Punta Cancun: Swim with dolphins Splash

Punta Cancun: Swim with Dolphins Splash is a popular dolphin encounter located within the Hyatt Ziva Cancun Hotel in Quintana Roo, Mexico. While we haven’t personally swum with these marine mammals, the reviews and details suggest it’s a well-rounded experience that balances fun, education, and interaction. The tour is designed to be family-friendly, appealing to children, older adults, or anyone eager to connect with dolphins in a safe, controlled environment.

What we most appreciate about this experience is its relatively short, manageable duration—just 45 minutes—making it a practical addition to your Cancun itinerary. The clear focus on interaction, with 12 activities spread over 30 minutes in the water, promises an engaging encounter. Plus, the inclusion of essentials like towels and lockers helps keep things simple and convenient. That said, a potential downside is the restriction on audiovisual devices around the habitat—so if capturing every moment is your priority, be prepared to purchase photos afterward.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a memorable, hands-on marine experience without the need for a full-day commitment. It’s especially suited for families with kids who want to learn about dolphins in an interactive setting or older travelers who prefer a gentle activity. If you’re looking for a playful, educational, and easily accessible dolphin activity, this one ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: A 45-minute experience that combines a brief briefing with plenty of water time
• Family Friendly: Great for children, older adults, or anyone wanting a gentle, educational interaction
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (up to 10 participants) for a more personal experience
• No Cameras in Habitat: To protect the dolphins, audiovisual devices aren’t allowed in the habitat
• Includes Essentials: Towels and lockers are provided for convenience
• Additional Costs: Photos and videos are extra, and transportation isn’t included

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect When You Book

The Punta Cancun: Swim with Dolphins Splash tour offers a well-structured, laid-back opportunity to meet dolphins with a focus on interaction and education. Hosted by Delphinus Dolphins, the experience starts at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun Hotel’s entrance, which is conveniently located within the hotel complex, making access straightforward for guests staying at or near the resort.

The program lasts about 45 minutes, starting with a 15-minute briefing that introduces you to the dolphins’ physiology, behavior, and anatomy. This includes some basic knowledge, which adds a layer of understanding and respect for these intelligent creatures. Once the briefing concludes, you’ll move into the water for 30 minutes of direct interaction.

The Activities

During your time in the water, expect 12 different activities designed to be fun and educational. These include the customary dolphin kiss, some physiological and behavioral insights, and playful interactions like gentle touches and possibly even a “welcome” moment with the dolphins. Multiple reviews mention that the dolphins are very well taken care of and that the staff emphasizes education alongside entertainment.

The Environment and Safety

The habitat is inside a hotel setting, which means the environment is controlled and designed for visitor convenience. However, for safety and dolphin welfare reasons, cameras and audiovisual devices are not allowed in the habitat itself, though photos can be purchased afterward. This can be a bit of a letdown if you love capturing every moment, but it’s understandable given the need to protect the animals.

Practical Details

• Price: At $103 per person, the experience offers good value considering the included activities and the small group size. It’s not a full-day adventure, but it gives you a meaningful dolphin encounter.
• Availability: Check with the provider for starting times, as they vary, and booking in advance is recommended.
• Location: Inside the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, accessible via the hotel entrance next to the main hotel.
• Duration: 45 minutes total—perfect for fitting into a busy travel schedule.
• Language: English and Spanish speakers will find the hosts accommodating.

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What Reviewers Say

Participants frequently mention the small group size, which makes interactions more personal and less rushed. One reviewer noted, “The staff was friendly and professional, and my kids loved the kiss and the playful activities.” Others appreciated the educational aspect, saying, “I learned so much about dolphins I didn’t know before—definitely more than just a splashy photo op.”

However, some reviewers pointed out that the no camera policy in the habitat was a downside, but they understood it was a necessary safeguard. Many also mentioned that the activity is suitable for all ages, making it a flexible option for families or older couples.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Experience

The Briefing

The 15-minute introductory session is crucial as it helps set expectations and educates visitors about dolphin physiology, behavior, and anatomy. We loved the way the staff made it engaging without overwhelming participants—this is especially helpful for kids or first-timers.

The Water Interaction

The core of the experience is the 30-minute water segment, where you get to play, touch, and learn about dolphins. The activities are designed to be gentle and respectful, ensuring the animals are comfortable and that the interaction is meaningful. Expect a mix of hands-on activities like the dolphin kiss, which many find adorable, and educational moments about their natural behaviors and needs.

The Facilities

The lockers and towels provided help streamline the experience, especially if you’re coming straight from a day at the beach. The habitat itself is inside a hotel, so it’s well-maintained and designed for visitor comfort, though visitors should keep in mind that hotel amenities like pools or restaurants are not accessible during the activity.

Additional Tips

• Bring beachwear and your ID: You’ll want to be prepared for water activities.
• Jewelry and cellphones: Leave them behind or keep them well away from the habitat, as they aren’t allowed in the water.
• Photos and videos: Available for purchase afterward, so consider buying a keepsake if you want to remember this experience.

Considerations

While the experience is gentle and educational, those who prefer capturing every moment might find the photo options a bit costly, and the inability to record in the habitat may be frustrating for some. Also, since the activity takes place within a hotel, visitors aren’t able to stay on-site or enjoy hotel amenities during the tour.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This dolphin encounter is best suited for those wanting a professional, respectful, and educational interaction rather than purely entertainment. Families with children will find it both fun and informative, while older adults can appreciate the relaxed pace and gentle nature of the activity. It also appeals to animal lovers who prefer ethical, small-group experiences.

If you’re on a tight schedule or looking for a full-day excursion, this might be better as a shorter, highlight activity rather than a stand-alone adventure. It’s an ideal add-on for a day exploring Cancun’s attractions or lounging at the hotel.

Final Thoughts

For anyone looking to get close to dolphins in a safe, respectful environment, Punta Cancun’s Swim with Dolphins Splash offers a memorable, educational experience at a reasonable price. The small group size, focus on interaction, and professional staff create a friendly atmosphere that fosters genuine connections with these intelligent creatures.

While the prohibition on cameras in the habitat might be a slight inconvenience, the overall quality of the experience—combined with the convenience of its location inside a luxury hotel—makes it a solid choice. Whether you’re visiting Cancun with family, friends, or as a couple, this activity promises a meaningful encounter that will stay with you long after the tour ends.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the program is designed to be enjoyable and educational for all ages, making it perfect for families with kids.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, towels and lockers are provided. Just bring beachwear and your ID.

Can I take photos during the interaction?
You’re not allowed to use audiovisual devices in the habitat to protect the dolphins. Photos can be purchased afterward.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 45 minutes in total—15 minutes of briefing and 30 minutes of water interaction.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation is not included, so plan to get to the Hyatt Ziva Cancun Hotel on your own.

What is the price, and is it worth it?
At $103 per person, considering the small group size, educational content, and interactive activities, it offers good value for a memorable dolphin encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here: