Enjoy the Dolphin Family Experience in Punta Cana, a fun and relaxing
shallow-water dolphin program designed for families, children, and guests who prefer to stay in comfortably shallow water.
Spend time touching, playing, kissing, petting, and interacting with a dolphin while standing in the water with a professional trainer nearby.
This program does not include deep-water activities or dolphin rides, making it a great choice for younger children, families, and anyone looking for a more relaxed dolphin interaction.
The dolphins are never forced to perform a specific behavior. The trainer selects the appropriate dolphin and interaction based on the animals and the session that day.
Round-trip transportation is included from most participating Punta Cana and Bávaro Beach resorts.
– Must be 36 inches / 3′ / 90 cm+
Book Your Dolphin Family Experience << Click
The Dolphin Family Experience is a great choice for families, children, and guests who want a fun and relaxed Punta Cana dolphin encounter without swimming or dolphin rides.
John’s Insider Tip:
Everyone always asks me, “What does a dolphin feel like?” I know what they feel like, but do you?
During the Dolphin Family Experience in Punta Cana, you’ll have plenty of time to pet and touch the dolphins. After your visit, write me back and tell me what you thought they felt like!
Now, if you want to step it up a notch and head into deeper water, the
Dolphin Action Swim
might be the perfect program for you.
Guests staying at participating Punta Cana and Bávaro Beach resorts can use the included transportation service. You may also arrive by private transfer or drive yourself.
Before entering the water, you’ll receive a short educational presentation about dolphins, their behavior, and the safest way to interact with them.
Your dolphin interaction takes place in shallow water, where you can touch, pet, kiss, and interact with a dolphin while participating in fun trainer-guided behaviors and tricks.
There is no deep-water swimming and no dolphin ride in this program.
After your experience, visit the photo area to view and purchase your photos. For current photo pricing, please see the FAQ section below. Once you have finished viewing your photos, return transportation will be provided to your participating hotel or resort. Morning guests usually return around 12:00 PM, while afternoon guests return around 5:00 PM.
The Dolphin Family Experience in Punta Cana is a great choice for families with small children, non-swimmers, and guests who prefer a more relaxed shallow-water dolphin encounter.
If you are not traveling with small children and want a little more adventure, you may want to consider the
Dolphin Action Swim.
That program adds deep-water interaction and a dolphin ride for guests looking to step things up a notch.
Reserve Your Shallow-Water Dolphin Encounter << Click
Important: Every Dolphin Family Experience in Punta Cana is unique. The exact dolphin behaviors, tricks, and interactions may vary depending on the dolphins, trainer, and group during your session.
This is a shallow-water program with no swimming and no dolphin rides.
Your reserved time slot includes a guaranteed Dolphin Family Encounter (non-swim) plus a
short educational briefing before you meet the dolphins. You’ll also receive
round-trip transportation from your resort to the private beach and back.
Soft drinks are included, and your day also features a boat ride to Dolphin Island
plus snorkeling with sharks and rays. Please plan for up to 4 hours total for all
activities.
Note: The park is closed on Sundays.
$120 per Adult/$120 per Child
– Must be 36 inches / 3′ / 90 cm+
Dolphin Island is located inside a private park. This location is between Bávaro Beach and Punta Cana International Airport. MAP
Not sure which dolphin program to choose?
All three Punta Cana dolphin programs offer memorable, close-up interaction with dolphins, but each one is designed for a different type of guest. Use the comparison below to find the program that best fits your family.
For Mobile Scroll =>
| Program | Royal Dolphin Swim |
Dolphin Action Swim |
Dolphin Family Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Guests wanting the most exciting dolphin program | Guests wanting swimming, interaction & 1 dolphin ride | Families, small children & non-swimmers |
| Water Type | Shallow + Deep | Shallow + Deep | Shallow Water Only |
| Swimming Required | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dolphin Ride | Yes | Yes | No |
| 2-Dolphin Royal Ride | YES | No | No |
| Ride Type | Double dorsal fin ride or foot push | Belly ride with 1 dolphin | No ride |
| Dolphin Interaction | Touch, kiss, play & trainer-guided behaviors | Touch, kiss, play & trainer-guided behaviors | Touch, pet, kiss, play & dolphin tricks |
| Dolphin Time | Approximately 50 minutes | Approximately 40 minutes | Approximately 30 minutes |
| Resort Transportation | Included from most participating resorts | Included from most participating resorts | Included from most participating resorts |
| Shark & Ray Snorkel | Included | Included | Included |
| Price | $195 | $155 | $120 |
Meet a Dolphin — No Swimming Required << Click
One thing I like about the transportation around Bávaro Beach and Punta Cana is that it feels like part of the adventure. The open-air vehicle has a roof for shade, and it gives you a chance to relax, look around, and enjoy some of the local scenery on the way to your Dolphin Family Experience.
Make sure you check the resort pickup list on this page so you know if your hotel is scheduled for a morning or afternoon pickup.
If you do not see your resort listed, private transportation may still be available for an additional fee. Email me at
dolphinworldresponse@gmail.com
and I’ll be happy to help you figure out the best option.
Enjoy the ride, take in the sights, and get ready for some family time with the dolphins!
Free round-trip transportation is included from participating Punta Cana and Bávaro Beach resorts.
Pickup times depend on your resort and the day of the week. Please check the lists below carefully to find your hotel and scheduled pickup time.
Free transportation is available from the following resorts:
View Bávaro Beach Dolphin Program Pickup Times << Click Here
Arrival Location: Base DIP
Morning pickup guests usually return to their resort at approximately 12:00 PM.
Afternoon pickup guests usually return at approximately 5:00 PM.
If your hotel or accommodations do not appear on the pickup list, private transfer options may be available for an additional fee.
You may also arrange your own transportation by rental car or taxi. If you plan to drive yourself, complete directions and arrival instructions will be sent to you by email.
Please note: transportation service is not available from hotels in the La Romana area.
Have questions about your resort pickup? Call us at
800-667-5524.
Reserve the Bus & Your Dolphin Family Experience << Click to Book
The Dolphin Family Experience is $120 per person for both adults and children who meet the participation requirements. Transportation from most participating Punta Cana and Bávaro Beach resorts is included.
Your experience includes a dolphin educational briefing, approximately 30 minutes of shallow-water dolphin interaction, boat transportation to Dolphin Island, soft drinks, flotation equipment, and transportation from most participating resorts.
During the program, you will stay in shallow water and enjoy hands-on interaction with a dolphin. Activities may include touching, petting, kissing, playing, holding, and participating in simple trainer-guided dolphin behaviors and tricks.
No. The Dolphin Family Experience does not include deep-water swimming or a dolphin ride. It is designed for guests who prefer a more relaxed shallow-water interaction.
No. Swimming is not required because the program takes place in shallow water. A flotation belt is provided for use during the session.
If you are comfortable in deeper water and want a more active program with a dolphin ride, consider the
Dolphin Action Swim.
Yes. Transportation is included from most participating Punta Cana and Bávaro Beach resorts. Pickup days and times vary by hotel. If your resort is not listed, private transportation may be available for an additional fee, or you may arrange your own transportation.
Plan for approximately 4 hours total, including resort pickup, check-in, the dolphin educational briefing, your shallow-water dolphin program, photo viewing, and return transportation.
The Dolphin Family Experience includes approximately 30 minutes of shallow-water dolphin interaction, plus a 15–20 minute educational briefing before entering the water.
Yes. This program is especially popular with families and younger children because there is no swimming and no dolphin ride.
Yes. A professional photographer will take photos during your dolphin interaction. Photos are available for purchase separately.
For the most current photo pricing and package options, please speak directly with the Photo Manager on site.
Wear or bring a bathing suit and towel. A waist flotation belt is provided, but wetsuits are not. You may also want to bring a change of clothes and a payment method if you plan to purchase professional photos.
Lockers, changing rooms, and an outdoor freshwater rinse are available at no additional charge.
Because space on Dolphin Island is limited, observers and non-participating companions are not permitted to watch from the dolphin interaction area.
The maximum group size is approximately 12 participants per dolphin platform.
The
Royal Dolphin Swim
is the premium option with shallow- and deep-water interaction and a 2-dolphin Royal Ride, such as a double dorsal fin ride or foot push.
The
Dolphin Action Swim
includes approximately 40 minutes of interaction, shallow- and deep-water activities, and 1 dolphin ride with 1 dolphin.
The Dolphin Family Experience is the gentler option, with approximately 30 minutes of shallow-water interaction, including petting, touching, kissing, playing, and dolphin behaviors, with no deep-water swimming and no dolphin ride.
Meet & Play With Dolphins << Click
The Punta Cana dolphin facility is committed to responsible dolphin care, professional training, and guest education.
The health and well-being of the dolphins always come first. Trainers work with each animal based on its comfort level, willingness to participate, and individual behavior.
Because the dolphins are never forced to perform a specific behavior, the exact touching, petting, kissing, tricks, and interactions during your Dolphin Family Experience may vary from one session to the next.
The facility has earned the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence.
All cancellations must be received by Dolphin World / Keys Adventure Tours, Inc. in writing by email or regular mail.
WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF TRIP INSURANCE, which will cover your purchase 100% for any interruptions to your Dolphin World activities! We recommend TravelEx Insurance. Ask a Dolphin World Travel professional for advice on Travel Insurance.
Looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves dolphins, animals, travel, or unforgettable experiences?
Instead of giving another gift that may be forgotten, give them the chance to create a memory they will talk about for years with a Dolphin World Gift Card.
A Dolphin World Gift Card is a great choice for birthdays, holidays, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, family vacations, and bucket-list surprises. The recipient can use the gift card toward participating Dolphin World experiences and choose the adventure that is right for them.
Whether they dream of swimming with dolphins, meeting dolphins in shallow water, or enjoying another amazing animal interaction, you are giving them something much more meaningful than a traditional gift—you are giving them an experience.
Not sure which dolphin program or location they would enjoy most? That is exactly why a gift card makes such a great present. Let them choose the experience that fits their family, vacation plans, and comfort level.
Click Here for a Dolphin World Gift Card <<<
Give the gift of dolphins. Give the gift of memories.
Did you and your family enjoy your dolphin swim, dolphin encounter, or another unforgettable animal interaction? We would love to hear about your experience!
At Dolphin World, we have spent over 30 years helping families create special memories with dolphins and other amazing marine animals. Your honest feedback helps us improve and also helps other families decide which experience is right for them.
If you are visiting our website for the first time and trying to decide whether a swim with dolphins bucket-list experience is really worth it, don’t just take our word for it.
Take a few minutes to read what past guests have shared about their experiences on Google. Their reviews can help you understand what the experience is really like and whether it is the right choice for you and your family.
Read Dolphin World Reviews on Google << Click Here
If you have already booked an animal interaction through Dolphin World, we would really appreciate hearing about your experience. The only way we can continue improving is by listening to our guests.
Thank you for choosing Dolphin World! Your feedback means a great deal to us and helps future guests feel more confident about checking this unforgettable experience off their bucket list.
Reserve your Punta Cana dolphin swim at least 8 days in advance and save 5% on your online reservation.
Use promo code:
online5%off
Book early to save and secure your preferred date and time before your vacation.
