Cancun: Interactive Aquarium – Swim with Dolphins Splash

Cancun: Interactive Aquarium – Swim with Dolphins Splash

Looking for a memorable, hands-on experience with dolphins in Cancun? For $119 per person, you can spend about 35 minutes inside the Interactive Aquarium at Plaza La Isla, where you’ll meet, learn about, and swim with these intelligent marine mammals. The tour includes entry to the aquarium, a dolphin presentation, and the chance to participate in ten engaging activities, including a memorable dolphin kiss. This activity is suitable for families, couples, or anyone eager for a close encounter with ocean life.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the personal interactions with dolphins — especially the opportunity to be in the water alongside them for a swim—and the educational aspect, which covers dolphin physiology, behavior, and anatomy. The experience is designed to be both fun and informative, allowing visitors to connect with the creatures beyond just observing them. One thing to keep in mind is that the experience is quite brief — around 20 minutes with the dolphins — and some reviews suggest that it can feel rushed, especially considering the cost.

If your main goal is to enjoy a genuine, up-close dolphin experience without a lot of fuss, this tour could be a good choice. However, be aware that photos and videos are extra, which many find adds to the overall cost. Also, since the activity takes place in the water, you’ll want to come prepared with swimwear and be comfortable getting wet.

This tour caters well to families with children, seniors, or anyone interested in marine life, but if you’re looking for a long, leisurely interaction, you might find it somewhat limited. Still, for those wanting a quick, engaging experience with dolphins in Cancun’s vibrant setting, it offers a nice balance of fun and education.

Key Points

• Interactive experience allows participation in ten activities with dolphins, including a kiss
• Includes aquarium entry and a dolphin presentation for a well-rounded visit
• Limited duration—about 20 minutes with the dolphins—so plan accordingly
• Photos and videos are extra, potentially increasing the total cost
• Small group size (up to 10 participants) ensures more personalized interactions
• Located inside Plaza La Isla, making it easy to combine with shopping or other activities

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

What to Expect When You Arrive

Your adventure begins at the Interactive Aquarium Cancun, situated within the lively Plaza La Isla Shopping Center. Once inside, you’ll check in with guides who speak both English and Spanish, making communication smooth. The process is fairly straightforward: you’ll pay a small tax of 50 MXN at the entrance for the aquatic animal activity fee, and then you’ll be given instructions on safety and procedures.

The Aquarium and Presentation

Before getting into the water, you’ll enjoy an engaging dolphin presentation. This quick show offers insights into dolphin behavior, physiology, and anatomy. Many reviews mention that guides are attentive and informative, making sure everyone understands the importance of respecting the animals and their environment. This part of the tour sets the stage for the interactions to come, adding context to the fun.

The Water Experience

The star of the show is the 20-minute swim with dolphins. Here’s where things get lively. Participants are divided into small groups—up to ten—so each person gets time to engage directly with the dolphins. The activities include a welcome, a kiss, learning about their behavior, and more interactive moments like touching and possibly getting a brief ride, if you upgrade.

We loved the visual closeness and how playful the dolphins are during the activities. Their intelligence is obvious, and seeing their curiosity and friendliness up close creates a sense of genuine connection. However, some reviewers note that the experience feels a little rushed, especially considering the price. Once you’re in the water, it’s a busy, energetic environment, which can be exciting but also hurried if you’re hoping for a more relaxed interaction.

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Photo and Video Opportunities

Photos are not included in the price, and many visitors find the cost of these extras to be quite high. For example, one traveler mentioned paying $53 per photo—a significant additional expense. Packages may be cheaper overall but still add to the total bill. If capturing memories is important, be prepared for these costs or plan to bring your own camera (not allowed in the water, but you can take pictures before or after).

The Value of the Tour

Considering the brief duration and cost, this experience might seem pricey to budget travelers. Yet, it offers a hands-on encounter with dolphins that you can’t replicate just by watching from above. The small group size enhances the personal feel, and the guides’ attentiveness adds value to the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity is well-suited for families with children, couples, or anyone eager for a marine adventure. It’s especially ideal if you want a quick but memorable interaction with dolphins that combines education with fun. However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed, extended session or a photography-rich experience, you might find it somewhat limited. Be mindful that some reviews expressed disappointment over the short time and the focus on photo sales.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

This tour offers a rare opportunity to connect with dolphins in a controlled, safe environment that emphasizes learning and interaction. The small group size and friendly guides make for a more intimate experience, and the inclusion of educational talks helps deepen understanding of these amazing creatures. The setting inside Cancun’s vibrant Plaza La Isla makes it easy to combine with shopping or other sightseeing.

That said, the cost-per-minute ratio may seem steep for some travelers, especially when factoring in additional expenses for photos. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to weigh the value of a 20-minute actual swim against the overall price. The experience is fast-paced and lively, which appeals to those seeking excitement and immediate engagement, but might leave those wanting a slower, more detailed interaction wanting more.

In summary, this activity offers a lively, educational, and memorable dolphin encounter suited best for visitors who value personal interaction and don’t mind the extra cost for photos. It’s a solid choice for families and those eager to tick off a must-do Cancun activity with a focus on fun and learning.

FAQ

Is the activity inside the aquarium or in open water?
It takes place in a designated habitat within the aquarium, which is a controlled environment designed for interactions with dolphins.

How long is the swim with dolphins?
You will spend approximately 20 minutes in the water engaging with the dolphins, though the entire activity including check-in and prep lasts about 35 minutes.

Are photographs included in the price?
No, photos and videos are not included and can be purchased separately at the site, often at a high cost.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included. The tour meets directly at the Interactive Aquarium inside Plaza La Isla, which is convenient if you’re already in the shopping center or nearby.

Can I bring my camera or phone into the water?
No, for safety and animal protection reasons, cameras, cellphones, and audiovisual devices are not allowed in the water. However, you can take photos before or after the activity.

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear and passport or ID. Wear comfortable clothes suitable for getting wet, and leave valuables at your hotel or in the lockers provided.

Is this experience suitable for seniors or children?
Yes, it is designed to be family-friendly and suitable for all ages, including elderly participants, as long as they are comfortable in the water and able to participate actively.

To sum it up, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium’s Swim with Dolphins Splash is a lively, educational snapshot of marine life that offers personal and memorable moments. It’s a good choice for those wanting a short, engaging, and hands-on dolphin experience, particularly if combined with other activities at Plaza La Isla. Just be prepared for the extra costs if you want photos, and keep in mind the brief duration when planning your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: