Puerto Morelos: Swim with Dolphins

If you’re dreaming of meeting dolphins while visiting Quintana Roo, the Puerto Morelos Swim with Dolphins experience offers a genuine chance to connect with these playful marine mammals. Hosted by Delphinus Dolphins, this tour promises a fun-filled and educational encounter that’s suitable for families, couples, or anyone eager to see dolphins up close.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to touch and interact with dolphins directly—something that’s often missing from more passive zoo visits. Plus, the tour includes a variety of programs tailored to different comfort levels and budgets, from a quick 20-minute splash to a full 45-minute immersion. That said, a potential drawback is that cameras and phones aren’t allowed in the habitat for safety reasons, which means you’ll need to focus on the moment rather than capturing every shot. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, hands-on experience with dolphins in a safe, controlled environment—ideal for families, groups, or anyone curious about marine life.

Key Points

• Interactive Encounters: Touch, pet, and play with dolphins directly.
• Program Choices: Three options (Supreme, Ride, Splash) cater to different budgets and time commitments.
• Educational Focus: Learn about dolphin physiology, behavior, and anatomy.
• Group Size & Duration: Small groups (up to 10), from 20 minutes to 45 minutes in the water.
• Additional Costs: Tax fee of 50 MXN per person; no hotel amenities included.
• Safety & Restrictions: Cameras aren’t allowed in the habitat for dolphins’ safety.
• Location & Logistics: Held at the marina of Hotel El Cid in Puerto Morelos, with flexible cancellation policies.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The experience begins at the marina of Hotel El Cid, where you’ll check in and pay the small tax fee upon arrival. The setting is convenient—right by the water, with a relaxed but organized atmosphere. The tour is divided into three different programs: Harmony, Interax, and Primax, each offering a different level of interaction and water time.

Harmony caters to the more modest adventurer—up to 10 participants, with 10 activities and around 20 minutes in the water. This is ideal if you want a quick but engaging dolphin visit. The Interax program is slightly more involved, with up to 6 participants, 14 activities, and 30 minutes in the water, giving you more time to interact and learn. The Primax is the full experience—up to 4 participants, with 18 activities and 45 minutes in the water, including a 15-minute dolphin snorkel.

Each program includes activities like welcome greetings, physiology talks, fun games, dolphin kisses, and more. These interactions are designed to be both entertaining and educational, making the experience suitable for all ages. The emphasis on learning about dolphins’ behavior and anatomy adds a layer of appreciation for these intelligent animals beyond just playing with them.

The Actual Interaction

You’ll find that the actual time in the water varies depending on your chosen program. The Primax program, with its longer water time, is likely to be the most memorable, allowing you to swim, touch, and engage more intimately. Reviewers consistently mention how fun and personal the interaction feels, emphasizing that the dolphins are well taken care of and eager to engage.

However, note that because cameras and phones are not allowed in the habitat, you won’t be able to take photos during the actual dolphin interactions. Some guests expressed disappointment about this, but most appreciated the safety measures that prioritize the dolphins’ well-being.

Educational and Fun Activities

Expect to learn about dolphin physiology, anatomy, and behavior through a series of guided activities. For instance, you might start with a greeting, then move on to understanding how dolphins breathe and communicate. The dolphin kiss is a popular moment, and many guests found it surprisingly gentle and warm.

The tour is designed to be a hands-on, engaging experience—not just a show but a meaningful encounter. Guests have praised the variety of activities, which keep the experience lively and informative. The fact that there are multiple options for participation means you can choose a program that fits your comfort level and schedule.

The Snorkel Addition

The Primax program includes a 15-minute dolphin snorkel, which is a special feature for those wanting to combine dolphin contact with a quick underwater exploration. While the details about the snorkeling are limited, it’s a unique chance to see dolphins in a more natural setting, albeit in a controlled environment.

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Practical Details: Price, Duration, and Group Size

At $119 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price for the level of interaction and the time spent in the water. When compared to similar experiences, it provides good value, especially considering the small group sizes—up to 10 participants—meaning you’ll get more personalized attention.

The duration varies from 20 minutes (Harmony) to 45 minutes (Primax), with your overall experience lasting about 45 minutes. The timing usually includes options in both the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility around your other plans.

The Location and Meeting Point

The tour takes place at the marina of Hotel El Cid in Puerto Morelos, a straightforward location if you’re staying nearby or in the town. It’s a small, manageable site, which helps keep the experience intimate and less commercial than larger marine parks.

Additional Costs and Restrictions

You should prepare for a 50 MXN tax fee per person, payable at check-in. Also, note that hotel amenities are not included, so you won’t have access to pools or bars at the hotel during this tour. Food and drinks are also not part of the package, so plan accordingly.

The tour emphasizes safety and respect for dolphins’ well-being, hence the restriction on cameras and cellphones in the habitat. This means you’ll have to experience the moment firsthand, which many guests find refreshing.

The Overall Experience: What Travelers Say

Guests consistently describe the tour as “very entertaining” and appreciate the focus on education alongside fun. One reviewer mentioned how they loved the chance to touch and pet the dolphins, adding, “It was a very personal experience, unlike just watching dolphins from afar.”

However, some note that not being able to take photos can be limiting if capturing memories is important to you. Others highlight the small group size as a major plus, making the experience more personal and less rushed.

Several reviewers mention that the dolphins are well cared for, and the staff is friendly and informative. The 45-minute program is praised for giving enough time to interact meaningfully without feeling overly long.

This dolphin encounter in Puerto Morelos offers a fairly priced, engaging, and educational experience. It’s ideal for those who want an active, hands-on connection with dolphins without the massive crowds or commercial feel of larger parks. The small group sizes and variety of programs make this tour adaptable to different interests and ages.

While the restriction on photography might be a downside, the focus on authentic interaction and respect for the animals makes it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for families with children or elder travelers who appreciate a safe, gentle introduction to marine mammals. If your goal is to come away with a personal story and a better understanding of dolphins, this tour hits the mark.

For travelers seeking a more natural, respectful, and intimate dolphin experience, Puerto Morelos’ Swim with Dolphins program offers genuine value and memorable moments. Just remember to bring your beachwear and a sense of wonder—you’re in for a delightful aquatic adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, the program is designed to be fun and educational for all ages, making it a great family activity.

How long is each program? The durations range from 20 minutes (Harmony) to 45 minutes (Primax), with additional time for check-in and orientation.

Are photos or videos allowed during the interaction? No, cameras and cellphones aren’t permitted in the habitat to ensure safety and minimize disturbance to the dolphins.

What’s included in the price? The cost covers the chosen program’s activities, in-water time, and educational talks. It does not include hotel access, food, drinks, or personal photos.

Where does the tour take place? At the marina of Hotel El Cid in Puerto Morelos, a convenient and manageable location.

What is the tax fee? A small tax of 50 MXN per person is collected at check-in, which supports marine conservation efforts.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

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