Cancun: Interactive Aquarium – Swim with Dolphins Splash

If you’re headed to Cancun and looking for a memorable, hands-on encounter with marine life, the Interactive Aquarium offers a compelling option. This experience is designed for those who want more than just a quick peek at dolphins — it invites you into the water for a personal, interactive session. With a solid 4.2 out of 5 stars from 41 reviews, it’s clear that many visitors find it worthwhile, though not without some considerations.

What we particularly like about this tour is its approachability — it’s a family-friendly activity that doesn’t require prior experience or swimming skills, and it combines entertainment with education. Plus, the opportunity to interact directly with dolphins, including the chance to give them a dolphin kiss, sets this apart from more passive aquarium visits.

However, a potential drawback is the duration — at just 35 minutes total, including check-in and activities, some travelers feel it’s a bit short for the price. And while the included activities are numerous, the actual time spent in the water with dolphins is about 20 minutes, which some might find quick.

This experience is best suited for families, couples, or anyone eager to create a personal connection with dolphins in a controlled environment. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational, and fun aquatic encounter, this could be a good fit. But if you’re seeking a deep or lengthy interaction, you might want to consider whether the time and cost align with your expectations.

Key Points

• Interactive experience: Swim with dolphins and participate in 10 engaging activities.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, including children and elderly visitors.
• Limited duration: About 20 minutes in the water, which some might find brief.
• Cost considerations: The price includes admission and activities, but extra charges for photos can add up.
• Safety rules: No cameras or audiovisual devices allowed in the habitat for dolphin safety.
• Location convenience: Inside Plaza La Isla Shopping Center in Cancun, easy to combine with other sightseeing.
• Small group size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Additional costs: Photos, videos, food, drinks, and transportation are extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect When You Visit

Starting with the basics, your visit unfolds inside the Interactive Aquarium, located conveniently within the Plaza La Isla Shopping Center. The process begins with check-in and a brief orientation, where guides will explain safety rules and give a quick overview of what you’ll be doing. This is your chance to ask questions about the dolphins, their behavior, and the activities planned.

The core part of the experience involves about 20 minutes in the water with the dolphins. During this time, you’ll participate in up to 10 activities, which include a welcome, a look at dolphin physiology, anatomy, and behavior, and the highlight — a dolphin kiss. The activities are designed to be engaging and educational, allowing you to observe and connect with these intelligent creatures closely.

Post-interaction, you might have some time to take photos (which are not included) and to reflect on the experience. Keep in mind, for the safety of the dolphins, cameras and audiovisual devices are not permitted in the habitat, meaning you won’t be able to record your swim firsthand unless you purchase photos afterward.

The Activities

The activities are a mix of fun and learning. You might be welcomed with a brief orientation, followed by a look at dolphin physiology — understanding how they breathe and move. Anatomy and behavior segments help deepen your appreciation for these animals, while the dolphin kiss offers a memorable, personal connection.

Other activities may include gentle touches, playful interactions, or learning about their communication methods. The focus remains on creating an interactive, respectful experience that emphasizes both enjoyment and education.

Duration, Group Size, and Practical Details

The entire activity lasts about 35 minutes, which includes check-in, orientation, and the actual water interaction. The small group size of up to 10 participants ensures that everyone gets attention from the staff, making the experience more intimate and manageable.

Participants are encouraged to bring beachwear and passport or ID for check-in. As cameras and phones aren’t allowed in the habitat, you might want to plan to purchase photos afterward if you’d like to keep a record of your encounter. The tour price covers admission, towels, lockers, and the dolphin presentation — but not food, drinks, or transportation.

An important note is the additional fee of 50 Mexican pesos (about $3 USD) payable at checkout for the Tax on Expenditures for Participating in Activities with Aquatic Animals, which is a legal requirement in Quintana Roo.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

Reviews paint a picture of mixed but mostly positive experiences. A traveler from the UK expressed some frustration about the short duration, feeling that after check-in and a few photos, their time with the dolphins was over. They also mentioned the high cost of photos, which seemed expensive for a family on a budget.

Conversely, visitors from Costa Rica and the UK shared pleasure in the interaction, with one commenting: “Our experience was amazing, we really enjoyed swimming with the dolphins” and recommending the upgrade for the ride if you’re feeling adventurous.

A review from Colombia was less enthusiastic, criticizing the small size of the aquarium and the focus on photo opportunities rather than the experience itself. This feedback suggests that attention to value for money varies depending on individual expectations.

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Is It Worth It?

When considering the value, it’s clear that this experience appeals most to those wanting personal interaction with dolphins in a controlled setting. The 20-minute water session is on the shorter side, but the exclusive nature of small groups and the range of activities do add value.

However, the cost of photos and the brief duration might make some travelers feel it’s a bit pricey — especially if they’re hoping for a longer or more relaxed encounter. But, for many, the educational aspect and the unique opportunity to get close to dolphins outweigh these concerns.

In terms of practicality, the location inside a popular shopping mall makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing or shopping plans. The availability of morning and afternoon slots helps fit this activity into varied schedules.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for families with children, couples seeking a memorable photo opportunity, or anyone with a curiosity about marine mammals. It’s a safe, controlled environment that offers hands-on interaction without the need for advanced swimming skills.

If you’re after a deeper or longer dolphin experience, or if your main goal is taking home souvenirs, you may want to look elsewhere or prepare for additional costs. Travelers looking for value for money should weigh the brief duration against the price and optional extras.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the Interactive Aquarium’s Swim with Dolphins Splash provides a hands-on, personal experience with these intelligent creatures in a safe setting. It’s a fun and educational activity suited for families and those eager for a close encounter that’s more than just watching from a distance.

While the short duration and extra photo costs might be a downside for some, the small group size and the variety of activities make this a genuinely engaging experience. It’s a chance to learn about dolphins and create a memorable moment in Cancun, especially if you enjoy interactive tours.

If you value stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and a good balance of fun and education, this experience will serve you well. Keep your expectations aligned with the duration and extra costs, and you’re likely to leave with a smile and a new appreciation for these ocean ambassadors.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?
The total experience, including check-in and activities, lasts about 35 minutes, with approximately 20 minutes spent in the water with the dolphins.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers aquarium admission, a dolphin presentation, up to 10 activities, a 20-minute dolphin interaction, towels, and lockers.

Are photos or videos included?
No, photos and videos are not included in the package but can be purchased separately in-store at an additional cost, which many reviewers find expensive.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to get to Plaza La Isla Shopping Center on your own.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
No, for the safety of the dolphins, cameras, cell phones, and audiovisual devices are not allowed in the habitat during the interaction.

What do I need to bring?
Bring beachwear and passport or ID. It’s also recommended to wear sunscreen and bring a towel.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for all ages, including children and elderly visitors, making it a popular family activity.

Are there any additional costs?
Besides the activity fee, you’ll pay a $50 MXN tax at check-in and possibly extra for photos or souvenirs.

In summary, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium offers a fun, educational, and personal way to interact with dolphins. Whether you’re on a family vacation or a romantic escape, this experience provides a memorable, hands-on look at these charming marine mammals — just keep an eye on the clock and the budget for photos!

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