Discovering Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium and Dolphin Swim: A Genuine Marine Encounter
If you’re considering a trip to Cancun and dreaming of a hands-on aquatic experience, the Interactive Aquarium Ticket combined with a Swim with Dolphins offers a memorable way to connect with marine life. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, reviews and descriptions suggest this tour provides a well-organized, engaging activity perfect for families, animal enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a close encounter with dolphins.
What we appreciate about this experience is the interactive nature of the encounter—you’re not just watching dolphins perform but actively participating in 14 different activities in the water. Plus, the convenience of being inside Plaza La Isla Shopping Center makes it easy to include in a day of shopping or sightseeing without the hassle of separate transportation. A possible consideration is that cameras and audiovisual devices aren’t allowed in the habitat, which might be disappointing for those wanting to capture every moment.
This tour is ideal for travelers who value up-close animal interactions and want a structured, safe environment to enjoy the beauty and intelligence of dolphins. Families with children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a meaningful marine experience will find this offering worth considering.
Key Points
- Interactive and educational: 14 activities in the water make this experience both fun and informative.
- Convenient location: Inside Plaza La Isla, making it easy to combine with other attractions or shopping.
- Limited group size: Small groups of up to 10 participants mean more personal attention.
- Includes essential amenities: Towels, lockers, and a 30-minute dolphin session ensure comfort and ease.
- Pricing offers value: For $130, you get ample interaction, though photos and videos are extra.
- Multiple languages: English and Spanish options make it accessible for diverse visitors.
An In-Depth Look at the Cancun Dolphin & Aquarium Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cancun
The Setting and Venue
The Interactive Aquarium Cancun located inside Plaza La Isla Shopping Center is a major plus for many travelers. Instead of a remote location, the aquarium’s central position makes it very accessible—especially if you’re already exploring Cancun’s hotel zone or planning a shopping spree. You’ll find this modern, well-maintained facility caters to a variety of marine life and offers a controlled environment for the dolphin interactions.
What the Tour Includes
For $130, you’ll receive admission to the aquarium and a 30-minute dolphin swim packed with 14 activities. The experience is designed to be both entertaining and educational—think of it as a behind-the-scenes look at dolphin physiology, behavior, and anatomy, all presented in an interactive way.
The package also includes towels and lockers, which are convenient for changing and storing valuables, especially since cameras and phones aren’t allowed inside the habitat. This policy helps protect the dolphins and ensure the environment remains undisturbed, but it also means you won’t be able to photograph your dolphin kiss or touch unless you purchase photos afterward.
The Activities
The activities with the dolphins are structured to foster interaction and learning. Expect to participate in gestures like dolphin kisses, touching and petting your aquatic host, and learning about their behavior and physiology. The reviews mention that the experience is well-organized and the right size, which means you won’t be overwhelmed by large crowds.
The highlight for many is the water time, where you’re in the pool with the dolphins for about 30 minutes. You’ll get to enjoy games, educational talks, and direct touching and petting. This hands-on approach ensures a memorable bond with these intelligent mammals.
More Great Tours NearbyGroup Size and Language Support
Limited to 10 participants, this small-group setting ensures you’ll get a more personalized experience. The tour is facilitated in English and Spanish, accommodating the majority of visitors and making the interaction smooth and understandable.
You can also read our reviews of more dolphin watching tours in Cancun
- Swim With Dolphins Ride – Interactive Aquarium Cancun
- Cancun: Dolphin, ATV, & Zipline Adventure 2-Day Combo Tour
- Cancún: Swim With Dolphins at Interactive Aquarium Cancún
- Cancun: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour & Swim With Dolphins
- Swim With Dolphins Supreme – Playa Mujeres
- Cancún: Dolphin Encounter on Isla Mujeres With Buffet
Timing and Flexibility
The activity typically lasts around 45 minutes, including check-in, preparation, and the water session. It’s generally available in the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility depending on your schedule. Booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours provides peace of mind, allowing you to adjust plans if needed.
Additional Fees and Considerations
Upon check-in, you’ll need to pay an additional $50 MXN tax mandated by the local government, which is common for aquatic animal activities in Quintana Roo. This small fee is a straightforward part of the process but worth noting for budgeting.
The Experience from Reviews
Multiple reviewers have praised this experience highly. One from France enthused, “kisses from the dolphin,” capturing how memorable the intimacy with these creatures can be. An American traveler called it “the best setup and facility” they’ve experienced, emphasizing the organization and quality of the environment.
A Canadian reviewer simply described it as “professional,” and a Belgian visitor summed it up as “perfect.” These comments reinforce that the tour delivers on its promise of a high-quality, engaging experience.
Value and Practical Tips
While $130 might seem steep, the active participation in 14 activities and direct contact with dolphins offer good value, especially considering the small group size. Remember that photos and videos of your interaction are extra, so if capturing memories is important, plan to purchase them at the facility.
Travelers should bring beachwear and their ID or passport, and leave jewelry and cellphones at the lockers. This not only keeps your belongings safe but also minimizes disturbance to the animals.
Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for families with children, couples seeking a special memory, or animal lovers eager for a hands-on aquatic adventure. It’s a well-organized, safe environment that allows for genuine interaction—without the overwhelming crowds or commercialized feel that can sometimes mar similar activities.
If you’re looking for a meaningful, educational experience that combines fun, learning, and animal welfare, this dolphin swim ticks many boxes. However, if capturing every moment on camera is your priority, be prepared to purchase photos separately, as photography isn’t permitted during the interaction.
Final Thoughts

This interactive dolphin experience inside Cancun’s Plaza La Isla offers a great mix of education, engagement, and genuine animal connection. It’s a well-run activity that caters to small groups, making it more personal and memorable. While the price includes many amenities, keep in mind the extra cost for photos and the limited time for the water interaction—around 30 minutes—that packs a punch in terms of experience.
For those wanting to get close to dolphins in a safe and controlled environment, and who appreciate organized, small-group settings, this tour offers good value. It combines entertainment with education, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cancun itinerary—especially if marine life leaves you wanting more.
FAQ

Is the tour suitable for small children? Yes, the experience is designed to be engaging for all ages, and the small group size makes it suitable for children, provided they meet the age and height requirements set by the facility.
What should I bring for the activity? Be sure to bring beachwear and your passport or ID. Also, plan to leave cellphones and jewelry in the provided lockers for safety and to protect the animals.
Can I take photos during the interaction? No, cameras and audiovisual devices are not allowed in the habitat during the dolphin activities. Photos can be purchased afterward at the facility.
How long does the entire experience last? Expect about 45 minutes, with 30 minutes specifically in the water with the dolphins, plus check-in and briefing time.
Is transportation included? No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to Plaza La Isla Shopping Center.
What is the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in case your plans change.
Are there any additional costs? Yes, upon check-in, you’ll pay a $50 MXN tax mandated by the local government for aquatic animal activities.
This tour strikes a nice balance between fun, education, and responsible animal interaction. Whether you’re a family wanting a memorable day or an adult eager for a close dolphin encounter, it offers a meaningful way to connect with these amazing creatures while exploring Cancun’s lively shopping and entertainment scene.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Dolphin Watching Tours in Cancun
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