Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin Swim, Sea Lions, Manatees, & Lunch

Imagine spending a couple of hours in the warm waters of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, swimming with dolphins, mingling with playful sea lions, and meeting gentle manatees—all topped off with a tasty buffet. That’s precisely what you get with the Puerto Aventuras Dolphin Discovery experience. Priced at $169 per person and lasting around 2 hours, this tour is a well-rounded mix of interaction, scenery, and relaxation, making it a popular choice for families, couples, and anyone eager to connect with marine animals in a safe, friendly environment.

What we really like about this tour is how it offers not just a dolphin swim, but also up-close encounters with sea lions and manatees, giving a broader perspective on marine life. Plus, the lunch and drinks included mean you don’t need to worry about finding a meal after your aquatic adventures. The location, Puerto Aventuras, is known for its beautiful marina and pristine surroundings, making this a scenic spot for such experiences.

A possible consideration is the timing and group size. The experience is limited to small groups of about 10 participants, which helps keep it personal, but some reviews mention that some activities are shorter than expected or that grouping with other travelers can impact the feeling of exclusivity. Also, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get there. Overall, if you’re after a fun, family-friendly marine adventure with good value, this tour is worth considering.

This experience suits travelers who want interactive marine encounters without overly long or complicated excursions, especially those interested in photo opportunities and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere after the water activities. It’s also ideal for visitors who appreciate well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Engaging aquatic encounters: Swim with dolphins, and interact with sea lions and manatees.
• All-inclusive convenience: Lunch and two non-alcoholic drinks included, plus access to lockers and showers.
• Small group experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Location perks: Situated in the scenic Puerto Aventuras Marina, close to Playa del Carmen.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children over 3.3 ft, though some activities have height restrictions.
• Educational aspect: Opportunities to learn about marine mammals during interactions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

When you book the Royal Swim Plus program at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras, you’re signing up for a multi-faceted marine adventure that blends fun, education, and relaxation. The day begins with a brief 15-minute orientation, covering safety and what to expect. Then, you’ll don a life jacket—mandatory for safety—and head into the warm waters for your 60-minute dolphin swim.

The dolphin session is the highlight, where you’ll get to swim alongside these intelligent, playful creatures. Expect playful interactions, such as the famous hand target and playtime. Many reviewers mention the professional photos available for purchase, which are a great way to remember the experience.

Following the dolphin activity, you’ll enjoy two 30-minute encounters: one with sea lions and another with manatees. These animals are known for their gentle nature, and you’ll get to touch, feed, or simply observe them up close. The sea lion interaction often involves playful antics, while the manatee encounter provides a rare opportunity to see these calm creatures in person.

After the water activities, a buffet lunch awaits, with two non-alcoholic beverages included. The food is generally considered good, with a nice selection. The facilities, including lockers, showers, and restrooms, make it easy to change and refresh afterward.

The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, an ideal length for most travelers to enjoy without feeling rushed. The small group size fosters a more intimate environment, which many find more enjoyable than larger, impersonal tours.

The Realities: Pros and Cons Based on Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and professionalism—many mention knowledgeable staff who made the experience even more enjoyable. For instance, one reviewer from Ireland noted, “All the staff were happy and friendly and made it a lovely day.” This kind of personal touch is important when dealing with animals and safety.

The dolphin swim often receives high marks, with travelers describing it as “amazing” or “great”. However, some reviews highlight shorter-than-expected interaction times or grouping with other travelers that might dilute the feeling of a private experience. As one reviewer from the UK pointed out, “the tanks are very small for Dolphins and you do feel very guilty after paying for this.” It’s worth being aware that while the animals are well cared for, the small tanks and interaction limits are common concerns in such facilities.

The lunch gets mixed reviews; many say it’s good with a nice selection, but a few found it average or not as fulfilling. Also, like many tourist spots, cameras are not allowed during the water activities, so you’ll want to prepare to buy photos afterward if you want a visual memory.

An important note is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the site. The location is easy to find, but arriving on time is crucial to get the full experience, especially since the briefing takes place at the start.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off with a short 15-minute briefing. This is where the staff will go over safety rules, introduce the dolphins and other animals, and answer any questions. It’s a good chance to get familiar with the schedule and what to expect.

Next is the 60-minute dolphin swim, which is the core of the experience. During this time, you’re in the water with several friendly dolphins, engaging in interactions that may include riding fins, getting kissed, or simply playing. The professional guides are there to ensure safety and make the animals’ behavior as natural as possible, which we appreciated based on reviews.

Following the dolphins, you’ll head to two 30-minute sessions—first with the sea lions, then with the manatees. The sea lions tend to be playful and lively, often performing tricks or giving kisses, while the manatees are notably calm and gentle, providing a peaceful contrast.

After the animal encounters, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch with two included drinks. The food layout is typically self-serve, offering local dishes and salads, suitable for most tastes. Many reviewers mention the pleasant environment and friendly staff in the dining area.

The experience concludes with your return to the marina, where you can relax, take photos, or explore the surroundings. The facilities are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable ending to your marine day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families with children over 3.3 ft, as they can participate in all activities. It’s also perfect for couples or groups looking for a fun, interactive day in the water without the need for extensive planning.

If you’re someone who values small group interactions and professional guides, you’ll find this tour offers a good balance of fun and safety. It’s especially good if you’re interested in learning about marine mammals and enjoy photo souvenirs.

However, if you’re seeking longer or more individual experiences, or if transportation is a concern, you might want to explore other options. Keep in mind that if your child is under 4.6 ft, they’ll miss the sealion activity, which picky travelers might see as a drawback.

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Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

When weighing the cost of $169, consider what you’re getting: a well-organized aquatic adventure with interactions with several marine species, complemented by a buffet meal and facilities. While the duration isn’t long, the variety of encounters makes it a full and memorable experience. Many travelers, including those who previously rated it 4.6/5, find it worthwhile for a special day of marine fun.

The small group size, friendly staff, and beautiful location elevate this tour beyond a simple attraction. It’s a great choice for families or anyone eager to get close to marine mammals in a setting that balances fun, education, and relaxation.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to Puerto Aventuras is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own or plan to meet at the specified location.

Can children participate?
Yes, children over 3.3 ft can participate in most activities, but children over 4.6 ft can join alone by paying the adult rate. Children under 3.3 ft will perform only the Encounter activities.

How long does the entire experience last?
The full tour is about 2 hours, including briefing, water activities, and lunch.

Are photos available?
Yes, professional photos of your experience can be purchased on-site, though cameras are not allowed during the water activities.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and cash for extras. Remember, cameras are not permitted during the water encounters.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users?
Pregnant women less than 5 months into pregnancy can participate if accompanied by an adult and signing a responsibility form. Wheelchair accessibility isn’t specified, so it’s best to contact the provider beforehand if needed.

To sum it up, the Puerto Aventuras Dolphin Discovery tour offers a rich, interactive marine experience in a beautiful setting, with friendly guides and good facilities. It’s a solid choice for families, animal lovers, and those wanting a memorable day in the waters of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. While it’s not a long or exclusive experience, the variety of encounters and the inclusive lunch make it a value-packed outing that captures the magic of marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here: