Riviera Maya: Swim with dolphins Interax

If you’re headed to the beautiful Riviera Maya and crave a close-up encounter with marine life, the Swim with Dolphins Interax tour offers a memorable 45-minute experience that combines education, fun, and genuine connection. This activity, priced at $130 per person, is located next to the Xcaret Park parking lot in Quintana Roo, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the region. Led by friendly guides who speak both Spanish and English, this small-group tour (limited to 10 participants) promises an intimate, hands-on adventure with these intelligent marine mammals.

What we love about this experience is the chance to actually touch and pet the dolphins, along with the variety of activities—14 in total—that keep the interaction lively and engaging. The 30-minute water session feels well-paced, giving you ample time to connect without feeling rushed. Plus, the fact that towels and lockers are included makes the logistics straightforward. On the flip side, potential visitors should be aware that cameras and audiovisual devices are not allowed in the habitat for safety reasons, which might be inconvenient for some who want to capture every moment.

This tour is especially suited for families, first-time swimmers, and anyone eager for a meaningful marine encounter. If you enjoy interactive, educational activities and are comfortable with water-based experiences, you’ll find this to be a worthwhile addition to your Riviera Maya itinerary.

Key Points

• Authentic Interaction: Touch, pet, and kiss dolphins in a controlled and respectful environment.
• Educational and Fun: Learn about dolphin physiology, behavior, and anatomy through engaging activities.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Towels and lockers are provided, making your experience hassle-free.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 participants for personalized attention.
• Strict Camera Policy: No audiovisual devices allowed in the habitat for safety.
• Additional Costs: A $50 MXN tax applies, payable upon check-in.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

When booking your Riviera Maya dolphin swim, you’re signing up for an activity that balances education and entertainment. The tour spans about 45 minutes — an ideal length to keep the excitement high without fatigue. The core of the experience is a 30-minute water session where you interact directly with the dolphins. During this time, you’ll participate in 14 activities, including a dolphin kiss, learning about their physiology, behavior, and anatomy. It’s these detailed interactions that make this tour stand out from more superficial experiences.

We appreciate that the experience is designed to foster genuine connections. The dolphins are described as silky-soft hosts, and the guide will likely encourage touching and petting. You might even get to enjoy some playful games with your aquatic friends. One review captures this well, with a visitor sharing that the experience was “absolutely AMAZING” and highly recommended.

A key point to note is the strict camera policy. For safety reasons, you won’t be able to bring in your phone or camera into the habitat, which means if capturing memories is your priority, you’ll need to plan accordingly—perhaps relying on purchased photos afterward. This policy, while a bit inconvenient, helps protect the dolphins and ensures a calm environment for everyone.

The tour’s location next to Xcaret Park’s parking lot makes it convenient for travelers who may be exploring other attractions in the area. The tour operates in the mornings and afternoons, giving you flexibility. With small group sizes, guides can tailor their instructions and provide a more personalized experience, which many reviewers have appreciated.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the highlights is the diversity of activities—14 in total—that keep the interaction engaging. From a warm welcome to learning about dolphin behavior and physiology, you’ll find yourself immersed in the marine world in a hands-on way. The inclusion of towels and lockers adds convenience, allowing you to change comfortably and keep belongings safe.

Reviewers mention the cleanliness and helpfulness of the staff. Sheila, who visited in September, shared that the park was very clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. She also praised the food and tapas, indicating that those looking for a full day at the park might find additional value beyond the dolphin swim.

However, there are some considerations. Claire from the UK pointed out that instructions could be clearer, as there was no staff present to guide guests during the experience. For first-timers or those unfamiliar with dolphin encounters, this might mean paying closer attention or asking questions beforehand.

Pricing at $130 per person is competitive for the Riviera Maya and offers a high-value, authentic experience compared to larger, more commercialized attractions. Remember, there’s also a $50 MXN tax payable upon check-in, which is standard in Quintana Roo for activities involving aquatic animals.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a meaningful, interactive dolphin encounter without the overwhelming crowds, this tour suits families, couples, or solo travelers who want a genuine, educational experience. It’s ideal for those who are comfortable in the water, seeking to touch and pet dolphins, and interested in learning about marine life firsthand. It’s less suited for travelers who want to capture every moment on camera, given the no-photo policy, or those who prefer more free time to explore the surroundings.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Riviera Maya Dolphin Swim with Delphinus Dolphins offers a well-rounded, authentic marine experience. The combination of interactive activities, knowledgeable guides, and a friendly environment makes it a memorable addition to any aquatic adventure in Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

The small group size and inclusive amenities ensure a comfortable, personalized experience, and the focus on education provides additional value for curious travelers. While the no camera policy may be a slight drawback, the opportunity to touch, pet, and kiss dolphins in a safe, respectful setting** is undeniably special.

This tour is best suited for families, first-time dolphin swimmers, and anyone eager for an unforgettable, hands-on encounter with these intelligent creatures. If you’re after a genuine connection rather than just a photo op, this activity deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is this dolphin experience suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable in water and can handle the activity. The tour is designed to be engaging for all ages who meet the water requirements.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
No, audiovisual devices are not allowed inside the habitat for safety reasons. You might want to buy photos afterward or rely on your memory.

How long does the water interaction last?
The main water session lasts about 30 minutes, during which you’ll participate in 14 different activities.

What’s included in the price?
Towels, lockers, and up to 6 participants in the water are included. The tour also covers the various activities and the 30-minute dolphin encounter.

What additional costs should I expect?
You will need to pay a $50 MXN tax upon check-in, which supports activities involving aquatic animals.

Where is the meeting point?
Next to Xcaret Park parking lot, making it easy for visitors already exploring nearby attractions.

Are there any age or health restrictions?
Specific restrictions aren’t detailed, but generally, guests should be comfortable in water and able to participate in aquatic activities.

In sum, if you’re looking for an authentic, educational, and fun dolphin encounter in Riviera Maya, this tour offers not just a splash of fun but a meaningful connection with these amazing animals. It’s a perfect choice for travelers who want more than just a photo—they want a story to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: