Cancun: Interactive Aquarium – Swim with Dolphins Splash

If you’re considering a splashy adventure while in Cancun, the Interactive Aquarium’s Swim with Dolphins experience offers a charming and engaging way to connect with these intelligent marine mammals. This tour combines aquarium exploration with a hands-on dolphin encounter, making it a popular choice for families, couples, or anyone eager to get close to the ocean’s ambassadors. While it’s not a long experience — clocking in at just 35 minutes — it packs enough fun and educational moments to make a lasting impression.

What we genuinely appreciate about this tour is the opportunity to get into the water with the dolphins and participate in up to 10 activities, including a dolphin kiss. It’s a well-structured, safe experience that emphasizes interaction over spectatorship. However, some travelers have noted that the experience can feel a bit rushed for the price, especially when factoring in extras like photos. Still, for those who love marine life or want a family-friendly activity that’s both entertaining and educational, this tour offers good value.

The experience is best suited to travelers who are comfortable in the water, enjoy interactive activities, and are looking for a memorable, immersive experience rather than a lengthy tour. It’s perfect for families with children, older visitors, or anyone eager to see dolphins up close without facing the complexities of ocean excursions.

Key Points

• Interactive Water Experience: You get into the water with the dolphins for a hands-on encounter.
• Educational Component: The tour includes explanations about dolphin physiology, anatomy, and behavior.
• Limited Duration: The actual dolphin interaction lasts around 20 minutes, which some may find short for the price.
• Group Size: Small groups (up to 10 participants) help ensure personalized attention and safety.
• Photos & Extras: Photos can be purchased afterward; these tend to be quite expensive according to reviews.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most ages, but requires being comfortable in the water.
• Location Convenience: It’s inside Plaza La Isla Shopping Center, making it easy to combine with other shopping or sightseeing.
• Additional Fees: A local tax of 50 MXN is collected at check-in, and access to hotel facilities isn’t included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins inside Plaza La Isla Shopping Center, a familiar and well-placed location in Cancun. Because it’s within a shopping mall, you can easily combine your dolphin experience with some shopping or dining before or after. Check-in procedures are generally smooth, with friendly staff guiding you through the process. It’s wise to arrive a little early to allow time for check-in and to store your belongings, as lockers and towels are provided.

What Happens During the Tour

Once inside, you’ll usually be part of a small group — limited to 10 participants — which helps create a more personal and less rushed atmosphere. The tour includes entry to the aquarium and a dolphin presentation that offers some background on these incredible animals.

The core of the experience is the 20-minute water interaction stage, during which you’ll perform up to 10 activities with the dolphins. These activities include a warm welcome, insights into dolphin physiology, anatomy, and behavior, as well as a chance for a dolphin kiss. The activities are designed to be fun and informative, making it a good learning experience for all ages.

The Swim with Dolphins

The highlight for many is definitely swimming with the dolphins. You’ll be in the water with these friendly creatures, able to touch and play with them. Expect to feel their smooth skin and observe their playful nature firsthand. Some reviews mention that if you opt for the upgrade options, you might get to experience a dolphin ride, which many find exhilarating.

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Photos and Souvenirs

Official photos are available for purchase after the tour, but travelers often find these quite costly — a common theme in reviews. One reviewer from the UK shared that the photos are very expensive, which is worth considering if you’re on a budget. Packages may offer a better deal, but it’s best to weigh whether the photos are worth the added expense.

The Short Duration Dilemma

Several reviews express that the 35-minute total feels brief, especially when factoring in check-in, orientation, and photo opportunities. One traveler from the UK commented that, “by the time we checked in, got changed, and had a talk about the dolphins, we had a few photos then it finished,” making it seem somewhat rushed for the cost.

Price and Value

At $119 per person, it’s not the cheapest activity in Cancun, especially considering the 20-minute interaction. For some, the cost-per-minute might seem high, but others value the quality of interaction and the chance to learn about dolphins in a controlled environment. It’s important to note that this includes aquarium admission and the presentation, which can add to the overall value if you enjoy aquarium exhibits along with the interaction.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Some travelers have expressed mixed feelings. A visitor from Colombia rated the experience only 1 out of 5, feeling that it was more focused on taking photos than genuine interaction. Conversely, others, like a visitor from Costa Rica, found the experience “amazing” and “worthwhile”. The key seems to be expectations: if you’re looking for a short but memorable interaction with dolphins, this tour delivers. If you want a longer or more in-depth experience, you might find it lacking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for travelers who want a safe, well-organized encounter with dolphins without venturing into deeper ocean excursions. It’s ideal for families with children, elderly visitors, or anyone curious about marine mammals but not prepared for longer trips. If you’re looking for high-impact, quick fun, it fits the bill. However, if you’re someone who highly values longer, more immersive encounters or photo souvenirs, you may want to weigh the cost carefully.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Bring your swimsuit and towel — they’re provided, but you might prefer your own. Remember, cameras and phones are not allowed in the water, so plan accordingly.
• Arrive early to avoid rushing and to get the most out of your time.
• Consider the photo packages carefully — they’re expensive, but some find them a worthwhile memory.
• Be comfortable with water — since you’ll be in the pool with dolphins.
• Check the scheduling — the activity is usually available in the morning and afternoon.
• Factor in the local tax (50 MXN) collected at check-in.

The Sum Up

The Cancun Interactive Aquarium’s Swim with Dolphins Splash offers a fun, safe, and educational experience for those eager to meet dolphins face-to-face. Its small group format and interactive activities make it a memorable outing, especially suited for families and curious travelers. While the short duration and photo costs are points to consider, many find it to be a worthwhile splurge for a chance to get close to these fascinating creatures.

This tour provides good value for those who prioritize personal interaction and educational content over length or depth. It’s a fantastic way to introduce children to marine life or to tick off a bucket-list item with minimal fuss. For travelers who want a quick, engaging activity without venturing far from Cancun’s main attractions, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and suitable for most ages, provided participants are comfortable in the water.

How long does the actual dolphin interaction last? Around 20 minutes, which is the core part of the experience.

Are cameras allowed during the water activities? No, cameras, phones, and audiovisual devices are not permitted in the water for safety and preservation reasons.

What is included in the price? The tour includes aquarium admission, a dolphin presentation, up to 10 activities, towels, lockers, and 20 minutes in the water.

How much do photos cost? Photos can be purchased afterward, but they tend to be quite expensive — approximately $53 per photo or in packages.

Is transportation provided? No, transportation is not included; the tour is based at Plaza La Isla Shopping Center.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring? Bring your beachwear, passport or ID, and prepare to enjoy a water-based activity; leave jewelry and cellphones at home or in lockers.

In essence, if you’re looking for a short but memorable chance to meet dolphins and learn about them, this experience delivers. It’s a lively, safe environment with knowledgeable guides, and it offers a fun way to enjoy Cancun’s marine side — just keep your expectations in check regarding the duration and the photo prices.

You can check availability for your dates here: