Join our biologists and naturalists in search of wild dolphins in Banderas Bay, then snorkel at Los Arcos Marine Park.
Join our biologists and naturalists for an unforgettable adventure combining wild dolphin observation and snorkeling at Los Arcos Marine Park. Begin your experience with an informative talk about dolphin biology and ecology before heading out into Banderas Bay, where we search for dolphins in their natural habitat. Watch these intelligent and social animals as they feed, play, surf alongside the boat, or travel with their young. With favorable conditions and depending on the dolphins' behavior, there may also be an opportunity to enter the water and observe them from a respectful distance. After the dolphin search, continue to Los Arcos Marine Park, one of Puerto Vallarta's most iconic marine areas, for a snorkeling session surrounded by colorful fish and other marine life. This small-group experience combines wildlife observation, marine education, snorkeling, and birdwatching in one memorable morning on the bay.
Ask us about availability. A private fast boat is available upon request. Complimentary pickup is available from the Paradise Village public pier in Nuevo Vallarta for private trips.
For private trips, complimentary pickup is available from the Paradise Village public pier in Nuevo Vallarta.
“We went on a dolphin & snorkeling tour. It was one of the coolest things I've ever done. We saw so many dolphins & got to swim with them! Some got really close and were just swimming around us. It was amazing. We saw lots of fish while snorkeling later, but a lot of the other groups there were loud & annoying. But seeing the fish was cool. The dolphins were the highlight. I can't believe how many we saw. Our guide and boat driver were wonderful. We learned a ton about dolphins.”
6 months ago
“Today I did the wild dolphin excursion plus snorkeling at Los Arcos. Had a wonderful time jumping into the water to try to swim with the dolphins, some who got kinda close! Saw sea turtles, boobies, pelicans, frigatebirds, and several pods of dolphins. Then we took a beautiful ride to the south part of the bay to Los Arcos to snorkel and saw damselfish, pufferfish, eels — so many beautiful tropical fish. Plus beautiful views of Puerto Vallarta along the way. Martin was a great navigator and Michael was an informative and super fun guide. Highly recommend!”
2 months ago
“I cannot say enough good things about the dolphin and snorkeling tour we did! We had five children between the ages of six and nine, along with Six adults. It was the best experience We have ever had! They took amazing care of us, found us dolphins to swim with, and taught us so much about marine life. I cannot recommend this place enough.”
2 months ago
233braVerified
“A huge shout out to Captain Raphael and tour guide Francisco for creating an unforgettable experience. We encountered a large pod of dolphins almost immediately. They weren't as interested in us being in the water as they were on a large school of fish they were feeding on. We had a front row seat to dolphins in the wild. Francisco had a wealth of knowledge including during the snorkelling portion. He has vast knowledge of the wildlife in the area. On the way back to the marina Captain Raphael spotted a massive stingray and took a detour so we could observe it. This was a very exciting and informational tour without the need of having animals in captivity.”
6 months ago
323jasonhVerified
Portland, Oregon
“This was a great experience. The guide was knowledgable and kind. They moved the date and time of the tour to accommodate our getting to PV late off our cruise ship. We got to swim with the dolphins all around us; they didn't come too close that often, but it was very cool. The snorkeling was fine though the waters a little muggy. The snack/sandwich they served was well needed as the swimming in the waves was tiring and we were hungry. Overall it was a 5 star experience. I would do it again.”
13 months ago
A CVerified
“What an incredible experience!”
5 months ago
Companion285207Verified
Vancouver, Canada
“EcoTours Vallarta guide Christina and captain Rafe were great. The classroom slide introduction to dolphins and whales in PV (and their migration patterns) was interesting and informative. Christina gave me a prescription mask, which makes a huge difference to us short-sighted folks. We had excellent views of dolphins and whales swimming together but because the dolphins were so close to the whales, we did not swim with them. The water conditions were not perfect for snorkelling due to chop and red tide but the guides found an alternate spot. I brought a fleece pullover and it was perfect after being in the water, as were the sandwiches and granola bars! The guides stopped the boat on the way back so we could watch the Papantla Bird-Men on the Malećon from the water. It was an awesome perspective.”
33 months ago
Daniel HVerified
“Had an awesome tour with Eco Tours (again), this time the dolphin and snorkeling tour. Booked the dolphin excursion hoping to swim with wild dolphins and not those stuck in an enclosure. A family of 5 joined my family of 4 which worked well. Our guide Michael was really knowledgeable and shared many facts about the bay, its' wildlife and PV in general. We left early heading to the north end of the bay. We found a pod of dolphins as they were heading south eating breakfast along the way. We jumped in the water at several points hoping they would join us for a swim and play. But, they swam under or around us and had no interest that day. They had a young (maybe toddler age) with them so maybe that's why. You can't control wild animals, of course, so be understanding if they don't. We saw them up close from the boat and got awesome pics/video so it was really cool anyway. We then headed to Los Arcos for snorkeling and more wildlife viewing: many beautiful fishes, boobie birds, and many others. Michael was very attentive and watchful over our group which was reassuring. Alfonso navigated the boat to be sure he was always near and at the optimal spot. And he always pointed the boat in the optimal direction for pictures/videos, a nice perk. Lastly, we headed back to the marina, had delicious sandwiches along the way with a relaxing ride and great scenery. As we were in the bay the waters were calm and no one got sick. Great tour with great guides. 2 for 2 with Eco Tours!!!”
6 months ago
Daydream162276Verified
“We were a group of three and had the most amazing experience. Our great captain was Martin, and our guide was Michael. We found two small groups of dolphins. We followed them on the boat from a distance until we seemed to attract the dolphins attention, and they now were very close to the boat, then we got the green light for us to jump into the water and interact with them. They literally looked at us for a moment and started going around us, underneath us, surprisingly playful and curious. No words to describe the experience, and obviously respecting their space as wild animals. We also were lucky enough to see a sea turtle and a very shy kind of tiny whale. And finally the snorkelling at Los Arcos, was absolutely beautiful.”
14 months ago
Escape47109035654Verified
“Michael and Martín were amazing guides! We were able to see so many dolphins both from the boat and in the water. They even had prescription goggles available for those of us who wore glasses. Michael said that we were very lucky to be able to see as many as we did. He knew so much about the dolphins, and it really felt like he was able to communicate with them. We got to snorkel near Los Arcos after as well, which was wonderful.”
14 months ago
J BVerified
“My family and I went on the Dolphin/Snorkel tour just 4 days ago and it was awesome. Our guides were very professional and kind and helpful. We learned a lot about dolphins that we didn't know. We found us a great group of dolphins and we were able to enter the water and swim with them, there was even a baby dolphin! It was super cool and fun. Book with them you will love it.”
15 months ago
Jonathan MVerified
“This excursion was simply one of the great experiences of my life! We snorkeled and swam close-up with wild dolphins in the ocean. Maggie and Martin were wonderful hosts and provided a welcoming, fun, safe, educational environment. Maggie knew these dolphins like family! Seriously, if you are going to Puerto Vallarta, make this a priority!!! You don't need any prior experience snorkeling to do this. And, you don't have to be young to do it! I am in my late 60s.”
4 months ago
peggygraham2018Verified
Sunnyvale, California
“Loved swimming with the dolphins, but the water was murky and cold. The Leader of the tour was wonderful, and very knowledgeable.”
19 months ago
taram348Verified
“Wonderful experience, guide was very knowledgeable. While they can't guarantee that you will be able to swim with the dolphins based on behavior and conditions, the opportunity was well worth it. In our trip we had the opportunity to swim twice and get pretty close to the dolphins. The sandwiches they provided for lunch was better quality than I expected from a tour, and the snorkeling in Los Arcos was a nice bonus.”
6 months ago
“A huge shout out to Captain Raphael and tour guide Francisco for creating an unforgettable experience. We encountered a large pod of dolphins almost immediately. They weren't as interested in us being in the water as they were on a large school of fish they were feeding on. We had a front row seat to dolphins in the wild. Francisco had a wealth of knowledge including during the snorkelling portion. He has vast knowledge of the wildlife in the area. On the way back to the marina Captain Raphael spotted a massive stingray and took a detour so we could observe it. This was a very exciting and informational tour without the need of having animals in captivity. (Sorry if I spelled the names incorrectly).”
6 months ago
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