry about making my own copies. Again I really would have loved to given this place 5 stars on the dolphins alone, but be warned people read more
9 years ago
This was a great experience ! Our instructors were knowledgeable and very entertaining. I would say to talk the price down. I would most definitely do it again!! read more
7 years ago
I wish I could give these guys 5 stars because this was the best part of my trip: the dolphins seemed content and enjoyed interacting with us (something I was concerned about before) and the trainers were fun, helpful and informative. The main issue was the insane price of the pictures and videos - off the top of my head $49 for two pictures + $15 per pic or if you go for the package it's more than the service itself. I heard a lot of people complaining about it and I honestly think they would make more money if they lowered these prices. Aside from that an unforgettable experience! read more
More info about Dolphin Adventure
Av. de Las Palmas 39
63732 Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit
Mexico
Directions
322 226 8413
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.vallarta-adventures.com
Hours
What time does Dolphin Adventure open?
Dolphin Adventure opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
What time does Dolphin Adventure close?
Dolphin Adventure closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Dolphin Adventure is closed on Sunday.
Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PMSun Closed
Outdoor Amenities
Does Dolphin Adventure have parking?
Yes, Dolphin Adventure has parking options.
Dolphin Adventure Reviews in Other Languages
Review Highlights - Dolphin Adventure
“My family and I had a great time learning about our dolphin, Yashui, with our trainer Fernanda.”
Mentioned in 3 reviews
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
2 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
2 years ago
My boyfriend and I had an amazing experience with Vallarta Adventures Dolphin Extreme program. The staff were phenomenal, so friendly and dedicated, making the whole experience top-tier. The dolphins, Luna, Paco, Yashui, and Nemo, along with their trainers, Marcelo, Emma, and Carlos, were amazing. Not to forget Cassandra the sea lion and her trainer, Jesus, who were equally extraordinary. Being towed underwater by a dolphin was a distinct and enjoyable experience. If you're not a fan of colder water, a wetsuit is recommended. Based on their energy levels and demeanor of the dolphins and sea lion, these beautiful animals appear to receive a high level of care. They are well-fed and well-trained. We got the photo and video package. The pictures were of high quality and we received brief clips of our encounters. I advise securing the photo package at the time of booking for a more advantageous offer. Overall, the entire experience was genuinely memorable. I would wholeheartedly endorse Vallarta Adventures to anyone seeking a unique and exhilarating animal encounter experience. read more
7 years ago
I absolutely LOVED my trip excursion doing the dolphin adventure! This was by far the coolest experience, I recommend everyone to do it! It was so nice to be in a small group of six people, it made it so much more enjoyable and relaxing. We purchased the photo and video package that they offer at the end, capturing our entire experience with the dolphins. I'll definitely be doing this again next time I'm in Puerto Vallarta! read more

























































