Dolphin Island Park
Swim with dolphins on a floating park off Bávaro
Overview
Dolphin Island Park offers a unique twist on the marine encounter experience — instead of visiting animals in a traditional park, you take a boat ride out to a floating platform in the turquoise Caribbean waters off Bavaro Beach. Here, in a natural ocean setting, you can swim with dolphins, interact with sea lions, and snorkel among tropical fish.
The open-ocean setting gives the experience a more natural feel compared to land-based marine parks. The platform is anchored in a protected area of calm, clear water, providing a safe environment while maintaining the feeling of being immersed in the Caribbean Sea. It's one of Punta Cana's most popular family-friendly activities.
Experiences Available
Dolphin Island Park offers several encounter packages:
- Dolphin Encounter: An introductory interaction from a platform where you touch, feed, and learn about bottlenose dolphins
- Dolphin Swim: A deeper experience where you swim alongside dolphins in the open water, including the famous "dorsal fin ride"
- Sea Lion Encounter: Interact with friendly sea lions — a great option for younger children
- Snorkeling: Explore the natural reef around the platform with provided snorkel gear
- Shark Encounter: Observe nurse sharks from a safe viewing area
Most visitors combine two or more encounters for a full morning of marine experiences.
Getting There
Dolphin Island Park is accessed by boat from the Bavaro Beach area:
- Meeting point: Guests are typically picked up from their Punta Cana or Bavaro resort and transported to the departure dock
- Boat ride: A short 10-15 minute boat ride takes you to the floating platform
- Hotel pickup: Most packages include complimentary hotel transfers from Punta Cana, Bavaro, and Cap Cana resorts
Book through your hotel tour desk, the park's website, or third-party excursion providers for the best rates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Dolphin Island Park cost?
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Prices range from approximately $99 USD for a basic encounter to $189 USD for premium packages that include multiple animal interactions. Children often receive discounted rates. Prices typically include hotel transfers, life jackets, and basic equipment.
Is Dolphin Island Park suitable for children?
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Yes, it's very family-friendly. Children as young as 1 year old can participate in the platform-based encounters. Swimming encounters typically require children to be at least 5-8 years old, depending on the program. Life jackets are provided for all water activities.
Is it safe to swim with dolphins?
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The interactions are supervised by trained handlers at all times. The dolphins are accustomed to human interaction and the encounters are designed with safety as a priority. Life jackets are provided and the water in the enclosed area is calm.
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