Swimming with dolphins in Cancun is an unforgettable experience.
Getting up close and personal with these exquisite aquatic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience of a lifetime.
Regardless of how many days you have in Cancun, you just have to keep swimming with dolphins on top of your things to do list.
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Where exactly is Cancun? And why is it so Famous?
Now most of us in North America will know everything there is to know about this gorgeous city in Mexico.
Nevertheless, for our friends traveling from other parts of the world, here is a quick geography lesson.
Cancun is a city in Mexico, located in the southeast of the country, in the state of Quintana Roo.
What makes it special is its strategic location in what is considered Mexican Caribbean.
Cancun is situated on the northeast of Yucatán Peninsula. It has the gorgeous Caribbean Sea as its border.
You have long stretches of flawless turquoise ocean waters for an endless adventure.
However, Cancun is much more than a beach destination.
Cancun is famous for its historic Mayan sites, archaeological wonders, ecological diversity, marine life, beautiful beaches and scenic natural beauty.
The city is also popular as the premier spring break destination for US university students.
There is just so much to do and see in Cancun.
For today though, we shall stick to the best places to swim with Dolphins in Cancun. For me, that is one of the best things about Cancun, unmatched anywhere else.
The Best Place to Swim with Dolphins in Cancun
You can swim with dolphins either in a dolphinarium or out in the open sea in their natural environment.
Some of the experiences are in dolphinariums. However, the advantage of that is its all highly interactive programs.
There are various levels of swim with dolphins activities for all types of visitors. Therefore, the whole family can participate and enjoy a unique experience with the friendly dolphins.
Of course, swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat is the best experience.
There is a different type of thrill to encounter wild dolphins.
Depending upon the tour operator, you could not just swim with dolphins, but also with other marine mammals such as sea lions and whale sharks.
So, after talking to a lot of locals, tourists, asking for suggestions and personal research, these are the best places to swim with dolphins in Cancun.
Dolphinaris Cancun
Dolphinaris has five locations, each with their own world-class dolphin center.
These are:
- Dolphinaris Cancun
- Dolphinaris Riviera Maya
- Dolphinaris Cozumel
- Dolphinaris Tulum
- Dolphinaris Barcelo
If you are staying at the famous hotel zone or nearby, then Dolphinaris Cancun is closest to you.
The dolphin swim program in each location is the same with various options available to you.
Dolphinaris offers the following swimming with dolphins programs.
1) Dolphin Friendly Encounter
This program is of total 60 minutes. You get 20 minutes of guidance and instructions including understanding different behaviors of these friendly animals.
You have 40 minutes in the water with the beautiful dolphins.
In this program, you can hug the dolphin and interact with it. The dolphins swim all around you while you stand in the shallow water.
It is perfect for beginners, children above the age of 3 and older folks.
2) Dolphin Swim Fintastic
This program includes everything you get in the Dolphin Friendly Encounter but with two special upgrades.
First, there is a wonderful VR orientation session.
Second, the best of all, this program includes the popular foot push and dorsal tow.
Foot push, is when two dolphins push you through the water with their nose. One dolphin at each of your legs.
Dorsal tow, is when you hold on to dorsal fins of two dolphins with each of your hands, while they swim across the water. It is also known as a dorsal ride.
If the foot push and dorsal tow dolphin ride are in your bucket list, this is the program for you.
3) Dolphin Swim Ocean Secrets
This program includes all of the above activities plus you get dolphin belly ride and underwater mask viewing facilities.
4) Trainer for a day
This is a seven-hour comprehensive dolphin trainer program offered at the Dolphinaris Riviera Maya location.
If you have the time and want a genuine dolphin swim adventure, you should opt for it.
Trainers get the best possible experience with dolphins. They gain insights of these magnificent marine animals that general tourists just don’t get.
Overall, I feel the Dolphin Swim Fintastic program is the best value considering what it offers for the cost.
Prices start at $99 and there is an additional cost for each package upgrade.
You can get the best price online through their website. There are special offers, discounts and packages offered all of the time.
Note, to swim with dolphins at Dolphinaris Cancun, children need to be 4 feet or above.
Pregnant women may not be allowed, although they can watch from the observation area.
Life jacket is provided with all dolphin swim experiences.
Special photography packages can be purchased for an extra cost.
One final advantage of Dolphinaris Cancun is that after your dolphin adventure, you can visit Ventura Park. It is the best waterpark in Cancun with thrilling rides, perfect for your family vacation.
Dolphinaris Cancun Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 25, Hotel Zone, 77500 Cancún, QROO, Mexico
Dolphin Discovery Cancun – Isla Mujeres
Dolphin Discovery offers an incredible experience swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat.
Dolphin Discovery is claimed to be the world’s largest dolphin experience company worldwide.
They have about 22 dolphin experience locations in North America alone.
Out of these, there are 7 locations where you can swim with dolphins in Mexican Caribbean.
Dolphin Discovery locations in Mexico include:
- Cancun – Isla Mujeres
- Costa Maya
- Dolphin Dreams at Puerto Aventuras
- Cozumel
- Riviera Maya – Puerto Aventuras
- Tulum – Akumal
- Dolphin Playa del Carmen
For those staying in Cancun or nearby, you need to visit the Dolphin Discovery-Isla Mujeres location.
Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous island with crystal clear waters just about 10 miles away from Cancun.
Thanks to its superb location in the Caribbean sea, it is home to dolphins, sea lions, manatees, whale sharks etc.
This is the best place to swim with dolphins in Cancun in their natural environment.
Dolphin Discovery-Isla Mujeres offers several packages to swim with dolphins. These are divided by age and type of dolphin interaction.
Each dolphin program is inclusive of:
- Ferry round-trip transportation from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and back.
- Facilities such as locker, shower, swimming pool and life jacket.
- One meal and soft drinks.
- Open bar for upgraded packages.
Apart from the swim with dolphins experience, you can visit Garrafon Park for further aquatic adventures. These include kayaking, zip lining over ocean waters, snorkelling etc.
There are three main programs at Dolphin Discovery.
1) Dolphin Encounter Program
This is the most basic swim with dolphins program at Dolphin Discovery.
It is appropriate for all family members including kids. Dolphin interactions include the handshake, hug and hand target.
You get 15 minutes of briefing plus 40 minutes in the water with the dolphins.
Pregnant women till 4 months in their pregnancy can opt for the experience.
This package can be upgraded to include entry plus various aqua sports facilities of Garrafon Park.
Pricing starts at $109 per person.
2) Dolphin Swim Adventure
In this package, you not only get to swim with dolphins, but there is a 15 minute manatee interaction included for the 12 noon slot.
You get 15 minutes of briefing + 50 minutes in the water with the dolphins.
Over and above the previous package, dolphin interactions also include thrilling belly ride and boogie push.
Pricing starts at $139 per person.
3) Dolphin Royal Swim
This is the most comprehensive swim with dolphin program in Dolphin Discovery, Cancun – Isla Mujeres.
Here, you get 15 minutes of briefing plus 60 minutes in the water with the dolphins.
Everything from the previous packages is included. Apart from that, dolphin interactions include the popular foot push and dorsal tow as well.
The Dolphin Royal Swim program also includes a bike tour, buffet lunch and national open bar.
This is the best dolphin experience you can have in Cancun.
Hugging a bottlenose dolphin in their natural habitat is an out of this world experience.
Pricing starts at $169 per person.
Note, you can get up to 25% discount on all package prices if booked directly from their website. Look out for new promos and deals each month.
As always, you can purchase upgrades such a photography packages at an additional cost.
Dolphin Discovery Cancun – Isla Mujeres address: Laguna Mar, Carr. Sac Bajo Lt 26, Paraíso, 77400 Isla Mujeres, QR, Mexico
Delphinus Punta Cancun
Delphinus provides incredible swim with dolphin experiences in Mexican Caribbean.
Their locations include 6 natural habitats and 1 interactive aquarium experience as follows:
- Delphinus Punta Cancun
- Delphinus Playa Mujeres
- Delphinus Puerto Morelos
- Delphinus Riviera Maya
- Delphinus Xcaret
- Delphinus Xel-Há
- Interactive Aquarium Cancun
For those in or near Cancun, Delphinus Punta Cancun and Interactive Aquarium Cancun are closest to you.
Although the dolphin swim programs are the same in each location, I do like the way each experience center has been created.
They are a mix of the natural environment with the ocean waters but enclosed in a way to create a safe space.
Delphinus Punta Cancun currently offers the following swim with dolphin packages.
1) Splash
$99.00 per person
30 minutes in the water
Includes 12 activities with dolphins.
2) Ride
$119.00 per person
30 minutes in the water
Includes 14 activities with dolphins including dorsal fin ride.
3) Supreme
$159.00 per person
45 minutes in the water
Includes 18 activities with dolphins including foot push. In this package, only 4 persons are in the water at a time.
4) Couples Dreams
$199.50 per person
45 minutes in the water
Includes 21 activities with dolphins. This package is meant for couples as only 2 people can be in the water at a time. Perfect for if you want a private romantic time in the water with your partner and the dolphins.
5) The One
$499.00 per person
45 minutes in the water
Includes 21 activities with dolphins. What makes this package special is that you get to be solo with the dolphins during your time. Other guests are not allowed making it a private affair.
All packages come with 15 minutes briefing and facilities such as lockers, changing rooms, showers etc.
For a little bit extra, you can purchase additional services that will make your time more memorable.
Similar to the other operators, you can get good discounts booking directly from the Delphinus Punta Cancun website.
Even if there are no current offers, you can provide your email address for special discounts directly to your inbox.
If you are up for it or traveling around Mexico other than Cancun, do check out the special dolphin swim programs at other locations of Delphinus.
Some of the experiences are quite unique and exciting.
Delphinus Punta Cancun address: Calle Quintana Roo, Blvd. Kukulcan 9, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, QR, Mexico
Things to know before you go swimming with dolphins in Cancun
1) Always check the respective websites for discounts and special offers. Booking directly and in advance gets you the best deals.
2) Carry local currency in cash, towels, extra pair of clothes and snacks. US dollars or credit cards may not always be accepted at the location.
3) Please check for age restrictions. Some swim with dolphin programs does not allow kids below 4 or 6 years old. There are few packages that are for 13 plus ages only.
4) Depending upon the operator, pregnant women up to 4 months in their pregnancy may be allowed. Some may restrict pregnant women completely. Hence do check with a staff member before finalizing your plans.
5) Please note you must respect the dolphins at all times when in the water. Be gentle and friendly.
6) Learn as much as you can about marine species, their habitat, welfare etc. during the briefings before hitting the water. It is really interesting and you get to know so much about marine life and their environment.
Also, check out the dolphin facilities as that gives you valuable insights into these beautiful creatures.
7) Depending upon your preference, you can choose your dolphin interaction as follows:
Dolphin Discovery Cancun Isla Mujeres – Natural Habitat
Dolphinaris Cancun – Dolphinarium
Delphinus Punta Cancun – Hybrid although the main pool is in a hotel
Final thoughts
I cannot reiterate enough what an incredible experience it is to swim with dolphins in Cancun.
It needs to be a top priority during your next trip to Mexican Caribbean.
I hope you have a wonderful time interacting with the dolphins. Give them a hug from me when you get the chance.
