Dolphins, and Sea Lions and Water Slides Oh My!

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: 

• Swim with Dolphins (40 minutes)
• Sea Lion Exchange & Education
• Dolphin Show & Education
• Water Park Access
• Lunch

Pricing:

• $139.00 Adults
• $79 Children
• Children must swim with a paying adult
• (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.