Mexico has taken a decisive and historic step for marine mammal protection: as of June 2025, the country’s Congress has unanimously passed sweeping reforms to the General Wildlife Law, banning the use of captive dolphins, sea lions, whales, and all marine mammals in entertainment venues, both permanent and traveling. This watershed legislation is the result of years of tireless advocacy by scientists, conservationists, educators, activists, and citizens who have worked to end the exploitation of these intelligent, sentient creatures.

What the law prohibits and permits

The ban strictly prohibits the wild capture, captive breeding, exhibition, and use of marine mammals for entertainment or profit.
Activities such as dolphin shows, swim-with-dolphin programs, and marine mammal performances—once popular in tourist regions like Cancun, Cozumel, and Tulum—are now outlawed.
The only exceptions are for scientific research, conservation, rehabilitation, or rescue, and even then, animals must be housed in natural seawater pens, not concrete tanks or artificial enclosures1.
Violations can result in fines exceeding 8 million pesos, and dolphinariums will be phased out, with the estimated 350 dolphins in captivity to be relocated to sea pens.
The law aligns Mexico with global animal welfare standards, joining nations such as Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, and France in banning or severely restricting marine mammal entertainment.

A turning point for animal welfare and conservation

Photo captured during a regenerative tourism expedition in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, operated by Baja Adventures.

This reform is more than a legal milestone; it represents a profound shift in Mexico’s relationship with its oceans and wildlife. Legislators and advocates have emphasized that the measure is not an endpoint, but a new beginning—one that prioritizes animal welfare, science, and sustainable coexistence. As Representative Iraís Virginia Reyes de la Torre stated, “This is not a happy ending; it is merely a fair beginning. The challenge now will be to ensure that each transitional provision, each deadline, and each clause is truly complied with”.

The law was strengthened to ensure clear, enforceable language and robust penalties, reflecting a commitment to genuine change. The move has been hailed as a “major stride forward in animal welfare and conservation efforts in Mexico,” and a model for future environmental legislation.

Why this matters: The ongoing threats to marine mammals

Marine mammals in captivity suffer from limited space, social isolation, unnatural diets, and repetitive stress behaviors—conditions well-documented by animal welfare organizations and marine biologists.

But even in the wild, these species face mounting threats: habitat loss, pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change continue to endanger their populations. Legal reforms are essential, but so too is continued vigilance and support for their protection in their natural habitats.

Why this moment matters:

Mexico’s unanimous decision to ban the use of captive marine mammals in entertainment is a watershed moment for animal welfare and conservation—one that resonates far beyond its borders. This landmark law, passed by both houses of Congress and soon to be signed by the President, ends decades of exploitation for dolphins, sea lions, orcas, and other marine mammals in shows and tourist attractions.

The significance of this victory

A Major Stride for Animal Welfare: This is a decisive move toward ending the suffering of highly intelligent, sentient creatures who have long endured confinement, unnatural behaviors, and stress for public amusement. The law recognizes animal sentience and prioritizes their right to a life that aligns with their natural instincts and needs.
Global Leadership: With this reform, Mexico joins a growing list of countries setting higher standards for wildlife protection and sustainable coexistence, reaffirming its commitment to conservation and ethical tourism.
Broad Consensus: The ban passed with unanimous support in both the Senate (99-0) and the Chamber of Deputies (415-0), reflecting a powerful societal and political consensus that animal cruelty has no place in modern Mexico.
Immediate and Lasting Impact: The law takes effect immediately, requiring the relocation of approximately 350 captive dolphins to sea pens and phasing out dolphinariums—Mexico is home to about 8% of the world’s captive dolphins.

What comes next

Implementation and Enforcement: The next critical phase is ensuring the law is fully enforced. This includes relocating animals to sea pens, issuing implementing regulations within a year, and imposing substantial penalties for violations—fines can exceed 8 million pesos.
Focus on Conservation and Science: Captive marine mammals will now only be permitted for genuine scientific research, conservation, rehabilitation, or rescue, and only in natural seawater pens. This shift supports species recovery and ecosystem health, rather than exploitation for profit.
Ongoing threats in the wild: While the ban addresses captive exploitation, many marine mammals in Mexican waters remain at risk from habitat loss, illegal fishing, pollution, and climate change. The vaquita porpoise, for example, is critically endangered with only around 30 individuals left, highlighting the urgent need for continued conservation action and enforcement of fishing regulations.
A Call to Action for regenerative tourism: The end of marine mammal entertainment opens new opportunities for responsible, conservation-oriented tourism. By choosing ethical wildlife expeditions, travelers can support ongoing research, habitat protection, and local economies that value living wildlife over exploitation.

Building a future rooted in respect

This moment is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter for Mexico’s oceans and wildlife. It is a testament to years of advocacy by scientists, conservationists, educators, and citizens who believed in a better future. Now, the challenge is to ensure the law’s promises are realized—through vigilance, enforcement, and a collective commitment to coexistence.

Let’s continue to support regenerative tourism, conservation, and science-based stewardship of our oceans. Together, we can ensure that marine mammals are protected, respected, and free—for generations to come.

Support regenerative tourism and conservation-oriented expeditions

Now, more than ever, we invite you to be part of the solution. The end of marine mammal entertainment in Mexico opens the door to a new kind of experience: one rooted in respect, science, and coexistence.

Regenerative tourism—responsible, conservation-based marine adventures—offers a way to encounter these remarkable animals on their terms, in the wild. By choosing ethical wildlife tours and expeditions that prioritize animal welfare and support ongoing research, you:

Help fund scientific studies and conservation initiatives critical to the survival of marine mammals.
Encourage local economies to value living wildlife and healthy ecosystems over exploitation.
Experience the magic of the ocean while contributing to the long-term protection of its inhabitants.

“This isn’t just about dolphins—it’s about changing our relationship with nature. It’s about evolving our laws to reflect the values of compassion and sustainability.”
Let’s continue building a future where marine mammals thrive—free, respected, and protected. Your choices matter: support conservation, choose regenerative tourism, and help ensure these species endure for generations to come.

Join an expedition with us

Mexico’s landmark ban on captive marine mammal entertainment: