Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin & Manatee Encounter with lunch

Thinking about adding a splash of marine magic to your trip to Puerto Aventuras? This Dolphin & Manatee Encounter with Lunch offers a pretty well-rounded experience, especially if you’re eager to get up close with friendly aquatic mammals. While it’s not an all-day adventure, it packs enough highlights to make it worth considering.

What we really like about this tour is how accessible it is—it’s designed to be a relatively short but meaningful interaction with dolphins, mixed with some gentle animal encounters, and topped off with a tasty Mexican buffet. Plus, the chance to see the dolphins breathe and play in shallow waters gives the whole experience a relaxed, personal vibe. The included lunch with Mexican aguas frescas also adds a nice touch, making the outing feel complete.

A potential consideration? The duration is only about an hour, so if you’re craving a deeper, more involved marine adventure, this might feel a bit light. Also, since cameras aren’t allowed during the dolphin swim, you’ll have to rely on the provided photos or memories, which might be a letdown for some.

This tour suits travelers looking for a friendly, manageable experience that combines wildlife interaction with good food. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with family or aren’t keen on long, physically demanding excursions. Now, let’s break down what makes this experience stand out—and what to expect.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: The total activity lasts about 1 hour, making it an easy addition to your day.
• Close Animal Encounters: Meet and interact with dolphins in shallow waters and spend quality time feeding gentle manatees.
• High-Quality Interaction: Expect activities like hand targeting, dancing with dolphins, and getting kisses—fun but controlled.
• Great Views and Atmosphere: The setting offers stunning vistas of Puerto Aventuras, perfect for those memorable photos.
• Tasty Mexican Lunch: The buffet meal and aguas frescas are included, offering a satisfying and authentic touch.
• Limited Photo Options: Cameras aren’t allowed during the dolphin swim, so plan to buy photos if you want keepsakes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Look at What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour’s inclusions are straightforward: a buffet meal, two non-alcoholic beverages, and a 15-minute educational session with manatees. The meal is a highlight, giving you a taste of Mexican cuisine in a relaxed setting, and the beverages are a nice refreshment after your aquatic activities.

The not-included parts are worth considering—transportation to the site is on you**, and you’ll need to bring cash for any additional purchases or tips. Photos of your interactions aren’t included, which means if you want to remember your dolphin kiss or manatee feeding, you’ll need to plan ahead. There’s also a small $50 MXN tax for activities with aquatic animals, which is pretty standard in Mexico.

What To Expect During the Tour

Starting Off: Meeting the Dolphins

The main event of this tour is a one-on-one interaction with dolphins in shallow waters. We loved the way the experience is designed to be calm and accessible, allowing for a relaxed but personal encounter. You’ll do activities like hand targeting—a fun trick that helps you connect with these intelligent animals—and even get a friendly kiss and handshake.

The shallow water setup means you don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but wearing the provided vest is a must for safety. The experience is suitable for those over 4.6 ft, and children over that height can participate alone if paying the adult rate. Kids between 3.9 ft and 4.6 ft need an adult present, and under 3.3 ft, they’ll be considered infants and do the encounter activities.

Interacting with the Manatees

After the dolphin fun, you’ll have about 15 minutes with the manatees. This is a quieter, more relaxed part of the tour, where you’ll feed these gentle giants and learn a little about their behavior and biology. From reviews, it seems people really appreciated this segment—”feeding the manatees was a tender experience,” one traveler noted.

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Lunch and Relaxation

Post-animal encounters, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Mexican dishes and aguas frescas, which is a nice way to unwind and fuel up. The setting offers lovely views, letting you breathe in the fresh Riviera Maya air while you eat.

The Practical Side

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it ideal for those with tight schedules or who prefer a brief but meaningful experience. It usually runs in the morning and afternoon, giving some flexibility.

Cost and Value

At $139 per person, this tour is competitively priced considering the included interactions, lunch, and educational components. The experience is straightforward and offers a good value for those interested in marine mammals without committing to longer or more intense excursions.

Accessibility and Safety

Safety considerations are clear: pregnant women and children under 3.3 ft are limited in participation, and cameras aren’t allowed during the dolphin swim—probably to protect the animals’ privacy or prevent distraction. Be sure to bring biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, beachwear, and cash, as these are not provided.

What Real Travelers Say

One traveler from the UK summed it up as a “fabulous day out,” highlighting how smooth and enjoyable the experience was. Others appreciated the stunning views and the relaxed pace. They also pointed out that the interaction with dolphins felt personal and memorable, which is a big plus if you’re after genuine animal encounters.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is great for families, couples, or solo travelers who want an engaging, short activity with friendly marine mammals. It’s not overly strenuous, and the setting makes it accessible for most people. If you’re looking for a delightful, manageable introduction to marine life with some good food and fantastic scenery, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you want a longer, more in-depth marine adventure, or if having photos during the swim is a priority, you might want to explore other options or add a photography package.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced day of animal fun and relaxation in Puerto Aventuras, this tour offers a lot for the price. The stunning views, the chance to play with dolphins, and the gentle manatee encounter make it a family-friendly, memorable outing. The included lunch adds a nice local touch, rounding out a well-organized experience.

Keep in mind the short duration and camera restrictions, but if these aren’t deal-breakers, you’ll find this tour to be a delightful way to connect with some of the sea’s friendliest creatures. It’s especially suited to travelers who appreciate a relaxed atmosphere and authentic animal interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I participate if I’m pregnant?
No, pregnant women (five months and up) are not allowed to participate in any of the aquatic programs, mainly for safety reasons.

How long does the entire experience last?
The activity typically runs for about 1 hour, including the dolphin encounter, manatee feeding, and lunch.

Are children allowed to participate?
Yes, children over 4.6 ft can participate alone if paying the adult rate. Kids between 3.9 ft and 4.6 ft need a paying adult. Infants under 3.3 ft will do the encounter activities, as long as they fit the vest.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the buffet lunch, two non-alcoholic beverages, and a 15-minute educational session with manatees.

Can I take photos during the activities?
No, cameras are not allowed during the dolphin swim, but you can buy photos separately if available.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included, so plan how you’ll get there.

In the end, this tour offers a nice blend of animal interaction, scenic beauty, and good food. It’s perfect for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed aquatic experience without too much hassle, and the positive reviews speak to its overall appeal.

You can check availability for your dates here: