Cancun: Interactive Aquarium – Swim with dolphins Premium

Exploring Cancun often means beaches, sunshine, and vibrant nightlife — but for those craving a unique, up-close animal encounter, the Swim with Dolphins Premium tour at the Interactive Aquarium offers an engaging alternative. This experience puts you in the water with friendly dolphins, making for a memorable highlight of your trip.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the small group size (limited to four participants) ensures personalized attention and a more intimate interaction. Second, the variety of activities, including the famous Footpush and the Aquarium Trek, promises plenty of fun and photo-worthy moments. Third, the professional guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the experience both safe and educational.

However, a possible consideration is the cost of $165 per person, which some might see as pricey for a one-hour experience. But when you factor in the included aquarium entrance, the training briefing, towels, and lockers, many find it offers good value for a premium encounter. This tour suits travelers who love animals, are comfortable in the water, and are eager for a once-in-a-lifetime aquatic adventure in Cancun.

Key Points

• Limited group size enhances the personal experience.
• 20-minute Aquarium Trek is suitable for all ages and doesn’t require swimming skills.
• Interactive activities include the popular Footpush, making the encounter immersive.
• Safety and comfort are prioritized; no audiovisual devices are allowed in the habitat.
• Includes practical amenities such as towels, lockers, and a briefing.
• Cost reflects premium access and guided interaction, offering good value for a specialized tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Location and Accessibility

This tour is based inside the Interactive Aquarium Cancun, conveniently located within Plaza La Isla Shopping Center. It’s a popular spot for travelers, making it easy to reach whether you’re coming from your hotel or other attractions. The meeting point is straightforward, and the activity ends back at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Duration and Timing

The entire experience lasts approximately one hour, with a 15-minute briefing before entering the water and 45 minutes of actual interaction. Availability varies, but it’s best to check in advance since start times are scheduled based on demand. Confirming your slot early ensures you avoid missing out or facing limited options.

Group Size and Guides

With only four participants per session, this experience stands out for its intimacy—no crowded tanks or noisy crowds. The guides are fluent in English and Spanish and are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. They make sure everyone feels comfortable and understands each activity, which is especially reassuring for first-timers or nervous swimmers.

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Activities and Highlights

The Footpush is a crowd favorite, where you’ll be gently pushed by a dolphin across the water, a ticklish and exhilarating sensation. The Aquarium Trek is unique in that it allows you to walk a short distance underwater without needing to swim. It’s described as feeling “like walking on the moon,” with the added benefit that your hair won’t even get wet, making it accessible even for those who don’t know how to swim or prefer not to get their hair wet.

Other activities include a variety of up to 18 different interactions, which might include dolphin kisses, handshakes, or other playful behaviors. The exact lineup can vary depending on the session and guides’ discretion.

Safety and Equipment

For safety, guests are evaluated for their suitability for the Aquarium Trek, especially minors, based on size and shoulder width. Audiovisual devices are not permitted in the habitat, ensuring the dolphins are not distracted or stressed during interactions. Participants are provided with towels and lockers, and are advised to wear beachwear and bring passport or ID for verification.

Cost and Value

At $165 per person, this experience falls into the premium category, but it includes a lot: aquarium entry, safety briefing, 45 minutes in the water, 20-minute Aquarium Trek, towels, and lockers. Reviews suggest that guides are attentive and knowledgeable, which enhances the overall value—knowing you’re in capable hands adds peace of mind.

What to Bring and What Not to Bring

Travelers should arrive prepared with beachwear and ID, and leave behind cellphones and jewelry to keep the environment safe for the animals. Photos and videos of your interaction can be purchased afterward, but many guests appreciate focusing on the moment instead of worrying about capturing it.

The Authentic Touch: What Guests Say

Guests consistently praise the friendly guides and the stunning views of the tank and surrounding environment. One reviewer mentioned that their guide explained all activities thoroughly, making them feel at ease. Others highlighted the safe and enjoyable Aquarium Trek, noting it’s perfect for children aged 8 and above, and even non-swimmers.

Specific feedback points include:

• “The Footpush was an incredible experience — I felt like I was flying!”
• “The guides really know their stuff and made sure everyone felt comfortable.”
• “Even without swimming skills, I loved the Aquarium Trek — it’s like walking in space.”

The majority find that the small group setting and professional, attentive staff make for a more meaningful encounter than larger, less personal tours.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive early to check in and get settled.
• Wear beachwear and avoid jewelry.
• Bring passport or ID for verification.
• Remember that a $50 MXN tax on activities with aquatic animals is payable at the entrance.
• If you want photos, plan to purchase them afterward, as cameras are not allowed during the interaction.
• Confirm your reservation in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
• If you’re unsure about swimming, don’t worry—the Aquarium Trek doesn’t require it and is designed to be safe and fun for all.

The Sum Up

This Swim with Dolphins Premium experience at Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium offers a well-rounded, intimate encounter with these intelligent creatures. It combines professional guidance, a variety of interactive activities, and a safe environment, making it a fantastic option for families, animal lovers, or anyone wanting to add a special touch to their Cancun holiday.

While it is a premium-priced tour, the inclusion of many amenities, personalized attention, and the chance to create lasting memories make it worthwhile for those seeking a meaningful animal interaction. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who value quality over quantity and are excited about witnessing a close-up dolphin encounter in a controlled, friendly setting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 8 and above can participate, provided they meet the size and shoulder width requirements for the Sea-Trek® equipment. It’s a safe, fun activity for families with older kids.

Do I need to know how to swim?
No, the Aquarium Trek is designed for non-swimmers as well, and your hair will stay dry. The tour also emphasizes safety, and guides will assist throughout.

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear, passport or ID for verification, and leave jewelry and cellphones behind. Towels and lockers are provided for convenience.

Can I take photos during the interaction?
No, audiovisual devices like cameras or phones are not allowed during the habitat visit to protect the dolphins’ well-being. Photos can be purchased afterward.

How long does the experience last?
The total duration is about one hour, including briefing, activities, and preparation.

What activities are included?
The main activities are the Footpush and Aquarium Trek, along with up to 16 additional interactive options.

What is the price, and what does it include?
At $165 per person, it covers aquarium entrance, briefing, 45 minutes in the water, Aquarium Trek, towels, and lockers.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for a diverse group.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, so you’ll need to plan how to get to Plaza La Isla Shopping Center.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This engaging and well-structured tour offers a blend of fun, education, and wildlife conservation that appeals to a broad range of travelers. Whether you’re a first-time dolphin lover or a seasoned water enthusiast, this experience promises to be a highlight of your Cancun visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: