Cancún: Manatee Encounter on Isla Mujeres With Buffet Lunch

Explore the wonders of Mexico’s gentle manatees on a captivating excursion to Isla Mujeres near Cancún. This immersive encounter allows you to interact and feed these captivating creatures, followed by a tour of the renowned Dolphin Discovery center. Learn about the manatees’ fascinating behavior and biology while supporting conservation efforts. Enjoy round-trip ferry transportation, access to amenities, a delectable buffet lunch, and photo opportunities – all in a safe and responsible environment. However, before booking, be sure to consider any physical restrictions. Prepare to be enchanted by these remarkable marine mammals.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Buffet Experiences In Cancun.

Key Points

• The manatee encounter program on Isla Mujeres allows participants to interact and feed with gentle marine mammals, followed by a tour of the Dolphin Discovery center.
• The experience includes round-trip ferry transportation from Cancún, a buffet lunch with soft drinks, and access to facilities such as lockers, showers, and a pool.
• Guests must be able to navigate through the water and interact with the manatees, as the program is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
• Video recording or using cellphones during the manatee encounter is prohibited to ensure the safety and well-being of the marine mammals and provide a distraction-free experience.
• The program departs from Playa Langosta in Cancún’s Hotel Zone at 9:00 AM, and participants are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to check-in and take the round-trip ferry to Isla Mujeres.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Details

The manatee encounter program on Isla Mujeres allows visitors to interact with and feed these gentle marine mammals, followed by a tour of the Dolphin Discovery center facilities.

During the program, you will have the chance to get up close and personal with the manatees, learning about their behavior and biology.

The tour of the Dolphin Discovery center provides a behind-the-scenes look at the facility, where visitors can see the animals’ living quarters and learn about the center’s conservation efforts.

The experience includes a buffet lunch and soft drinks, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable day on the island.

Inclusions

Included in the manatee encounter program are an experienced instructor, round-trip ferry transportation from Cancún, access to lockers, showers, lounge chairs, and a pool.

The package also covers a buffet meal with soft drinks, as well as the dock fee.

Plus, photos taken during the encounter are available for purchase at an extra cost.

Guests can look forward to a comprehensive experience that caters to their needs, from transportation and facilities to sustenance and keepsake photos.

The program’s inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable day exploring the wonders of Isla Mujeres and interacting with the captivating manatees.

Meeting Point

Guests depart from Playa Langosta in Cancún at 9:00 AM for the manatee encounter program on Isla Mujeres, and should arrive 30 minutes early to check-in.

The Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres facility is located at Camino Sac Bajo Lote 26.

Arrive early to check-in and receive your program details.

Take the round-trip ferry transportation from Cancún to Isla Mujeres.

Upon arrival, you’ll have access to lockers, showers, lounge chairs, and a pool.

After the manatee encounter, enjoy a buffet meal and soft drinks.

Restrictions

Not all guests can participate in the manatee encounter program on Isla Mujeres.

It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users. The program requires participants to be able to navigate through the water and interact with the manatees.

Those with physical limitations or medical conditions that could be exacerbated by the activities may be turned away for safety reasons. Guests should consider their physical abilities before booking this excursion.

The tour operators want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience, so they’ve put these restrictions in place. Certain guests may need to explore alternative options that better accommodate their needs.

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Payment Methods

Payments for the manatee encounter program can be made in Mexican pesos only, though international credit cards are accepted for both Mexican and US currency. This is an important consideration for those planning their visit from abroad.

Come prepared with Mexican pesos, as US dollars aren’t accepted on-site.

Credit and debit cards can be used for all payments, including the buffet lunch and any additional purchases.

Be mindful of any foreign transaction fees your card may incur when making purchases in a different currency.

Participants are advised to have small bills and coins on hand for any incidental expenses.

Prohibited Activities

Visitors are prohibited from video recording or using cellphones during the manatee encounter program. This rule is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the manatees, as well as to provide a distraction-free experience for all participants.

The presence of cameras and phones can be disruptive and may cause stress for the gentle marine mammals. Instead, guests are encouraged to fully enjoy the encounter, enjoying the opportunity to interact with and feed the manatees without the distraction of technology.

This policy helps to create a more natural and authentic experience, allowing visitors to connect with these magnificent creatures in a respectful and responsible manner.

Getting to Isla Mujeres

Reaching Isla Mujeres from Cancún typically involves taking a ferry, which departs from Playa Langosta in Cancún’s Hotel Zone at 9:00 AM. Participants are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to check-in for the manatee encounter program.

The ferry ride to the island takes approximately 20 minutes, offering scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Once on Isla Mujeres, the Dolphin Discovery center is located at Camino Sac Bajo Lote 26, just a short distance from the ferry terminal.

The program includes:

1. Round-trip ferry transportation from Cancún
2. Access to lockers, showers, lounge chairs, and a pool
3. A buffet lunch and soft drinks
4. The opportunity to interact with and feed the manatees.

Manatee Encounter Experience

Upon arrival at the Dolphin Discovery center on Isla Mujeres, guests are greeted by the friendly staff and provided with the necessary equipment for the manatee encounter.

Donning life jackets, they then proceed to the designated platform where they can observe, interact with, and even feed the gentle manatees in a controlled and safe environment.

The program offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these marine mammals, learning about their behaviors and habitat. During the encounter, guests can take photos and videos, though recording isn’t allowed during certain parts.

Following the manatee experience, participants can explore the Dolphin Discovery facilities and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with refreshing drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Temperature of the Water During the Manatee Encounter?

The water temperature during the manatee encounter is typically around 80-85°F (27-29°C). This warm water helps create a comfortable environment for the manatees and allows visitors to interact with them safely and effectively.

Are Photographs of the Manatees Permitted During the Encounter?

While video recording is not allowed, photographs of the manatees can be taken during the encounter. However, there is an additional cost for purchasing these photos from the tour provider.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Beverages?

Visitors are not permitted to bring their own food or beverages to the activity. The package includes a buffet lunch and soft drinks. Outside food and drinks are not allowed during the manatee encounter experience.

Are There Any Additional Fees Beyond the Included Buffet Lunch?

There may be additional fees beyond the included buffet lunch, such as for optional photo purchases. Travelers should expect to pay in Mexican pesos and may use international cards for payments in Mexican or US currency.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required to Book This Activity?

There’s no minimum group size required to book this activity. Individuals can sign up and participate, though larger groups may receive discounted rates. The activity is open to solo travelers and small groups alike.

Recap

Dive into the captivating world of manatees on Isla Mujeres near Cancún. Interact with these gentle marine mammals, learn about their biology, and explore the Dolphin Discovery center’s conservation efforts.

Enjoy round-trip ferry transportation, a delectable buffet lunch, and memorable photos.

Restrictions apply, so consider your physical abilities before booking this unforgettable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: