There is no doubt that the interaction between people and dolphins is one of the most refreshing, poignant, pleasant, and often spiritual experiences you will encounter on your Cancun, Mexico vacation. Get up close and personal with these amazing creatures through interactive activities and exercises that will melt your heart. Meet them, touch them, kiss them, hug them, play with them, and watch them perform for you. These nautical friends will fill your soul with a newfound love and respect for the entire nautical world.

The Caribbean is the ideal place for dolphin-human interaction as each location is also created for research, education, and reproduction purposes. The most common type of dolphin you will encounter in these facilities is the “Bottle Nose” dolphin, understandably named because of the shape of its nose.

These charming friends eat mostly capelin, herring, squid, and sardines, and depending on their age, each can eat between 7 and 12 kilos of fish daily. After 12 months of pregnancy, a baby dolphin will measure approximately one meter and weigh 10-12 kilos. An adult dolphin can reach up to four meters long and weigh as much as 400 kilos! Dolphins can live as long as 35 to 40 years. The Mexican dolphins have been selected for human interaction and training because of their good and reliable strength and health.

Have you ever heard the song of a dolphin? Dolphins send high frequency sound waves that bounce back from objects, identifying their surroundings and objects in size, shape, density, and even color! Dolphins can communicate with each other with these sound waves as well.

Locations:

Atlantida
The aquatic park “Wet ‘n Wild” in Parque Nizuc, located in Cancun’s hotel zone, is host to many family attractions, including Dolphin Swim. Atlantida is an original dolphin facility in the Caribbean that offers the Dolphin Interactive program, Dolphin Swim program, and the Trainer for a Day program.

La Isla
The La Isla Interactive Aquarium is located in the La Isla shopping center on Cancun’s hotel zone (at Km 12). La Isla offers Dolphin Swims.

Xcaret
Xcaret is the most famous Natural Eco-Park in the world, providing an amazing atmosphere for the dolphins. The tunnel allows you to view the dolphins under water. Dolphin programs include Dolphin Swim, Delphi Kids, and the Trainer for a Day program.

Xel-Há
Xel-Há Swim with dolphins in paradise! The dolphinariums located at Xel-Há are designed to reproduce natural conditions, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience the dolphins in an ocean like habitat. The Dolphin Programs include a Dolphin Swim and an Educational Program.

Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is an exclusive tourist complex located 98 km south of Cancun. Here, the Dolphin Discovery facility has programs with dolphins, stingrays, and manatees. Programs include Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Royal Swim, Dolphin Sea Life Discovery Plus, and Dolphin Swim Adventure.

Isla Mujeres
Less than 40 minutes out to sea from Cancun is the beautiful Isla Mujeres. This is an island of pristine beaches and pure turquoise water. This Dolphin Discovery facility offers the Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Royal Swim, and the Dolphin Swim Adventure.

Cozumel
This Caribbean island is world famous as one of the best places to dive and snorkel, and the Dolphin Discovery facility in the national park Chankanaab provides a scene unlike any other. Choose from the Dolphin Encounter, Dolphin Swim Adventure, Dolphin Royal Swim, Dolphin Dive, Dolphin Resort Dive, and Sea Lion Swim.

Program Information

• Delphi Kids: dolphins swim up close to the children and may even surprise them by jumping completely out of the water; program length is 30 minutes, for children under 43” and accompanied by an adult (both must pay).
• Dolphin Dive: includes basic instruction, a test dive on Chankanaab reef and a one tank dive with the dolphins. Equipment is provided at no extra charge. Please be sure to advise of the sizes you need prior to arrival. Wet suits are available at an extra charge. Program includes a 20 minute orientation video and then 40 minute dive. A dolphin trainer and a dive master participate in each dive.
• Dolphin Encounter: interactive dolphin swimming experience; enjoy their song, touch, cradle, tail spin and race; lasts 30 minutes.
• Dolphin Royal Swim: swim and play with the dolphins; includes foot push, kiss, dorsal fins, jump, and free time; lasts 1 hour including orientation.
• Dolphin Sea Life Discovery Plus: interact with stingrays, manatees and swim with dolphins; learn how they care for the animals, touch and feed the stingrays, enter the water with the manatees, and then swim with the dolphins; lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Dolphin Swim Adventure: snorkel with the dolphins; includes kiss, belly ride, hand shake, and free time; lasts approximately 1 hour.
• Educational Program: an introduction to the fascinating world of dolphins by giving them an interesting presentation on their qualities and characteristics; lasts 15 minutes.
• Sea Lion Swim: a playful and educational interaction with the sea lions; give and receive a sea lion kiss, pet them, watch them jump over you; lasts 30 minutes.
• Trainer for a Day: actively participate in the daily care and training of the dolphins; completely enter the water and swim with the dolphins, as in the Dolphin Swim program; from 10am to 4:30 pm, for 15 years and older with good health condition, non-smokers only; includes photo, video, t-shirt, lunch, and trainer diploma.

Important Details

• Participants must be at least 4.3 ft. tall (1.25 m).
• Children under 8 are not permitted to participate and children 8 to 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
• For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted to participate.
• Program costs usually include park admission where applicable (this excludes the Dolphin Dive at Cozumel’s Dolphin Discovery; admission into the Chankanaab park is an additional fee).
• It is recommended that you reserve all programs in advance. See the links below to make reservations online.
• Most dolphin swim facilities take photos and videos during your program. These are available for purchase only on the day of the program. Photos usually start at $12 each, and videos start at $30, depending on the company and the program.
• Please note that prices are in USD and are subject to change without notice.

More Information

Dolphin Discovery – With locations at Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and the Mayan Riviera, this is always a convenient option. The facilities are among the best and they offer a variety of programs. Find more information and reserve online at www.dolphindiscovery.com.

Atlantida Cancun – This water park is located on the southern tip of Cancun’s hotel zone. Find more information and reserve online at www.atlantidacancun.com.

Xel-Hà – Xel-Hà offers some of the most spectacular aquatic adventures, and it is located in a natural environment with creeks, lagoons, natural wells, and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers. The park is beautiful and there are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. Xel-Hà offers a discount if you reserve your dolphin programs online. Go to www.xel-ha.com.mx to take advantage of this offer.

Xcaret – Xcaret is a natural park with plenty of activities for everyone. For more information and to make reservations, go to www.xcaretcancun.com.