Cabo Dolphin Encounter
- Interaction with Dolphins From a Shallow Water Platform - Ideal for Non-Swimmers and Younger Children
- Learn From the Dolphin Experts About the Behavior of These Fascinating Creatures
- Touch, Kiss, and Play with Our Friendly Team of Bottlenose Dolphins
- Small Group Sizes for Optimum Interaction
The Cabo Dolphin Center is located in the Marina, which leads into the Bay of Cabo San Lucas. A small parcel of land separates this area from the Pacific Ocean. You will have the chance to encounter one of the seas most brilliant and beautiful creatures, the dolphin, in a whirlwind adventure!
The Dolphin Encounter Tour allows those who may be skittish about swimming with the dolphins on their first encounter with these beautiful species, get to know just how special dolphins are. If you are curious about the dolphins and are fascinated by their sleek bodies and graceful movements, yet you have never enjoyed time playing and interacting with the dolphin, then this is the tour for you! The Pacific Bottlenose dolphin is the type of dolphin that swims at the Dolphin Center. The Pacific Bottlenose is also the type of dolphin that is most common in the nearby waters of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
You will start with orientation. During this time, you will learn about the structure and mannerisms of the dolphin species. Informative dolphin trainers explain the natural history, underwater communication methods, anatomy, and physiology of dolphins to familiarize newcomers with the dolphin and help them to understand the unique dolphin structure. Once orientation has ended, a skilled trainer will lead you out to the educational pool at the Cabo Dolphin Center. This pool has been specially designed for those who wish to interact with the dolphins. You will have 15 minutes to pet, stroke, hug, kiss, and get to know your dolphin as you examine the physical characteristics of the dolphin. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to see each dolphin's distinctive personality as it shines through human interaction.
There is no doubt of the intelligence of the dolphin. You will get to see how smart they are and how powerful their bodies are when you get up close and personal with the guidance of the dolphin trainer who is working with you. You will learn rudimentary dolphin training techniques as well as methods of positive reinforcement that the trainers use when they are communicating and training the dolphins at the Cabo Dolphin Center. You will also learn how to feed the dolphins during this tour.
Q: Do I need to reserve in advance?
A: We have a limited number of participants during our dolphin activities, so in order to assure your place we suggest your reservation in advance, especially if you plan to visit us during the high vacation season.
Q: May I bring a camera or video camera to take pictures?
A: Cameras are not allowed into the pools or observation areas for your safety, for the dolphins safety and the safety of the equipment but professional photos will be available for purchase after your experience.
Q: Can I wear Sunscreen? (SPF)
A: While we recommend you wear sunscreen, it must be biodegradable for the protection of our dolphins and sea lions. Any other sunscreen must be showered off before entering the dolphin area. Our gift shops sell biodegradable sunscreen.
Q: Can I wear jewelry?
A: We recommend you remove all jewelry, including wedding rings, ear rings, and piercings, before coming to the dolphin center. Although we provide an area to secure your personal belongings, it is easy to drop, lose or misplace jewelry, so we recommend you to leave your jewelry and small items secured in your accommodation’s safe or front desk safe.
Q: Why do we limit the number of sessions for people to interact with dolphins?
A: At Cabo Dolphins, the animals' health and welfare are of primary importance. The sessions are limited to ensure an enjoyable schedule including a variety of activities for the dolphins. The dolphins spend only a combined total of less than two hours each day voluntarily interacting with the public. The rest of the day is allocated to the dolphins' private time, valuable training time, as well as play and social interaction.
Q: How safe are Interactive Programs?
A: In-water-interactive programs have a remarkable, well-established record of dolphin and human safety. The health and safety records of these innovative programs have been studied, analyzed, and restudied for over 20 years, each time reaffirming their exemplary achievements.
Q: Can I make a Dolphin sick if I participate in a swim program?
A: Since the initiation of in-water marine mammal interactive programs in 1985, there has not been one instance of disease transmission between humans and dolphins reported at any of the facilities that offer "swim with the dolphin" programs.
Q: Can I do any of the dolphin programs if I am pregnant?
A: For your personal safety and the well being of your unborn child we do not allow pregnant women to participate in our dolphin and sea lion programs.
It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of and understand all restrictions pertaining to this tour before booking online or over the phone. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically qualified and within any limits listed below in order to participate in this activity. No refunds will be given to those who reserve a spot and can not participate due to the restrictions listed below. For more information please read our cancellation policy and terms and conditions page or call our staff with any questions regarding your ability to participate.
Restrictions
- Cruise ship passengers must book directly through their cruise line
- Each child aged 8 years or younger must be accompanied by a participating adult, or by a 16 yr or older participant
- Parents may hold children aged 1 to 3 free of charge
- Minimum age: 1 year old
- Children 9 and up must pay Adult rates
- Please do not wear sunscreen or jewelry
- For safety reasons, cameras are not allowed in any of the pool areas
- Expectant mothers between 3 and 6 months may participate at their own risk and with doctor approval
- We have dolphin tours in both Downtown Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Please call our office in order to check the most up-to-date schedules for each location