Along the northern Dominican coast, Puerto Plata’s dolphin watching options center around Ocean World’s well-organized programs. The facility offers three main packages: a basic dolphin and sea lion show, a VIP swimming experience, and a value-priced local resident option. I found the VIP package particularly worthwhile – it provides 30 minutes of direct water time with these intelligent creatures, plus the attention of knowledgeable trainers who facilitate safe, meaningful interactions. The photo packages, while pricey, capture those can’t-miss moments of swimming alongside and interacting with the dolphins. For the best combination of value and experience, consider the dolphin and sea lion combo, which balances hands-on time with entertainment. Check out these top dolphin encounters in Puerto Plata below.
Key Points
- The Ocean World Dolphin Swim & Sea Lion Combo offers a comprehensive 8.5-hour experience with a 30-minute dolphin swim and 30-minute sea lion encounter.
- The VIP Swim With Dolphins package provides an exclusive, intimate interaction with dedicated trainer attention and educational focus on dolphin behaviors and conservation.
- The Dolphin Encounter for Dominican Residents offers a 6-hour experience with a dolphin show, sea lion encounters, and access to snorkeling and beach facilities at a starting price of $74 per person.
- The Swim With Dolphins Program allows participants to wade into the dolphin habitat to touch, feed, and swim with the dolphins, with experienced trainers ensuring safety and engagement.
- The Dolphin Encounter at Ocean World features a 15-minute dolphin encounter in the largest man-made lagoon, along with access to the park’s other attractions and a 4.4/5 rating from 47 reviews.
Ocean World Dolphin Swim & Sea Lion Combo From Puerto Plata
What does the Ocean World Dolphin Swim & Sea Lion Combo from Puerto Plata entail?
This 8.5-hour experience allows you to swim with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins for 30 minutes and encounter sea lions for another 30 minutes.
You’ll also enjoy snorkeling in the tropical reef, exploring the rainforest and iguana habitat, and observing various animal shows.
The €244.85 per person package includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and access to the resort’s amenities like lounge chairs on the Dolphin Beach.
While children under 5 aren’t allowed, families with older kids can participate in this educational and exciting combination tour in Puerto Plata.
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VIP Swim With Dolphins at Ocean World Puerto Plata
The VIP Swim With Dolphins at Ocean World Puerto Plata takes the dolphin encounter experience to a new level. This exclusive package allows visitors to interact with these magnificent creatures in a more intimate and personalized setting.
Guests have the opportunity to swim, touch, and even kiss the dolphins, all while receiving dedicated attention from the park’s expert trainers. The experience is limited to a small group, ensuring each participant receives ample one-on-one time with the animals.
Visitors can expect to learn about the dolphins’ behaviors, characteristics, and conservation efforts, making this a truly educational and memorable adventure.
With its VIP treatment and up-close encounters, this program offers an unparalleled glimpse into the world of these captivating marine mammals.
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Dolphin Encounter for Dominican Residents
Offered at Ocean World Adventure Park, the Dolphin Encounter for Dominican Residents provides a unique opportunity for locals to interact with these captivating marine mammals.
Priced from $74 per person, the 6-hour experience includes a dolphin show, encounters with sea lions and exotic birds, snorkeling in the fish aquarium, and access to the beach and pool.
Pickup and drop-off are available at 13 locations throughout the Puerto Plata area, and the small group size is limited to 8 participants.
A Dominican ID card or birth certificate is required, and reservations can be made by emailing [email protected].
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Swim With Dolphins at Ocean World Puerto Plata
Visitors to Ocean World Adventure Park in Puerto Plata can enjoy a magical encounter with dolphins through the Swim With Dolphins program.
This unforgettable experience allows participants to wade into the dolphin habitat and interact with these intelligent marine mammals. Under the guidance of experienced trainers, guests can touch, feed, and even swim alongside the dolphins in their natural environment.
The program offers photo and video packages to capture cherished memories. Participants must be at least 8 years old and sign a safety waiver.
The Swim With Dolphins package is an additional cost beyond the park’s general admission, providing a truly unique and exciting way to connect with the ocean’s most charismatic creatures.
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Puerto Plata Ocean World Dolphin Swim
Puerto Plata Ocean World Dolphin Swim offers an unparalleled opportunity to interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in the largest man-made dolphin habitat globally.
At $189 per person, the 8.5-hour experience includes a 30-minute dolphin swim preceded by a lecture. Complementary inclusions are lunch, round-trip bus transfers, a day pass at the adventure park, and access to various exhibits.
While wheelchair-accessible, a $15 surcharge applies for clients in Sosua and Cabarete. Guests must follow guidelines, such as showering before pool entry and removing jewelry.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 26 reviews, the dolphin swim receives high praise for its transportation, value, service, and organization.
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Puerto Plata: Ocean World Adventure Park Swim With Dolphins
At the heart of Puerto Plata’s Ocean World Adventure Park lies an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside Atlantic bottlenose dolphins within the largest man-made dolphin habitat globally.
Priced from $240 per person, the VIP Dolphin Adventure offers an 8.5-hour experience that includes swimming with dolphins, dolphin and sea lion shows, shark feeding observation, and snorkeling in a coral reef aquarium.
Guests can also enjoy waterslides, beach games, and a buffet lunch with a non-alcoholic beverage. Roundtrip transportation, fast pass, and complimentary towels and lockers are provided.
The experience isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility impairments, and Ocean World operates rain or shine.
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Dolphin Encounter at Ocean World, Puerto Plata
The Dolphin Encounter at Ocean World offers a captivating opportunity to interact with these majestic creatures. Priced at €121.95 per person, the 8.5-hour experience includes a 15-minute dolphin encounter program, as well as access to the park’s attractions.
Guests can hug, pet, and feed a bottlenose dolphin in the world’s largest man-made dolphin lagoon. The package also covers a snorkeling trip in the Tropical Reef, and the chance to observe various animal shows.
With a 4.4/5 rating based on 47 reviews, the tour provides excellent value, with highlights including efficient transportation and helpful staff.
Visitors are advised to bring cash, swimwear, and sunscreen, and to leave cameras and jewelry at home.
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Sum Up
Puerto Plata offers several dolphin watching tours at the Ocean World Adventure Park. These tours allow visitors to get up close and personal with dolphins through a variety of experiences, from simply observing them to swimming and interacting. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, there’s a dolphin encounter that’s perfect for you to enjoy the beauty and wonder of these magnificent marine mammals.