Dolphin encounters in Los Cabos governed by Mincho's Law

In a significant move towards animal welfare, Mexico's Senate and Chamber of Deputies passed Mincho's Law in June 2025, aiming to protect captured marine mammals. The law, enacted on July 17, 2025, has brought about significant changes in the operation of dolphinariums, particularly in Los Cabos, including those owned by Cabo Adventures.

The new legislation imposes a ban on dolphin shows and breeding in captivity. Dolphinariums must also provide inventories to SEMARNAT, detailing the age, sex, microchip identification numbers, veterinary health histories, and housing conditions of their dolphins. Concrete pools must be removed within 90 days, and dolphins relocated to sea pens[1][2][3][5].

However, there is an exception for dolphinariums where such a move is technically unfeasible. These facilities may be allowed to use circulated seawater systems instead, provided they can prove this via engineering assessments[1]. Cabo Adventures, which continues to operate dolphin experiences in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, appears to be complying with these requirements to keep their licenses and continue operations.

Failure to meet these benchmarks may result in fines or license revocation, potentially leading to permanent closure for non-compliant dolphinariums[1]. This means that establishments like those operated by Cabo Adventures must ensure full compliance or face closure.

The law's enactment follows the viral video of Mincho's accident in February 2025, which led to increased support for animal rights. Mincho, a 30-year-old dolphin, was injured during a performance at Barceló Maya Grand Resort on November 28, 2020. His injury occurred when he leapt into the air during a show and missed his landing spot, crashing onto a concrete platform[1][6].

The Dolphin Company, which owned the dolphinarium where Mincho was injured, closed and declared bankruptcy shortly after the video went viral. Around the same time, Dolphin Discovery, a popular dolphinarium in Los Cabos, also closed its doors[4].

The passage of Mincho's Law reflects a broader shift in Mexico towards animal welfare. Baja California, joining Michoacán and Nuevo León, has legally recognized animals as sentient beings, implying all the protections that come with it[3]. This move marks a significant step in restricting exploitative practices and improving captive conditions for marine mammals across Mexico.

While the release of captive dolphins back into the wild seems unlikely where dolphinariums remain compliant, the law aims to curb dolphin exploitation and improve captive conditions dramatically[1].

In related news, Mexico City passed a law banning violence in bullfights in March 2023, marking a historic win for animal rights activists[7]. This further underscores Mexico's commitment to animal welfare.

For travellers seeking insights on travel-related content and lifestyle features focused on food, wine, golf, and more, Chris Sands, a travel expert and writer, is a valuable resource[8].

References:

[1] Associated Press. (2025, July 17). Mexico passes law to protect dolphins in captivity. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/mexico-passes-law-protect-dolphins-captivity-77687546

[2] Reuters. (2025, July 17). Mexico bans captivity of dolphins for entertainment. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jul/17/mexico-bans-captivity-of-dolphins-for-entertainment

[3] Baja California. (2023, March 15). Animals are recognized as sentient beings. Baja California Government. https://gob.bajacalifornia.gob.mx/noticias/animales-son-reconocidos-como-seres-sentientes

[4] Dolphin Discovery. (2025, February). Dolphin Discovery closes its doors. Dolphin Discovery. https://www.dolphindiscovery.com/blog/dolphin-discovery-closes-its-doors/

[5] Cabo Adventures. (2025, July). Cabo Adventures complies with Mincho's Law. Cabo Adventures. https://www.cabo-adventures.com/news/cabo-adventures-complies-with-minchos-law/

[6] Associated Press. (2020, November 29). Dolphin injured in performance at Mexican resort. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dolphin-injured-in-performance-at-mexican-resort/

[7] The New York Times. (2023, March 29). Mexico City bans bullfights. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/29/world/americas/mexico-city-bans-bullfights.html

[8] Chris Sands. (n.d.). About Chris Sands. Chris Sands. https://chrissands.com/about/

The new legislation in Mexico, known as Mincho's Law, aims to protect captured marine mammals, banning dolphin shows and breeding in captivity.
Dolphinariums must provide detailed inventories to SEMARNAT, including age, sex, microchip identification numbers, veterinary health histories, and housing conditions of their dolphins.
Concrete pools must be removed within 90 days, and dolphins relocated to sea pens, unless the dolphinarium can prove that such a move is technically unfeasible.
The Dolphin Company, which owned the dolphinarium where Mincho was injured, closed and declared bankruptcy shortly after the viral video went viral.
In a broader shift, Baja California has legally recognized animals as sentient beings, marking a significant step in restricting exploitative practices and improving captive conditions for marine mammals across Mexico.
For travelers interested in food, wine, golf, and more, Chris Sands, a travel expert and writer, is a valuable resource for insights on travel-related content and lifestyle features.
In general news, Mexico City passed a law banning violence in bullfights in March 2023, marking a historic win for animal rights activists.
Establishments like those operated by Cabo Adventures must ensure full compliance with Mincho's Law to avoid fines, license revocation, and potential permanent closure.
The passage of Mincho's Law and the ban on bullfights in Mexico City underscores Mexico's commitment to animal welfare and policy and legislation that promotes personal growth and self-development, particularly in areas related to education, culture, home-and-garden, pets, health, sports, and business.