Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin Swim, Sea Lions, Manatees, & Lunch

Thinking about adding a marine life adventure to your trip in Quintana Roo? This tour at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras offers a chance to swim with dolphins, interact with sea lions and manatees, and enjoy a buffet lunch — all wrapped up in a two-hour package. It’s a family-friendly option that balances fun and education, but like all experiences, it has its nuances.

We’re here to help you decide whether it’s the right fit. What we love: the up-close marine encounters and the convenient facilities. A possible drawback: some guests find the time with animals limited and the size of the tanks a bit small. This tour best suits travelers who want a hands-on aquatic experience in a relaxed setting, especially families or groups eager to share memorable moments with marine mammals.

This experience made our article of 8 Best Dolphin Watching Tours In Quintana Roo (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• Interactive Marine Encounters: Swim with dolphins and meet sea lions and manatees firsthand.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Buffet lunch and drinks are included, plus access to lockers, showers, and restrooms.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants for more personalized attention.
• Time Management: About two hours total, with specific time slots for each activity.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for children over 3.3 ft, but certain activities have age restrictions.
• Professional Photos: Available for purchase if you want to preserve your memories.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

The Puerto Aventuras tour is designed for those eager to interact directly with marine mammals in a safe and controlled environment. It combines swimming with dolphins — considered a highlight — with closer encounters with sea lions and manatees. The entire experience lasts roughly two hours, making it a manageable addition to a busy day of sightseeing or beach lounging.

The Royal Swim Plus program, offered by Dolphin Discovery, includes a 1-hour dolphin swim, during which you’ll participate in a variety of activities such as the famous “hand target” game, getting splashed by friendly dolphins, and perhaps even sharing a kiss or a belly ride if you’re feeling brave. The program also features two 30-minute interactions: one with sea lions and one with gentle manatees. These are not just quick photo ops but actual opportunities to touch, feed, and learn about these animals, making it a more meaningful experience.

The entire day is well-structured with a briefing session before you dive in, ensuring everyone understands safety and etiquette. After the water activities, you’ll enjoy a buffet meal with your choice of two non-alcoholic beverages, giving you a chance to relax and review the fun moments.

What to Expect: The Details

Preparing for Your Marine Adventure

Arriving on time is crucial — the tour starts with a 15-minute safety and activity briefing. The meeting point at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras is straightforward, but some reviews advise going directly to the dolphinarium if you’re nearby, as the exact meeting spot can be a little tricky to find. Consider bringing a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable clothes, as you’ll be in and out of the water and want to protect the environment.

The Water Encounters

Swim with dolphins for an entire hour, which many guests find to be just enough time to connect without feeling rushed. Expect to wear a life jacket (mandatory for safety) and to get splashed — a highlight for most. The dolphins are described as playful and gentle, making for picture-perfect moments.

The sea lion and manatee interactions each last about 30 minutes. During these sessions, you’ll get the chance to pet, feed, and observe these fascinating creatures. Reviewers note that the sea lions are lively and entertaining, while the manatees are very gentle and slow-moving, ideal for relaxed interaction.

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Facilities and Convenience

The site offers lockers, showers, and restrooms, which many travelers appreciate after water activities. The entire experience is limited to a small group of about 10 people, promoting a more intimate vibe, though larger groups share the space.

Lunch and Relaxation

Post-activities, you can unwind at the buffet, which is generally described as good with a nice selection. The inclusion of two non-alcoholic beverages adds value, especially in the warm Riviera Maya climate. While some reviews mention the food as “average,” most find it to be satisfying and a nice way to wrap up the experience.

Photography and Memories

Photos of your interactions are available for purchase — a common way for travelers to take home a tangible memory. If capturing the moment is important, be prepared to buy these on-site; cameras are not permitted during activities, so your phone or camera might only be useful for the surroundings outside the water.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What Guests Love

Many reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and friendly staff, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Saskja from Ireland praises the happy staff and the delicious food, which makes the whole day enjoyable. The stunning views of the marina and the clean, well-maintained facilities also stand out.

The up-close interactions are appreciated, with travelers mentioning how gentle and playful the dolphins are, creating memorable moments. For example, GetYourGuide traveler from the UK calls the dolphin experience “great”.

Room for Improvement

Some guests express disappointment over the limited time with the animals, feeling it’s just enough to wet your feet rather than fully immerse yourself. One reviewer from the UK notes that certain activities are restricted based on height, which can be frustrating for families. Plus, the small size of the tanks for dolphins has raised ethical questions among some guests, and they express concern over the animal’s well-being and the grouping of animals with multiple trainers.

The food quality gets mixed reviews, with some describing it as “very average” and pointing out that birds sometimes fly over the buffet. These are minor points but worth considering if culinary experience is a priority.

Practical Considerations

• Price of $169 per person offers a package that includes the activities, lunch, and facilities. Compared to similar experiences, this is a reasonable rate, especially considering the inclusion of interactions with multiple species.
• The duration of two hours makes it a manageable addition to your day. It’s not overly long, but you’ll get a worthwhile amount of time in the water.
• Transportation is not included, so plan your own way to the site, which is conveniently located just a few minutes from Playa del Carmen.
• The activity is small group by design, so expect a more personalized experience, but note that groups are limited to 10.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is well-suited for families with children over 3.3 ft, especially those who want their kids to touch and learn about marine animals. It’s also great for couples and friends looking for a memorable day in the water. However, it may not be ideal for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under 1 year due to activity restrictions and safety considerations.

Final Thoughts: Who’s It For?

If you’re after a balanced, family-friendly marine experience that combines interactive animal encounters with a relaxed atmosphere, this tour offers good value. The friendly guides and beautiful location will likely enhance your day, especially if you’re keen on getting in the water with dolphins and meeting sea lions and manatees up close.

However, if your priority is ethical treatment of animals, you might want to do a little more research into the conditions. The tanks are described as small by some, and the grouping of animals with multiple trainers could raise concerns.

This experience is best suited for those who value hands-on interaction and a hassle-free, all-inclusive day. It’s a good choice for families, water lovers, and anyone eager to make lasting memories with marine animals in a beautiful setting.

FAQ

Is transportation included? No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras.

How long does the tour last? The total experience lasts approximately two hours, including briefing, activities, and lunch.

Can children participate? Yes, children over 3.3 ft are welcome, but those under 4.6 ft need an adult to participate with them in certain activities.

What should I bring? Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and cash for extras. Cameras are not permitted during water activities.

Are the activities suitable for pregnant women? Women less than five months pregnant can participate in certain activities if accompanied by an adult and after signing a responsibility form. Pregnant women and wheelchairs users are advised to consult beforehand.

Is it possible to buy photos? Yes, professional photos of your interactions are available for purchase on-site.

What about the food? The buffet offers a decent selection with two non-alcoholic drinks included, but some guests find the food to be average.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is it a small group experience? Yes, activities are limited to about 10 participants, offering more personalized attention.

This tour offers an engaging, family-friendly look at marine life in a convenient setting. Whether you’re excited to swim with dolphins or just want a relaxed day with good food and fun, it’s worth considering — just keep your expectations aligned with the reviews and the ethical questions some travelers raise.

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