Cancun: Manatee Swimming on Isla Mujeres with Buffet Lunch

Planning a day trip to Isla Mujeres to swim with manatees sounds like a soft, family-friendly adventure—quiet, gentle, and full of opportunities to connect with nature without the need for swimming or snorkeling skills. We’ve looked into this tour offered by Dtraveller to give you a clear picture of what to expect, what makes it special, and what might be worth considering before booking.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to interact closely with the peaceful manatees—a rare chance to gently caress and even give a hug to these large, friendly animals. Plus, the buffet lunch and soft drinks provide a laid-back way to unwind after the encounter, making it a full, satisfying day for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a restful yet engaging outing.

One possible drawback is that the encounter lasts only about 15-20 minutes, which some might find brief given the overall cost. Also, the activity is restricted—no swimming, snorkeling, or taking personal photos in water—which could disappoint those hoping for a more immersive aquatic experience. Still, if you’re after a calm, educational, and intimate animal encounter, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is best suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed, animal-focused outing without the physical effort of swimming or snorkeling. It appeals especially to families with young children over 8, those interested in wildlife education, or anyone looking for a peaceful day in beautiful surroundings.

Key Points

• Gentle Interaction with Manatees: The main draw is caressing, hugging, and kissing these calm, large marine animals.
• Educational Guides: Staff provide interesting facts about the manatees’ diet and behavior, making it more than just a photo-op.
• Relaxing Environment: Plenty of time to enjoy pools, sunbathe, and unwind at the Dolphin Discovery center.
• Limited Water Activities: No snorkeling or swimming with manatees, just floating and feeding them from the water’s surface.
• Convenient Transport: Round-trip ferry from Cancún makes it accessible without arranging your own boat.
• Value for Money: While the experience is somewhat pricey, reviews highlight the quality of guides, food, and overall atmosphere.

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A Closer Look at the Experience

Getting There and Timing

The tour begins with a ferry departure at 9:00 AM from Playa Langosta in Cancún, so arriving 30 minutes early is wise to check in and get your bracelet. The check-in point is clearly marked, and the ride to Isla Mujeres is smooth, offering a glimpse of local boats and possibly some wild turtles or dolphins on the way.

Once on the island, you head straight to the Dolphin Discovery center. The transfer is straightforward, and the center’s location at Camino Sac Bajo puts you in a relaxed setting, away from the busier parts of the island. Returning is scheduled for around 5:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the day.

The Encounter with Manatees

The highlight of the tour is the interactive program that allows you to get close to the manatees. Expert guides are on hand to share fascinating details about these gentle giants’ dietary needs, their behavior, and conservation efforts. Many reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and passion—one reviewer noted how their guide was very passionate and loved their job, which translated into a more memorable experience.

You’ll be in shallow water, floating comfortably as the manatees swim by, allowing you to gently caress and even give them a hug and a kiss. According to reviews, this is an up-close experience, with some people feeding the manatees lettuce—though feeding is limited to small snacks as part of the program.

However, it’s important to note that participants spend only about 15-20 minutes with the animals. While this may seem short, many travelers feel it’s enough to establish a genuine connection with these docile creatures. Some reviews mention that the experience felt very personal, especially if you’re the only ones booked for that day, making for a peaceful and intimate encounter.

Facilities and Atmosphere

Post-encounter, you’re free to relax at the pools or soak up the sun. The Dolphin Discovery center offers a pleasant setting with options for lounging, swimming, or simply watching the activity. The buffet lunch is served in the afternoon, with a variety of dishes and soft drinks. While some reviews comment on the lunch quality being “okay” or “decent,” most agree it’s a satisfying way to refuel after a morning of animal interaction.

The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with friendly staff helping to make everyone comfortable. The presence of other water-based attractions like dolphin shows or sea lions is visible from the facility, but the main focus remains on the manatees.

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Pricing and Value

Pricing is a notable aspect. The tour is priced higher than some other activities in Cancun, and reviews remind travelers to budget for extras like photos or drinks if they want them. Photos are an additional expense, with some reviewers finding the cost steep—up to $200 USD for pictures—for memories that are worth it to many.

Many reviews, however, emphasize that the value lies in the quality of the guides, the peaceful environment, and the opportunity to see and touch manatees up close. If you’re seeking a meaningful animal encounter and are willing to pay a premium, this tour offers good value.

What Travelers Are Saying

Authentic reviews paint a picture of a generally positive experience. Many travelers describe it as “one of the best things to do in Cancun,” highlighting how special it is to interact with such gentle animals. One person shared, “the manatees are super cute large animals and the experience was very cool,” and others appreciated how knowledgeable guides made the activity more engaging.

A recurring theme is how unique and touching the encounter is—many say it’s one of the most memorable moments of their trip. However, a few reviews mention organizational hiccups, such as delays, or limitations like no in-water swimming or snorkeling, which can disappoint those looking for a more active aquatic adventure.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a calm, educational experience with friendly marine animals in a relaxed setting, this tour fits the bill. It’s perfect for families with children over 8, couples wanting a peaceful day, or wildlife enthusiasts eager to learn about manatees without diving or snorkeling.

It’s also a good choice for those who prioritize guide expertise and authentic interaction over adrenaline-pumping activities. Keep in mind the limited time with the animals and the extra costs for photos or drinks, but weigh these against the meaningful connection you’ll make with these majestic creatures.

This tour isn’t ideal if you expect a long swim, underwater photography, or a fully active aquatic experience. It’s more suited for those who want a slow, close-up animal encounter, topped off with a tasty buffet and some sunbathing.

FAQs

Is there transportation included?
Yes, there is a round-trip ferry service from Playa Langosta in Cancún, departing at 9:00 AM and returning around 5:30 PM.

Can I take my own photos or videos?
No, cameras, phones, and video recording are not allowed in the water during the encounter. Photos can often be purchased separately afterward.

How long does the manatee encounter last?
The actual interaction with the manatees lasts about 15-20 minutes, giving you enough time to gently touch, hug, and feed them.

What’s included in the lunch?
A buffet lunch and soft drinks are provided in the afternoon, offering a casual and satisfying way to finish your day.

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children over 8 years old. The activity involves floating in water and gentle animal interaction, but not swimming or snorkeling.

Are there any physical restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users due to the nature of the activity.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for extras. Towels are not provided, so bring your own.

To sum it up, this tour offers a gentle, meaningful connection with manatees in a friendly, family-oriented setting. While it may not satisfy those seeking long or active water adventures, it excels in providing a relaxed, educational, and memorable wildlife experience. For animal lovers and those wanting a peaceful, close-up encounter, it’s a worthwhile trip—balancing value, education, and authenticity in one package.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby