Looking for dolphins in Ocho Rios? Jamaica’s north coast offers four standout dolphin experiences. The 30-minute Dolphin Swim Encounter is perfect for families and first-timers, while the Full-Day Dolphin Cove Experience packs multiple marine activities into one value-filled day. For a behind-the-scenes look, I especially love the Half Day Dolphin Training program – it’s a rare chance to work alongside professional trainers. The basic Dolphin Cove Tickets are a good budget option, including bonus activities like stingray encounters and snorkeling.
I’m particularly fond of the Full-Day experience because it combines structured dolphin time with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Remember to book ahead, especially during peak season.
Let’s check out my favorite dolphin tours in detail.
Key Points
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The Dolphin Swim Encounter is a popular 30-minute personalized experience with a Bottle-Nose Dolphin in a natural lagoon, including activities like dolphin kiss, water dance, and belly ride.
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The Full-Day Dolphin Cove Experience offers a comprehensive day of marine adventures with 30 minutes of swimming with two dolphins, including dorsal pulls, foot pushes, kisses, and dances.
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The Half Day Dolphin Training is an immersive four-hour experience shadowing a dolphin trainer and interacting with marine life, suitable for participants 10 years or older in good physical condition.
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Dolphin Cove Tickets provide access to activities like swimming with stingrays and snorkeling, with a tropical fruit and spice tasting included, and a cancellation policy allowing full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
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Advance reservations are recommended to ensure availability, and reviews indicate varied overall experience ratings, with mixed feedback on transfer arrangements and guide availability.
Dolphin Swim Encounter – Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Visitors can dive right into the Dolphin Swim Encounter at Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This personalized experience allows guests to swim and play with a friendly Bottle-Nose Dolphin in a natural lagoon for 30 minutes. The encounter includes activities like a dolphin kiss, water dance, and belly ride.
The Dolphin Swim Encounter lasts one hour and costs $149 per person. Participants must know how to swim, and children 3-11 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult. Pregnant women aren’t permitted.
While the overall experience rating is 4.1/5, some customers have reported mixed reviews on transfer arrangements and guide availability.
Booking is available with no upfront payment, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. However, cancellation within 24 hours results in no refund, and shorter notice periods incur a percentage fee.
Given the popularity, it’s best to check availability and reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.
Read our full review: Dolphin Swim Encounter – Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios, Jamaica Review
Book now: Check availability
Ocho Rios: Full-Day at Dolphin Cove & Swim With the Dolphins
The Ocho Rios: Full-Day at Dolphin Cove & Swim With the Dolphins experience offers a comprehensive day of marine adventures. Guests can access Jamaica’s top marine attraction and spend 30 minutes swimming and interacting with two bottlenose dolphins in a natural lagoon.
Activities may include exciting experiences like dorsal pulls, foot pushes, kisses, and dances with the dolphins.
The full-day package includes park access, the dolphin swim, local taxes, and optional transportation. Pricing starts at $189 per person, with a reserve now and pay later option available.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, though some cancellation fees apply within 96 hours.
Participants must be at least 3 years old, know how to swim, and have an adult sign a waiver for those 17 and under. The experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women or children under 3.
Transportation with hotel pickup is available for an additional fee, with drop-off at the same locations.
Read our full review: Ocho Rios: Full-Day at Dolphin Cove & Swim With the Dolphins Review
Book now: Check availability
Ocho Rios: Half Day Dolphin Training
Typically, the Ocho Rios: Half Day Dolphin Training experience offers an immersive four-hour encounter at Dolphin Cove. Priced from $279 per person, this program allows participants to shadow a dolphin trainer, interact with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays, and learn about marine life training techniques.
The package includes park admission, a whistle, notebook, certificate, photo, drink, and optional gratuity.
Reservations can be made online with no upfront payment. However, the cancellation policy can be strict, with a 50% fee for cancellations within 48 hours. Cruise ship passengers should book directly through their cruise line.
Participants must be 10 years or older, in good physical condition, and able to swim. Pregnant women and those with low fitness levels aren’t recommended. After the training session, visitors can explore the rest of the marine park.
While reviews are generally positive for the animal experience, some customers have reported issues with transportation, additional costs, and customer service.
Read our full review: Ocho Rios: Half Day Dolphin Training Review
Book now: Check availability
Ocho Rios: Dolphin Cove Tickets
Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios offers visitors the opportunity to experience a range of aquatic adventures. Tickets are priced from $75 per person, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy activities like swimming with stingrays, glass-bottom kayaking, and snorkeling.
The package includes a tropical fruit and spice tasting, as well as a provided lunch. Children 6 and under can join for free with a paying adult. The cancellation policy is flexible, with a full refund available for bookings made more than 96 hours in advance.
Visitors arriving on a cruise ship must book directly through their cruise line.
While the overall rating is 3.9 out of 5, reviewers have praised the staff and activities. Suggestions for improvement include the queuing system and availability of certain shows.
With a range of experiences and a straightforward booking process, Dolphin Cove is an appealing option for those seeking a day of aquatic adventure in Ocho Rios.
Read our full review: Ocho Rios: Dolphin Cove Tickets Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
With numerous dolphin-focused tours available in Ocho Rios, visitors can easily find the perfect experience to get up close with these magnificent marine mammals. From swim encounters to training sessions, Dolphin Cove offers a range of options to suit different budgets and interests. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure or simply want to observe these captivating creatures, Ocho Rios has you covered.