🚨 February 2026 Critical Update
INDUSTRY ALERT: THE DOLPHIN COLLAPSE Following the 2025 federal ban on marine mammal entertainment, the industry has entered a state of collapse. On February 12, 2026, Eduardo Albor Villanueva, CEO and shareholder of The Dolphin Company (Dolphin Discovery), was arrested in Cancun by the National Guard after a public struggle with federal agents.
With company accounts frozen by the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) and corporate debts reportedly exceeding $200 million, the operations at the Nuevo Vallarta complex are under intense federal scrutiny. While some local operators like Vallarta Adventures continue to sell “Swim with Dolphins” tickets during this legal transition, GAYPV advises LGBTQ+ travelers that these programs are in a federally-mandated sunset phase.
CRITICAL DEADLINE: Verify your bookings with extreme caution. Under the new law signed June 25, 2025, Mexican companies were given exactly one year to comply. This means that as of June 26, 2026, public dolphin interactions for entertainment are effectively terminated. If you are planning a trip for later this summer, your “pre-paid” dolphin tour may be legally impossible to fulfill.
Last Updated: February 14, 2026
Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Shows Banned Under New Mexico Law
Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Shows banned under new Mexico law signed June 26, 2025. Puerto Vallarta things to do is set for a major shift after the Mexican government officially banned the use of dolphins, sea lions, and other marine mammals in entertainment shows. Popular attractions such as Swim With the Dolphins experiences, long promoted in Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Cancún, will soon come to an end. The move is being celebrated by animal welfare organizations as a landmark moment that strengthens Mexico’s role as a leader in global wildlife protection and conservation.
Humane World for Animals Mexico, formerly known as Humane Society International Mexico, has welcomed Puerto Vallarta dolphin shows banned under new Mexico law. The reform bans the use of marine mammals—including dolphins, sea lions, and orcas—in captive entertainment such as dolphinariums, traveling shows, or fixed attractions. This follows the Senate’s positive vote the previous day, making the measure law with immediate effect.
Dr. Claudia Edwards, Programs Director of Humane World for Animals Mexico, who supported the bill, celebrated the vote:
“This vote represents a decisive move toward ending the exploitation of whales, dolphins and other marine mammals for entertainment and marks a major stride forward in animal welfare and conservation efforts in Mexico. We congratulate all legislators for reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to the protection of wildlife and promoting sustainable coexistence between humans and animals.”
What the New Law Means
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Then new law became effective June 26, 2025 and prohibits wild capture, captive breeding, or keeping of marine mammals for any purpose outside of conservation or scientific research.
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Existing dolphinariums and attractions must end performances and public interactions involving marine mammals.
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Around 350 dolphins currently in captivity in Mexico must be relocated to sea pens, large ocean-based enclosures that allow for more natural living conditions.
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Implementing regulations will be issued within one year.
This law will directly affect at least three businesses that currently offer Swim With the Dolphins and sea lion activities in Puerto Vallarta: Vallarta Adventures, Aquaventuras Park, and Splash Vallarta.
Relocation and Oversight
Puerto Vallarta Dolphin shows banned under new Mexico law includes detailed provisions to ensure a more humane future for marine mammals:
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Relocation to Sea Pens or Open Systems: Dolphins will be moved from traditional concrete pools to marine pens or open-water systems with flowing seawater, designed to simulate natural conditions as much as possible. This provides more space and a healthier environment.
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Prohibition of Breeding: The law explicitly bans breeding in captivity, ensuring that the current generation of dolphins in Mexico will be the last to endure forced performance.
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Strict Welfare Oversight: The government will conduct robust monitoring of these facilities, with violations carrying heavy fines and potential closure for non-compliance.
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Non-Commercial Use: Marine mammals kept for conservation or research purposes cannot be used in any commercial activity, closing the door on profit-driven exploitation.
Experts Behind the Change
Humane World for Animals Mexico acknowledges the dedication of Dr. Yolanda Alaniz, one of Mexico’s most respected marine mammal experts, along with bioethics specialists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Their long-standing efforts played a key role in moving this legislation forward.
A Major Shift in Animal Welfare
With this reform, Mexico—previously ranked among the world’s top 10 dolphinarium operators—has taken a historic step to close the door on dolphin shows and marine mammal attractions. The legislation not only ensures greater protection for these animals but also places Mexico at the forefront of global animal welfare and wildlife conservation efforts.
This comes shortly after Mexico became the tenth country in the world to include animal protection in its constitution. In December 2024, President Claudia Sheinbaum signed new provisions officially adding animal welfare protections to Mexico’s highest legal framework.
For more Puerto Vallarta tours and activities information visit the GAYPV tours and activites travel news information here.
Author: Tim Wilson
Wilson is the founder of GAYPV.com and www.gaybartour.com and has been the leading LGBTQ+ travel and lifestyle authority in Puerto Vallarta since 2005. With over two decades of local expertise, Wilson specializes in being a community advocate and leader for Puerto Vallarta , and local cultural insights that only a long-term resident can provide. He has dedicated 20+ years to advocating for safe, inclusive travel in Banderas Bay, establishing GAYPV as the region's most trusted resident insider.. His work has been cited by major travel publications, and he is widely recognized as a trusted insider voice on Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
