6 Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Encounters Tours to Build a Day Around

1.Watch and Swim with Dolphins in the Wild

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 668 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $105Our pick

Meet at Marina Vallarta for a small-group boat trip led by a biologist guide such as Camilla, Gema, or Maru. Use a hydrophone to locate wild bottlenose dolphins, then enter the water in small groups if the dolphins choose to approach. Snorkel gear, water, and soft drinks are included.

“Jemma and Cezar were truly a joy to join on this adventure. Very knowledgeable. Friendly. And persistent. They were not about to let us go assure without swimming with the dolphin Gemma was very knowledgeable. Cezar was an excellent captain and pilot. We felt extremely comfortable and joyous. My wife did not plan on getting in the water with the dolphins, but was so happy she did we spent quite a bit of time frolicking we had a blast! 🤗🙏🏼”

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2.Whale and Dolphin Watching with a Biologist in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 666 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $105Top rated

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s bay with a marine biologist such as Jemma, Gemma, or Camilla, learning to read whale behavior and hearing songs through a hydrophone. This four-hour small-boat trip may include humpbacks, dolphins, turtles, mantas, and research work, with a covered boat and a maximum of 20 people.

“Jemma did a great job talking about what type of whales we were going to see before we started our journey. The crew helped us safely get on board easily clipping on our life jackets and we were on our way! Gemma and the crew were very professional and friendly throughout the trip. She really knows where to go to find whales. We sped out to where about six active adult whales were and got great photos and video of the flapping their fins and breaching the water. We spent at least an hour in this area having a nice sandwich and soft drink. Then we made our way to…”

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3.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $78Best value

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s bay in search of humpback whales and dolphins with bilingual guides, a marine biologist, hydrophone, breakfast, croissant lunch, and an open bar. The boat returns to the naval marina, but allow extra time for check-in and expect possible differences in boat size and tour length.

“Overall, I enjoyed the trip. The crew was very attentive the whole trip. I loved that the tour was in Spanish and English. I appreciated the open bar and lunch! We didn’t see very many whales but the crew was very persistent in trying to find them for us. We also saw dolphins along the way. Make sure you plan enough time to get there and get checked in.”

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4.Wild Dolphin Encounter & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 147 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Meet at Ecotours Vallarta in Marina Vallarta for a dolphin briefing, then head into the Pacific with a biologist guide such as Maggie, Michael, or Margarita. You may swim near wild dolphins, watch whales and turtles, and snorkel at Los Arcos. Groups are limited to 10.

“We had a great time as a family of 4 on the dolphin excursion. Michael and our captain (Ricardo?) They were patient, I formative and hospitable. There were whales in the area and they spent extra time letting us watch as a group before moving on to the next part of the trip. Highly recommended!”

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5.Wild Dolphin Encounter in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Set out from Marina Vallarta at 9:00 a.m. for a small-group wild dolphin encounter led by a marine biologist. You will listen to dolphin communication through a hydrophone, watch from a respectful distance, then swim nearby with snorkeling gear. Lunch, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

“This tour was terrible......we may be able to swim with them and maybe not. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY”

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6.Dolphin Swimming and Aquaventuras Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · from $159

At Aquaventuras Park near Puerto Vallarta, you get a 15-minute safety briefing, 60 minutes with trained dolphins, a fin handshake and cheek kiss, lunch, and a drink. Your ticket also covers slides, the lazy river, climbing wall, challenge course, and one zip-line ride. Alberto is one praised trainer.

“Fantastic. The dolphins were happy, healthy and well-trained. I had an absolute blast with them. All the trainers were very friendly and thorough with communication on how to interact with them. It was a great day, well worth the money. I also paid to interact with the sea lions and that was a lot of fun too!”

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