“Highlight of the whole week. Riu pickup was easy, dolphins were amazing.”
Trisha Martinez · The Bronx, NY
Stayed at Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro
From $120
This is the big one. The Royal doubles up — two dolphins instead of one, a smaller group of no more than 10, and a full hour in the water. That extra time buys the best tricks: a two-dolphin foot push and a dorsal-fin ride, plus all the kisses and belly rubs. The most interaction you can get.
If you're going to swim with dolphins, this is the version that gives you the most of it. The Royal steps up on every count: two dolphins instead of one, a smaller group of no more than 10 people, and a full 60 minutes in the water — all set in a large, spacious dolphinarium. More time and fewer people means more hands-on with the animals.
Here's what's on offer:
No need to worry about photos or video; professional photographers capture the whole thing, and the clear water makes it all look incredible.
These are small, in-demand sessions, so reserve ahead.
Good to know
- Cameras aren't allowed in the dolphin area; professional photos and videos are available to buy afterward.
- Pregnant women can't take part in this option.
- The dolphins here are cared for under some of the strictest animal-welfare standards in the Caribbean.
- Want something lighter? The Dolphin Explorer swims with one dolphin, or stay dry with the no-swim Dolphin Encounter
“Highlight of the whole week. Riu pickup was easy, dolphins were amazing.”
Trisha Martinez · The Bronx, NY
Stayed at Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro
“Did the swim option and loved every second. Held the dorsal fin and went flying across the lagoon. The sea lion photo was a bonus”
David Gray · Brooklyn, NY
Stayed at W Punta Cana
“We came back yesterday from our trip to Punta Cana. A must do is swimming with dolphins. After researching the different options, we chose to book Royal Dolphin package in advance. It was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! It was me, my boyfriend and two more people in our group. There were two dolphins – Nefri and Juliet. Our trainer – Adrien – was very friendly and funny, telling us everything from anatomy to fun facts about dolphins. We swam with them, held their fins and were pushed in the water, got to "dance" with them, hug them and kiss them. The experience was unforgettable. Adrien was very knowledgeable and was answering all questions. We absolutely loved swimming with dolphins! The only thing is the overpriced photos in the end – we were told that the photographers are a third party, separate company and they have nothing to do with Dolphin Discovery. Probably the best thing (if you would like to have some photos) is to get the CD where you can have all photos from the experience. It is very pricey but you don't get to swim with dolphins every day so it is worth it. Special huge THANK YOU to our trainer Adrien and our two dolphins – Nefri and Juliet! Gracias!”
Tsvety
“Excellent interaction with dolphins. Plenty of it (we bought the royal package which was worth paying extra for – there were only 6 in our group). Really clean so felt confident in the authenticity of the outfit. Trainer was informative. Overall 10/10 and wish we could've done again immediately afterwards. There are few experiences that could be more enjoyable. Thank you.”
Paul
“If really are looking for an experience with dolphins , than you should choose "Excellence Programm" . The interation with dolphins is amaizing and unique. You touched them, you swim with them and even more they make you to feel greate! Don't hesitate go for it!”
Charlie
“Overall the experience with the animals was fantastic. It was easy to purchase through Punta Cana Tours and there were 0 problems on that end. I'm only putting 4 stars because the place didn't pay attention to our wrist band and just lumped us in with a group that didn't do everything we paid for. So we had to ask about our other activities and then we ended up having to wait awhile. But we did get a free snorkel with the nurse sharks so that was cool. It was expensive but definitely worth it, these memories will last forever. Just incredible to be in the water with these animals.”
Courtney
“This excursion was very professional, well worth the money!!! Anyone who LOVES dolphins NEEDS to do this excursion! You get to touch them several times, kiss them, hold them, swim with them, and you even get to be pushed out of the water from your feet with them. You spend 1 hour up close and personal with them. Highly recommended!!!!”
Harmoni
“We went on the dolphin swim royal tour and had the most amazing time – it had always been our dream to swim with dolphins and this was well and truly fulfilled!! The tricks you get to do with them are incredible!! I am sooo glad we opted for the royal tour even though it was expensive it was worth the extra money to interact the way you do with these incredible creatures!! Be sure to take your credit card or a lot of money with you though – we almost got caught out as to get the photos (you can't take any yourself) and video for two people interacting was $150 – luckily I just had enough but this left us unable to purchase any other souvenirs or drinks whilst there. Also included was a tropical bird show which was entertaining and you were able to get up close and photograph the birds yourself at no added expense! The surroundings were beautiful and all in all an amazing afternoon – thank you Punta Cana Tours for ticking off one of our bucket list dreams!!!!”
Seven