Swim With Otters, give back
The same once-in-a-lifetime otter encounter, offered as a partly tax-deductible Donor experience. Your reservation does even more for the animals in our care.
- 3–4 Hours
- 35–60 Min In-Water
- Ages 16+
- Partly Tax-Deductible*
$848 Per guest · Donor tier · taxes & fees included
*Approximately $600 of the $848 is tax-deductible. See how that breaks down.
The same swim, a bigger gift
The Donor Otter Swim is the same 3 to 4 hour guided in-water encounter with our otters, offered as a partly tax-deductible Donor reservation that sends even more support to the nature inspiration center and its charitable programs.
You share 35 minutes to an hour in the water with the otters and meet at least six other species, guided every moment by our animal care team. As a Donor guest you also take home an otter-graphed painting, a Nurtured by Nature t-shirt, and a towel. Nurtured by Nature is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and a portion of every Donor fee is tax-deductible by fair market value and sent directly to our charitable programs and conservation projects worldwide.
Your day, start to finish
Start With Six+ Species
Your day opens with the other residents: sloths, armadillos, foxes, capybaras, hornbills, and lemurs. The lineup varies by date.
Then Into The Water
35 to 60 minutes in the pool with otters, guided every moment by our animal care team.
Small Guided Group
Just 8 to 10 guests per program, so the experience stays personal and unhurried.
Tax-Deductible Gift*
A portion is tax-deductible by fair market value and goes directly to our charitable programs and conservation projects worldwide.
Come ready for the water
Bring With You
- Comfortable bathing suit and a t-shirt
- Towel and a full change of clothes
- A bag for your wet clothes
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Waterproof case for phone or camera
- Photo ID for age verification
Please Leave At Home
- Loose jewelry, necklaces, and earrings
- Body piercings
- Outside pets and service animals
- Anything that cannot get wet
Before you book
Reservations & Eligibility
Every guest needs their own paid reservation. One reservation admits one person, so there are no observer, photographer, or tag-along spots and no attending on someone else's booking. Guests must be at least 16. Any guest aged 16 or 17 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who also holds their own paid reservation. You may transfer your reservation to another guest 18 or older at any time; just let us know before your date so we can update the name. A valid photo ID and a signed digital waiver are required for every guest.
What Is Actually Tax-Deductible*
The Donor Otter Swim is $848. Because Donor guests receive about $200 in gifts (an otter-graphed painting, a t-shirt, and a towel) and roughly $48 in processing fees, approximately $600 of your reservation is tax-deductible as a charitable gift to Nurtured by Nature, our 501(c)(3). Your confirmation email is your receipt; consult your tax advisor.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
30+ days out: full refund or one reschedule. Within 30 days: non-refundable. Reservations are transferable to anyone 18 or older; just let us know before your date. Refunds processed within 30 days.
Weather
Encounters go ahead rain or shine and are paused only for severe weather. Our team confirms details with you the day before your visit.
Donor Otter Swim FAQ
How is the Donor Otter Swim different from the Public Otter Swim?
The experience itself is the same: a 3 to 4 hour guided encounter with 35 to 60 minutes of in-water time with otters, plus a meet-and-greet with six or more species. The difference is the Donor tier directs a larger share to supporting our charitable programs and conservation around the world and is structured as a Donor reservation that is partly tax-deductible.
Is the Donor Otter Swim tax-deductible?
Yes. A portion of each Donor Otter Swim fee is tax-deductible based on fair market value and is sent directly to help our charitable programs and conservation projects around the world. Nurtured by Nature is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; keep your confirmation as your receipt and consult your tax advisor for your situation.
How much time do I spend in the water with the otters?
Between 35 minutes and one hour of in-water otter time, set within a 3 to 4 hour guided visit that also includes hands-on time with other animals.
What is the minimum age, and can I bring my child?
Guests must be at least 16 years old. Any guest aged 16 or 17 must attend with a parent or legal guardian who also holds their own paid reservation. Every guest needs their own paid reservation; one reservation admits one person, and there are no observer or tag-along spots. Photo ID and a digital waiver are required.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear weather-appropriate layers and bring a comfortable bathing suit with a t-shirt, towel, and a waterproof case for your phone or camera for the pool. Please leave loose jewelry, necklaces, earrings, and piercings at home.
What is the cancellation policy?
Donor Otter Swim payments are considered donations and are non-refundable. Rescheduling requires 30 or more days notice. Reservations are transferable to anyone 18 or older at any time; just let us know before your date.
Swim, and do even more
Reservations are required and spots are limited to 8 to 10 per program. Choose a date below to begin.
The live booking calendar for the Donor Otter Swim will embed here.
