Cabo Dolphins
Rating
Family of 4
$650-$850 for a family of 4.
Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Ages
4 and up
About
Cabo Dolphins operates a dedicated dolphin encounter facility right at the Cabo San Lucas Marina, offering several programs ranging from gentle meet-and-greets to full swimming interactions. For families with young kids, their Dolphin Kids program is the reason to visit.
The Dolphin Kids experience is designed specifically for children ages 4-9. Instead of swimming in deep water, kids stand on a shallow shelf in a purpose-built pool where they can comfortably interact with bottlenose dolphins at chest height. The group size is capped at 8 children, ensuring everyone gets personal interaction time.
Kids pet the dolphins, get hugs and kisses, and learn about dolphin behavior from bilingual trainers who are genuinely great with children.
Older kids and teens can join the adult programs — the Dolphin Encounter (more observational) or the Dolphin Swim (full in-water interaction including belly rides and foot pushes). The Signature Swim is the most immersive option and the one teens tend to love most.
The facility itself is well-maintained. There are changing rooms with showers, secure lockers for valuables, and a small gift shop. The pools use ocean-fed salt water, and the dolphins appear healthy and well-cared-for.
The trainers are professional, bilingual, and clearly experienced at managing groups of excited children — they know how to encourage nervous kids and safely direct enthusiastic ones.
Pricing is significant — a family of four will spend $650-850 depending on which programs you choose. The professional photo package adds another $80+ per person, which is why bringing your own waterproof camera is one of the smartest moves you can make. Book directly through the Cabo Dolphins website rather than through a hotel concierge, who will add a commission.
The marina location means you're steps from restaurants, shops, and other marina-area attractions, so it's easy to build a full day around your dolphin encounter. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time for check-in and orientation.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Book the first morning slot for the best experience — dolphins are most active early in the day. Reserve at least a week ahead during Christmas/New Year and spring break weeks.
Wait Times
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled program
Nearby Food
Walk to the Marina Golden Zone for waterfront dining at Solomon's Landing (seafood with bay views), Baja Brewing Company (burgers, kid-friendly), or Puerto Paraíso Mall food court (5-minute walk) for quick bites.
Why Kids Love It
Cabo Dolphins gives kids the chance to interact with bottlenose dolphins in a way that feels personal and magical. The Dolphin Kids program is the standout for families — it's specifically designed for children ages 4-9, with small group sizes (max 8 participants) so every child gets meaningful one-on-one time with the dolphins. Kids interact from a shallow shelf in a custom-designed pool, so they're never in deep water.
They get to pet, hug, and receive a kiss from a dolphin, and the trainers are talented at reading each child's comfort level — encouraging the shy ones gently and channeling the enthusiastic ones safely. Older kids who join the adult programs get more adventurous interactions including belly rides and foot pushes. The facility at the marina is modern and clean, and the trainers speak English fluently, which helps kids understand the educational component about dolphin behavior and marine conservation.
For many children, this is the kind of experience that sparks a lifelong interest in marine biology.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The Dolphin Kids program (ages 4-9) uses a shallow shelf so children are never in deep water — great for kids who aren't strong swimmers
- Max group size is 8 participants per session, so every child gets quality dolphin interaction time
- Children under 4 are not permitted in any dolphin program — the facility has a waiting area for non-participating family members
- Bring your own waterproof camera to save $80+ on their professional photo package
- The facility has changing rooms with showers, lockers, and a small gift shop
What to Bring
- Swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes to change into after
- Waterproof camera or GoPro for photos and video
- Reef-safe sunscreen — non-reef-safe products must be rinsed off before entering the dolphin pool
- Cash for tips (trainers work hard and are friendly with kids)
- Sunglasses with a strap — they'll want to stay on during the encounter
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$650-$850 for a family of 4.
Adult Dolphin Swim: ~$238/person.
Dolphin Kids (ages 4-9): ~$196/child.
Private session for 1-8 people: ~$1,348 total.
Photo packages extra at ~$80.
Tips to Save
- The Dolphin Kids program is cheaper than the adult swim and is specifically designed for young children.
- Skip the professional photo package ($80+) and bring your own waterproof camera.
- Book directly through the website rather than through hotel concierges who add a commission.
- Look for multi-activity bundles that include dolphin encounters with other tours.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 9AM-5PM
- Monday
- 9AM-5PM
- Sunday
- 9AM-5PM
- Tuesday
- 9AM-5PM
- Saturday
- 9AM-5PM
- Thursday
- 9AM-5PM
- Wednesday
- 9AM-5PM