Experiences. Travel is, and really should be, all about the experiences! While in Puerto Vallarta I had the unique opportunity to visit Dolphin Discovery for an incredible experience, the opportunity to learn about and swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove!
Arriving in the early morning our small group was ushered through the large and clean Aquaventuras Park which offers lockers to store your belongings for the day, inner tubes for the many water slides and swimming pools, as well as bathrooms, showers and dressing rooms to freshen up in. All settled in, we were ready to get in the water and make some memories!
We started our day by being treated to the Dolphin Royal Swim. This program includes plenty of time learning about these magnificent creatures from their caring and well educated trainers. I was incredibly impressed by the dedicated trainers who not only took excellent care of their animals, but took time during each session to teach about these awe inspiring creatures as well as the parks message to protect our environment every day, driving home the message to remember to “Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce”, always.
We were eased into the program, allowed to pet the dolphins and then greet these graceful creatures with a simple Dolphin Hand Shake. One at a time each swimmer was allowed to meet and greet our dolphins for the day. It was amazing.
Then we worked up to the Dolphin Kiss! Such sweetness!
Soon it was time to swim out into the large pool to try a Dolphin Dorsal Tow. All that was required of the swimmer was to old onto the dolphins dorsal fins and have them pull you across the water. The smiling from ear to ear was optional.
Then, the experience of a life time, the famous Dolphin Foot Push. Two dolphins meet you mid pool, push you from the soles of your feet, and you are propelled across the top of the water in a Super Woman pose! Clearly I rocked it! (I promise this is the face of a girl having an incredible time)
Also offered at this experience is the opportunity to get up and close with a Sea Lion! Whiskery kisses anyone?
Following our incredible experience with the animals, we were given a little bit of time to cut loose in the water park. With shady umbrellas, warm pools and multiple water slides, there was a lot to cram in before lunch!
And the lunch! The lunch was not your typical water park food fare! We were spoiled, served al fresco,and presented with fajita’s, seafood, fresh cheeses and meats. It was healthy, fresh, and delicious.
Details about our experience:
The Royal Swim Experience includes:
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Swim with Dolphins (40 minutes)
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Sea Lion Exchange & Education
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Dolphin Show & Education
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Water Park Access
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Lunch
Pricing:
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$139.00 Adults
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$79 Children
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Children must swim with a paying adult
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(prices in US dollars)
Aquaventuras Park Opens daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Dolphin Discovery operates daily: 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
If you are taking a vacation in Puerto Vallarta and have an aquatic animal lover in your house, you will want to consider the Dolphin Royal Swim Program at Discovery Cove. A great place to make some memories with your family!
Disclosure: I attended this tour as a guest of @PVVisit #pvpress trip, as always all opinions and thoughts are my own. Please note that many photos were taken by our Discovery Cove Photographer, cameras were not allowed on part of this adventure.
Taylor Hawkins says
I always wanted to do that, it looks awesome!
Stephanie says
Do it!! Swimming with dolphins is even better than you could ever dream!
Loulou says
Another well written review with fabulous photos! Now I have to add this to my bucket list!!! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie says
Thank you!! Hope you get the chance to swim with the dolphins too!
kelly young says
i would love to experience this looks like a great time
Stephanie says
I definitely recommend adding swimming with the dolphins to your travel list!
Rossana says
What an incredible experience! Looks like it was so much fun! 🙂
Stephanie says
Swimming with the dolphins was incredible!
jane kramer says
looks like soooo much fun
Stephanie says
It was so much fun!
Sandy says
Awww, what a fun experience that must have been!!
Stephanie says
It really was! Thank you!
Debbie Bashford says
Love your pictures, I so want to do this
Stephanie says
Thank you!! Hope you get the chance to try swimming with the dolphins too!
Jeff Skidmore says
What a fantastic family vacation you had!
Stephanie says
It was an amazing getaway, already planning the next one!
Maggie C says
Awww cute pix! looks like a fun time. I cannot wait now to go on my all-inclusive trip in Fall!
Stephanie says
Yay for trips to look forward too!! Hope you have an incredible time!
donna snugglebuns dufresne says
I have never swam with and fun :)dolphins but thanks to you and your pics this looks amazing
Stephanie says
If you ever get the chance to swim with dolphins I say take it! It is like nothing else!
Michelle says
Amazing! i would love to swim with dolphins 🙂
Stephanie says
Swimming with the dolphins was kind of surreal!
Maegan Morin says
OMG this would be so much fun!! Definately like no other water park Ive ever been too.
Stephanie says
When you put it that way, you are so right! Most unique water park ever!
Maegan Morin says
I just wasnt sure what to call it! But I know that it would be an experience we would never forget.
Stephanie says
Oh I was completely agreeing with you!!! Because this place really is a water park and a place of discovery! I think you explained it better in your comment than I did in mine! Well done and thank you! 🙂
melanie modica says
Wow this looks like so much fun! I want to go!
Stephanie says
I hope you get the chance to do it!! The dolphins are magical!
ginette4 says
Wow, amazing, would love to swim with dolphins..looked like way too much fun!
Stephanie says
I highly recommend adding this to your bucket list!
jessica says
That looks like a lot of fun
Stephanie says
It was a ton of fun!