Choose Your encounter
Three ways to meet our animals up close, each a small-group experience that funds the nature inspiration center. Swim with the otters, give back as a donor, or float with the capybaras.
- By Reservation Only
- Small Groups
- Pauma Valley, CA
Meet them up close
Nurtured by Nature is a 501(c)(3) nature inspiration center in Pauma Valley, California offering three guided animal encounters. Each is an intimate, expert-led day, and every reservation directly funds the care of these animals.
Choose your adventure
$689
Public Otter Swim
35 to 60 minutes in the water with otters, plus a meet-and-greet with six or more species.
Explore ››
$848
Donor Otter Swim
The same otter swim, offered as a donor experience that gives even more to the nature inspiration center.
Explore ››
$530
CapyHour
A 3 hour journey through the nature inspiration center, ending the way everyone hopes: floating with the capybaras.
Explore ››*A portion of the Donor Otter Swim is tax-deductible. See the Donor Otter Swim page for the breakdown.
True for every encounter
By Reservation Only
Every encounter is booked ahead. Each guest needs their own paid reservation and one reservation admits one person, so there are no observer or partial spots. You may transfer a reservation to another guest 18 or older if you let us know before your date.
Small Groups
Tours are capped at 8 to 10 guests, so every encounter stays personal, unhurried, and led by our animal care team.
Every Booking Gives Back
Every reservation funds rescue, animal care, conservation, and free encounters for children in need. Encounter fees are not charitable donations; only the Donor Otter Swim is partly tax-deductible.
Come Prepared
Bring a bathing suit, towel, and change of clothes. Photo ID and a digital waiver are required. Minimum age is 16 for the otter swims and 13 for CapyHour; guests aged 13 to 17 attend with a parent or legal guardian who also holds their own paid reservation.
Encounters FAQ
Which encounter should I choose?
Pick the Public Otter Swim or the partly tax-deductible Donor Otter Swim to get in the water with the otters (ages 16+). Choose CapyHour for a 3 hour tour of the nature inspiration center that ends floating with the capybaras (ages 13+). All three are small-group, guided experiences.
What do all the encounters have in common?
Every encounter is guided, by reservation only, and capped at 8 to 10 guests, with hands-on time alongside multiple species. Every reservation funds animal care, conservation, and free encounters for children facing illness.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes. All encounters are by reservation only and each guest needs their own. The schedule opens about one calendar year at a time and there is no waitlist, so booking early is the best way to get your date.
Are any of the encounters tax-deductible?
Part of the Donor Otter Swim is. Of the $848 reservation, roughly $200 covers the gifts donor guests take home and about $48 covers processing fees, so approximately $600 is tax-deductible as a charitable gift. The Public Otter Swim and CapyHour are not tax-deductible, though their fees still fund animal care and conservation. Your confirmation is your receipt; consult your tax advisor for your situation.
Can a minor attend without their own ticket?
No. Every guest needs their own paid reservation, minors included. One reservation admits one person, so we do not offer observer, photographer, or tag-along spots. Guests aged 13 to 17 are welcome with a parent or legal guardian who also holds their own paid reservation for the same encounter. Minimum age is 16 for the otter swims and 13 for CapyHour. You may transfer a reservation to another guest 18 or older if you let us know before your date. Photo ID and a signed digital waiver are required for everyone.
Ready when you are
Pick the encounter that is calling your name, or make a gift to the nature center. Unlike a reservation, a donation is fully tax-deductible.