By Reservation Only · Pauma Valley, California · Swim With Otters
Nurtured by Nature
An Otterly Amazing Experience

Otters & Capybaras the encounter you’ve dreamed of

Since 2008, Nurtured by Nature and Animal Educators, Inc. have provided over $1.5 million in in-kind charitable programs, donated $180,000+ to conservation, and shared 18 years of education and awareness with the world.

5.0 Tripadvisor
501(c)(3) since 2008
$1.5M+ given in-kind
Make-A-Wish Partner
Who We Are

Solace when it’s needed most

Nurtured by Nature is a 501(c)(3) nature inspiration center in Pauma Valley. For more than eighteen years we've cared for animals, protected threatened species, and shared the healing power of nature with the children who need it most.

Get To Know Us ››
The Encounters

Choose your adventure

A guest swimming with an otter

$689

Public Otter Swim

Ages 16+ · In-water encounter

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A donor otter swim encounter

$848

Donor Otter Swim

Partly tax-deductible · Supports the mission

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Where It All Began

Founded on a promise

In 2008, Kevin & Wendy Yates set out to give animals a forever home and to share that refuge with families in crisis. What started as a promise has become a nature inspiration center that has given more than $1.5M in-kind and touched thousands of lives.

Read Our Story ››
How You Can Help

Every gift changes a life

Make a Donation ››

$25

Feeds an animal for a week

$100

Sponsors veterinary care for an animal in our care

$500

Funds a conservation education program

$1,000

Helps create an unforgettable day of connection and healing for a child facing illness

$1.5M+

In-kind programs delivered

$180K+

Given to conservation

7+

Species cared for

New · Otter Valley Events

More than an encounter

Beyond our animal encounters, Otter Valley hosts seasonal gatherings, private celebrations, and conservation evenings under the California sky. A new program, distinct from our encounters, with more to come.

See What's On ››
Guest Stories

Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor

"The most magical experience of our lives. Swimming with the otters brought our daughter pure joy and the team made us feel like family."

— Marissa P.

"You can feel how much they love these animals. Every dollar goes to a cause that matters. We'll be back every year."

— Daniel R.

"Worth every penny and then some. A once-in-a-lifetime encounter run by genuinely good people doing important work."

— The Alvarez Family
Reserve Your Visit

Let’s get you in the water

Reservations are required. Choose a date and time below to begin.

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Our Supporters

Proudly supported by

The JEM Project
County of San Diego
Discovery Valley Animal Hospital
Make-A-Wish
Valley Roadrunner
The Good Day Foundation
A-1 Irrigation
Edrington
Koala T's
Countryside Veterinary Hospital

With additional support from James Gunn · The Clough Family Foundation · The Lyon Family Charitable Fund · Pushkin · Carmen Fought · Thomas Flanigan

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