Mexico · DOLPHIN WATCHING
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 dolphin watching trips that repay the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing worth knowing before you commit.
Swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in Puerto Vallarta using a hydrophone, plus snorkeling gear and a biologist-led briefing.
“Camilla was our guide and she was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and full of energy. I loved the education we received at the beginning before we got on the water. The captain was great. The experience overall was fabulous! Highly recommended.”
Biologist-led whale and dolphin watching in Puerto Vallarta with research help, hydrophone whale songs, and possible manta and turtles.
“The weather was perfect and the whales were out for a day of frolicking! We saw several full breaches that were truly amazing to witness! A very memorable day!”
Cruise from Puerto Angelito to spot dolphins and turtles, snorkel reef fish, and, in winter, chase humpback whales. Music and cooler drinks included.
“We saw a whale, hundreds of dolphins and a few turtles on the way. Super cool experience”
Dolphin, whale and sea turtle spotting off Puerto Escondido with hotel pickup, a small boat, and chances to snorkel, about 3 hours.
“This experience was definitely worth the effort. We rearranged our itinerary and took the bus down from Oaxaca for this, and the experience did not disappoint. Our captain Johnny and his mate Greg made sure we located a giant pod of dolphins, and everyone got to swim with them. They provided masks and itas a truly magical experience we will never forget.”
90-minute dolphin cruise from Destin Harbor, USCG-certified crew, emerald coast views, and chances for close-up dolphins.
“This dolphin cruise was awesome! Lots of dolphins and for a special bonus saw lots of sharks!”
5-hour La Ventana marine safari with mobula ray swims, dolphin snorkels, and whale sightings from a small panga boat. Lunch included.
“We had an amazing day on this safari! We snorkeled above the thousands of mobula rays and saw a blue whale (largest animal to ever live on earth!). Mexico Travel Adventure is an excellent operation -- very professional, safety focused, and clearly cared about the animals and about being good stewards of the environment. Our guide -- Andrea-- was superb. She was super knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. We liked it so much we did another tour with them a few days later.”
Akumal dolphin encounter for families in Quintana Roo: 55 minutes of trainer-led games and conservation facts. Cameras off, photos cost extra.
“Very expensive for the short time spent interacting with the dolphins.”
A full day ferry ride from Cancún to Isla Mujeres for a Dolphin Discovery encounter, buffet lunch, pool time, and dolphin facts.
“the dolphin encounter was great.the whole family enjoyed the day.buffet was just enough.the guide taught all kinds of great information about the dolphins.the pictures are expensive.”
Start at 7:00 AM in Puerto Escondido for a 3-hour Pacific boat cruise to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and maybe whales.
“Super expérience, réservée à la dernière minute. On vous amène sur un petit bateau, on vous donne masque et tuba et hop on saute à l’eau parmi les dauphins. Une expérience inédite! Je déconseille juste d’acheter le café auprès des marchands ambulants de la plage car il est vraiment pas terrible”
Swim with dolphins at Cancun’s Interactive Aquarium, with a 20-minute interactive session, 10 activities, and aquarium admission included.
“We loved being in the pool and interacting with the dolphins but for the money didn’t seem long enough. By the time we checked in, got changed and had a talk about the dolphin, we had a few photos then it finished. 15 minutes with the dolphins for what we paid was a bit expensive for a family on a budget. That was without any photos. We then had to pay $53 per photo or they had packages which worked out cheaper but still very expensive in total.”
Swim with two dolphins in Cozumel’s Royal Swim, then enjoy a short manatee encounter, VIP lunch, and Chankanaab Park entry.
“Heel slechte ervaring. Ik heb betaald voor de Royal Swim. De dolfijnen trainer was onbeschoft naar ons en totaal niet geinteresseerd. Hij ratelde zijn verhaaltje af alsof het een cassetteband was en was zeer onvriendelijk. We begonnen meer dan een half uur later dan afgesproken en er was niets Royal aan deze ervaring. Zwemmen was er ook niet bij en vrije tijd met de dieren al helemaal niet, terwijl dit wel wordt aangekondigd. We deden niets meer dan de mensen met de veel goedkopere dolphin encounter. Weggegooid geld dus!”
Cabo dolphin encounter in about 1 hour with optional hotel pickup, safety gear, trainer-led teaching, and a fast route through top viewpoints.
“Paulina was a fantastic trainer. She was so good with the experience. I felt safe with her! Rico was an excellent photographer and captured all the amazing moments.”
Dolphin Discovery Maroma plus Maroma Beach Club access in Playa Maroma, Quintana Roo. In-water dolphin time, then a full beach day.
“When we arrived we were told that our appointment was not booked for 10am but for 12pm, even though my confirmation with the ticket stated 10am. We were then made to feel anything but welcome; the service was very unfriendly, as if it were our fault. We then had to be ready to go into the water within 2-3 minutes and I had to hurry a lot with my 4-year-old son, which made it stressful. They tried to sell us the photo package for an additional 100 dollars, and visitors who were on dry land were strictly forbidden from taking a single photo. There were guards who were pushy. This…”
Royal Swim Plus in Puerto Aventuras: swim with dolphins, meet sea lions and manatees, enjoy lunch, and use marina facilities for 2 hours.
“I really enjoyed this. The guide was super friendly and gave us a lot of time to interact with the dolphins. Ofcourse seeing them in the open ocean is better, but they are treated well and with a lot of respect.”
Go hands on at Cancún Interactive Aquarium with touch tanks, 140-plus species, and an included dolphin presentation at 7 pm.
Pick the day out first, then the town it happens in.
