Why not swim with dolphins?

1. Dolphins Swim Dozens of Miles a Day in the Wild

Wild dolphins are naturally active animals. Research shows they can swim up to 60 miles (100 kilometers) a day, navigating vast stretches of ocean in search of food, social interaction, and play (PETA).

In captivity, these animals are confined to tanks that are often less than 0.0001% the size of their natural range. The lack of stimulation and space contributes significantly to their mental and physical decline.

2. Captive Dolphins Suffer from Stress and Abnormal Behavior

Scientific observations have consistently shown that dolphins in tanks exhibit signs of psychological distress. These may include:

• Repetitive movements (pacing, circling)
• Head bobbing or floating listlessly
• Aggression toward tank mates or trainers

A study published in Animal Welfare found that dolphins in captive environments often show stereotypical behaviors, which are indicators of stress and poor welfare (Marine Mammal Commission).

3. Natural Social Bonds Are Severed

Dolphins are incredibly social creatures that live in complex societies called pods. In the wild, they communicate using distinct whistles and clicks, care for each other’s young, and form lifelong bonds.

In captivity, dolphins are:

• Separated from family groups
• Housed with incompatible individuals
• Often forcibly bred or moved between facilities

These disruptions are traumatic for a species that depends so deeply on social stability.

4. Mating and Play Are Crucial—And Disrupted in Captivity

In the wild, dolphins play constantly—leaping, chasing each other, and engaging in synchronized swimming. This is not just fun: play helps young dolphins develop survival skills and prepares males for courtship.

Mating behavior is also highly nuanced:

• Male dolphins often form alliances to court females
• They use complex displays and vocalizations during mating rituals
• Much of this behavior is learned through social play (PubMed Study)

Captivity stifles these behaviors, especially when dolphins are kept isolated or with incompatible mates.

5. Captivity Reduces Lifespan and Health

While some facilities claim that dolphins live longer in captivity, multiple studies have shown no clear advantage—and in some cases, shorter lifespans.

Stress, chlorinated water, limited space, and constant human contact contribute to a host of health problems:

• Skin and eye irritations
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Immune suppression

These issues are rarely observed in wild dolphins.

6. Legal Changes in Mexico Reflect a Shift in Values

In October 2022, Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved a reform to the General Wildlife Law that prohibits the use of marine mammals—including dolphins—in entertainment shows or any profit-driven interactions.

“The initiative seeks to ban captive marine mammal shows and promote their release or relocation to sanctuaries.”
— Diputados.gob.mx – General Wildlife Law Reform (2022)

This landmark legal shift reflects growing awareness of animal welfare and aligns with global trends in ethical tourism.

In March 2025, Mexico’s environmental protection agency PROFEPA officially ordered the closure of the dolphinarium at Barceló Maya Grand Resort in the Riviera Maya after finding the facility lacked the proper permits to conduct animal performances. The action followed public outrage and an investigation triggered by a viral video showing a dolphin named Mincho crashing into the edge of the pool during a show.

This tragic incident came on the heels of two other dolphin deaths—Alex and Plata—in 2024, raising serious concerns about the animals’ welfare.