Cancun: Manatee Swimming on Isla Mujeres with Buffet Lunch

If you’re looking for a gentle, memorable experience that combines wildlife interaction with a taste of Isla Mujeres, the Manatee Swimming tour by Dtraveller offers just that. This activity invites you to meet these peaceful, large creatures in their natural-ish habitat, followed by a relaxed day with good food and scenic views. It’s a great choice for families, animal lovers, or anyone craving a calm, close-up wildlife experience away from the hustle of Cancun’s party scene.

What we love about this tour is its focused, intimate encounter with manatees—these docile giants are surprisingly gentle and curious, making for a heartfelt interaction. The second highlight is the delicious buffet lunch, which provides a satisfying, social finish to your day. A possible consideration? The limited time with the manatees and some logistical quirks might be a downer for those expecting a longer or more adventurous swim.

This tour is best suited for travelers who prefer a low-impact, educational encounter with marine animals and enjoy a leisurely, well-organized day. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with children over 8, or if you simply want a peaceful, respectful wildlife experience that isn’t about swimming or snorkeling with dolphins or sea lions.

Key Points

• Gentle interaction with manatees in a relaxed setting
• Round-trip ferry transportation from Cancun makes logistics simple
• Educational insights from guides about the manatees’ diet and behavior
• Buffet lunch and soft drinks for a satisfying meal after your encounter
• Limited time with animals (around 15-20 minutes feeding or petting), which some reviews note as brief
• No snorkeling or photography in the water, but photographs are available for purchase

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This experience begins with a ferry ride from Playa Langosta in Cancun at 9:00 AM, crossing over to Isla Mujeres. The ferry trip itself is a treat—offering quick glimpses of wild dolphins, sea turtles, and possibly a few playful waterfowl along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll head to the Dolphin Discovery center, where your guide will give a quick rundown on manatee behavior and their dietary needs.

The core of the activity is a hands-on encounter with the manatees. You’ll be in a controlled but natural-looking habitat where the gentle creatures swim around freely. You’ll get the chance to caress, hug, and even kiss these large, soft-skinned animals—just as some reviews describe it as a “really cool” and “extra special” moment. Feeding them lettuce is a big part of the interaction, giving you a sense of their diet and habits.

Most visitors seem to spend around 15-20 minutes in the water with the manatees, which some reviews find a bit brief. However, the guides do their best to make the most of the time, sharing plenty of interesting facts along the way. The interaction feels very personal, especially if it’s a quiet day or you get the place to yourself—some travelers have found themselves alone with the animals, making the experience uniquely intimate.

After your encounter, you’re free to relax at the facilities, enjoy the swimming pools, or soak up the sun on Isla Mujeres. The buffet lunch is served afterward, featuring local dishes and soft drinks, providing a well-earned break and a chance to chat with fellow travelers about the day’s highlights.

The return ferry departs in the early evening, with most tours wrapping up around 5:30 PM. The entire day feels well-paced, especially if you enjoy laid-back, educational activities over adrenaline-pumping excursions.

The Logistics: A Closer Look

Getting to the start point is straightforward. The ferry departs once a day at 9:00 AM from Playa Langosta in Cancun. Arrive 30 minutes early—check-in is quick, and you’ll be given your bracelet to access the facilities and lunch area. The check-in process is noted as simple, but some reviews mention minor confusion, so arriving early ensures smooth boarding.

The location of Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres is easy to find with clear signage, and the provided coordinates (21.1446, -86.7806) help travelers plan their navigation. The facilities are equipped to handle guests comfortably, with pools and seating areas, but keep in mind that no cameras or cell phones are allowed in the water—a policy meant to protect the animals, but it does mean you won’t be capturing underwater shots unless you buy photos afterward.

The transportation back to Cancun is included in the schedule, with the ferry leaving the island around 5:30 PM. It makes for a relaxing end to the day, giving you time to reflect on your new manatee friends and the scenic boat ride back.

Value for Money

Pricing is generally viewed as reasonable, but some reviews point out hidden costs and optional extras—such as photos or drinks—that can add up quickly. The basic tour covers transportation, the encounter, and lunch, which many find to be good value for a full day of activity and education.

Multiple reviews mention that photographs and videos are available for purchase at high prices—upwards of $200 USD—so if capturing the moment matters, be prepared for that additional expense. Others appreciate the friendly guides and the well-organized process, feeling it’s worth the cost, especially since the interaction with the manatees feels genuine and respectful.

Authenticity and Experience Quality

Several travelers comment on the knowledgeable guides, often praised for their enthusiasm and ability to share insightful facts. The experience feels very personal and caring—you’re not just a tourist but a guest in a protected environment. The calm, friendly nature of the manatees makes the encounter deeply touching, often described as “one of the best experiences of our lives” or “so cool to swim with the manatees.”

However, some reviews note brevity —the in-water interaction is relatively short, which might leave those looking for a longer or more active adventure slightly disappointed. One review from a disgruntled traveler highlights disorganization and poor communication, but they are in the minority; most guests find the day well-managed.

The buffet lunch is generally seen as decent—nothing extraordinary, but plentiful enough and suitable for most. The facilities are straightforward, and some travelers mention that the lack of amenities (like shaded areas or more varied activities after the encounter) limits the overall experience.

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Who Should Do This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those seeking a calm, educational encounter with marine animals—particularly the peaceful manatees. It’s a good fit for families with children over 8, older travelers, or anyone interested in a gentle, respectful wildlife experience. Since it involves feeding and petting rather than swimming or snorkeling, it’s accessible to a wide range of abilities, but not for those with mobility issues or pregnant women.

If you’re after high-adrenaline adventure, snorkeling, or longer interaction, you might find this experience somewhat limited. But if quiet, close-up animal encounters appeal, this is a memorable and worthwhile option.

The Sum Up

This Manatee Swimming tour on Isla Mujeres offers a unique chance to get up close to some of the ocean’s most adorable giants without the need for snorkeling gear. The personalized, educational approach, combined with the scenic boat ride, makes for a relaxing yet engaging day. The delicious buffet lunch and well-organized logistics** add to its appeal—especially for those who value comfort and authenticity.

While the short duration of the manatee interaction and some logistical quirks might be a downside, for many travelers, the peaceful nature of the encounter and the friendly guides outweigh these minor flaws. It’s a meaningful experience that balances wildlife appreciation with a leisurely day on the island.

Best for families, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a gentle, memorable adventure away from the crowded tourist spots. If you’re seeking a calm, respectful, and educational day in the company of friendly manatees, this tour delivers.

FAQ Section

How long does the manatee encounter last?
Most guests report about 15-20 minutes in the water with the manatees, feeding and petting them.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but only children over 8 years old are allowed, mainly because of safety considerations around the water.

Can I take pictures during the encounter?
No, cameras and cell phones are not allowed in the water to protect the animals. Photos are available for purchase afterward.

What should I bring?
You need swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for extras. Towels are not provided.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip ferry from Playa Langosta to Isla Mujeres is part of the package.

How many people are in each group?
Group sizes vary; some reviews mention having the place to themselves, making the experience very personal.

Can I snorkel or swim freely?
No, the activity focuses on petting and feeding in a controlled environment; snorkeling equipment is not permitted.

What is the food like?
The buffet includes local dishes and drinks, generally considered decent and filling, though some find it average.

Are there any hidden costs?
Photos, drinks, and souvenirs are extra. Some reviews note costs for photos and drinks can add significantly to the price.

What’s the best time of year to do this?
The tour runs year-round; check availability and book in advance, especially during peak season. Weather can influence the experience, as noted in some reviews.

This tour offers a gentle, respectful way to connect with marine life while enjoying a day on Isla Mujeres. It’s a simple, heartfelt experience that many find worth the modest cost and brief encounter.

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