Cancun: Interactive Aquarium – Swim with dolphins Premium

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If you’re heading to Cancun and looking for a memorable, hands-on aquatic experience, the Interactive Aquarium’s Swim with Dolphins Premium is worth considering. This tour offers a chance to get up close with some of the ocean’s smartest mammals in a controlled, safe environment. It’s geared especially toward families and those who want more than just watching dolphins—who want to interact and create lasting memories.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it limits groups to just four participants, ensuring a more personalized and less rushed experience—something many travelers appreciate. Second, the Aquarium Trek, a unique activity where you walk on what feels like the moon’s surface but with no water on your hair or clothes, adds a fun and safe twist.

A key consideration to keep in mind is that participants must meet certain size and shoulder width requirements, especially minors, for safety reasons. Also, note that cameras and phones are not allowed in the habitat, which might be a bummer for those wanting to snap pics during the moment. Still, if you’re after a genuine, interactive experience with dolphins, this tour offers excellent value.

This experience suits travelers eager for a family-friendly adventure, those curious about marine life, or anyone wanting a documented memory without the hassle of carrying equipment into the water.

Key Points

Cancun: Interactive Aquarium - Swim with dolphins Premium - Key Points

  • Limited Group Size: Just four people ensures a more intimate, personalized experience.
  • Interactive Activities: Includes 45 minutes in the water plus 20 minutes of Aquarium Trek.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for children aged 8 and older, with safety checks for minors.
  • No Cameras in Habitat: To protect the animals, audiovisual devices are not allowed during interactions.
  • Comprehensive Package: Includes towels, lockers, and an introduction briefing.
  • Cost-Effective for What You Get: At $173, it offers a well-rounded, engaging experience compared to more passive aquarium visits.

The tour begins with a 15-minute safety and activity briefing. This is a crucial step, especially for those unfamiliar with the underwater activities or first-timers. The staff from Delphinus Dolphins are known for their knowledgeable guides and friendly approach, which helps set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Following the briefing, you’ll head into the water for 45 minutes of interactive activities with the dolphins. Expect to be engaged in 18 different activities, ranging from gentle touches to more involved interactions like hugging or high-fiving. The dolphins are well-trained and accustomed to human interaction, which reassures many visitors. The water activity is designed to be both fun and safe, with clear instructions from guides to maximize comfort and enjoyment.

The Aquarium Trek is a standout feature. Unlike traditional snorkeling or diving, the Sea-Trek® experience lets you walk on a safe, moon-like surface in the water, with no need to swim or get your hair wet. You may even wear glasses or contact lenses—no worries about getting water in your eyes. The activity lasts 20 minutes and is suitable for adults and children 8 or older, provided they meet safety requirements like size and shoulder width.

The environment at the Aquarium is clean, modern, and designed to facilitate close-up encounters without overwhelming the animals or visitors. Cameras and phones are not permitted during the habitat interaction to ensure the dolphins’ safety and comfort. This might be disappointing for some, but it protects the animals and ensures everyone has a fair shot at capturing the moment through memory or purchased photos.

Post-activity, you have access to lockers and towels, making it easy to change and store belongings. The entire tour lasts about an hour, which is perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing or shopping at Plaza La Isla.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Real Value of the Tour

Cancun: Interactive Aquarium - Swim with dolphins Premium - The Real Value of the Tour

At $173 per person, this experience isn’t the cheapest option available in Cancun, but it offers a lot for the cost. You’re paying not just for the dolphin interaction but also for safety, personalized attention, and the chance to enjoy a controlled environment where marine animals are well cared for.

Guests have praised the knowledgeable guides, noting how their clear instructions and genuine enthusiasm enhanced the overall experience. The stunning views of the aquarium’s habitat, combined with the playful dolphins, create a memorable setting that feels both fun and educational.

A helpful tip: the $50 MXN tax on activities involving aquatic animals is a small additional expense but necessary—be prepared for it upon check-in.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Itinerary

Cancun: Interactive Aquarium - Swim with dolphins Premium - Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Itinerary

  • Arrival and check-in: Located inside Plaza La Isla Shopping Center, the process is smooth. Be sure to bring your passport or ID.
  • Briefing: The 15-minute safety and activity overview helps set expectations and ensures everyone feels comfortable.
  • In the water activities: Engage in 18 different interactions—each designed to be safe, fun, and memorable. Many reviewers mention how gentle the dolphins are and how the guides make everyone feel at ease.
  • Aquarium Trek: Walk in the water on the Sea-Trek® equipment for 20 minutes. The sensation is described as “like walking on the moon,” which is both amusing and accurate—no swimming skills required.
  • Post-activity: Use lockers and towels provided to change and relax after your adventure.

What Do Travelers Say?

Cancun: Interactive Aquarium - Swim with dolphins Premium - What Do Travelers Say?

Multiple reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides who make the experience enjoyable and safe. One noted, “The guides explained everything clearly and made us feel comfortable during all interactions,” while others appreciated the stunning views of the habitat, which added to the sense of being in a special environment.

Notably, travelers with children mention that the activities are suitable for kids 8 and up, provided they meet safety criteria. Some regret not being able to take photos during the interaction but understand it’s for animal protection.

Most reviews agree that the value for money is good considering the up-close experience with dolphins and the unique Aquarium Trek. The tour’s limited group size ensures everyone gets personal attention, making the experience feel exclusive rather than rushed.

This experience is ideal for families looking for a safe, interactive adventure, especially those traveling with children aged 8 or older. It’s also perfect for travelers who value personalized attention and want to avoid large crowds typical of more commercialized tours.

If you’re eager to interact directly with dolphins and enjoy some playful, safe aquatic activities, this tour provides a solid, educational, and fun experience. It suits those who appreciate stunning marine views and want to support ethical animal encounters—with guides who prioritize animal welfare.

However, if you’re a photographer wanting to capture every moment on camera or prefer a less structured experience, this might not be your best choice. The no camera rule and focus on interaction over photography** could be a drawback, but it also ensures the dolphins are not stressed by multiple devices.

The Cancun Interactive Aquarium Swim with Dolphins Premium offers a well-rounded, engaging encounter with marine life that balances fun, safety, and education. It’s a fantastic option for families or anyone eager for a personalized experience rather than a generic show.

While the price is higher than some passive aquarium visits, the hands-on nature and the unique Aquarium Trek activity make it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a meaningful memory. The guides’ reputation for being knowledgeable and friendly adds to the appeal, and the controlled environment ensures safety and animal welfare.

This tour is best suited for those who value interaction over photography and want a safe, family-friendly adventure that offers the chance to create genuine connections with dolphins. If that sounds like your kind of fun, this experience could be the highlight of your Cancun trip.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8 and older can participate, provided they meet safety and size requirements. It’s a family-friendly experience.

How long does the activity last?
The total experience lasts about 1 hour, including safety briefing, 45 minutes in the water, and 20 minutes of Aquarium Trek.

Can I take photos during the interaction?
No, cameras and audiovisual devices are not allowed inside the habitat to protect the animals. Photos can be purchased afterward.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes aquarium admission, dolphin presentation, 15-minute briefing, 45 minutes of water interaction, 20 minutes of Aquarium Trek, towels, and lockers.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, a $50 MXN tax per person is payable at check-in for expenditures related to aquatic activities.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring beachwear and a passport or ID. Avoid jewelry and cellphones to ensure safety and convenience.

Is transportation provided?
The tour takes place at the Interactive Aquarium inside Plaza La Isla, so you are responsible for getting there.

What is the price?
It costs $173 per person, offering a comprehensive, interactive experience with dolphins and the aquarium.

What language is the tour conducted in?
Guides offer assistance in English and Spanish to accommodate most visitors.

In sum, if you’re seeking an engaging, safe, and memorable dolphin encounter in Cancun, the Interactive Aquarium with Delphinus Dolphins remains a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited to families or travelers who appreciate a personal touch and educational value in their marine adventures.