Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin and Manatee Interaction with Lunch

Puerto Aventuras: Dolphin and Manatee Interaction with Lunch — An Honest Review

If you’re planning a trip to the Riviera Maya and love the idea of getting up close with marine animals, this dolphin and manatee encounter in Puerto Aventuras might catch your eye. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, we’ve looked into what makes this tour special—and what you should consider before booking.

What instantly appeals to us is the chance to swim and play with dolphins in a controlled environment, which promises a fun and memorable experience. We also appreciate how the tour includes a delicious buffet lunch and the opportunity to interact with gentle manatees—adding variety to the day.

On the flip side, some might find the cost of $139 per person a bit steep, especially if you’re traveling on a tight budget or prefer more freeform adventures. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or are pregnant, some parts of this experience may not be suitable.

This tour is likely best suited for animal lovers, families with children over 3.3 feet tall, and anyone wanting a well-rounded half-day activity that combines wildlife encounters with good food. Now, let’s get into the details.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Interactive marine encounters with dolphins and manatees in a safe, controlled environment
• Includes a buffet lunch with two non-alcoholic beverages, making it convenient and satisfying
• Learn about animals from knowledgeable guides and enjoy stunning views of Puerto Aventuras marina
• Duration of about 2 hours, balancing activity and relaxation
• Not included: transportation and photos—plan accordingly if you’d like these extras
• Cameras are not allowed in the water, but professional photos are available for purchase

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This experience is designed as a semi-structured, interactive tour that combines animal encounters, a tasty meal, and some leisure time at the marina. The tour begins with a short briefing explaining what you’ll do and how to interact safely with the animals.

Meeting the Dolphins

The highlight for most travelers is the 50-minute swim with dolphins. Expect to get in the water with these intelligent creatures, who are known for their playful and curious nature. You might catch a few of them waving hello with their fins, watch their dance routines, or even listen to their singing. Some reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the whole experience more enjoyable and informative.

You’ll also have the chance to catch a ride on a dolphin’s fin — a classic photo moment that many find unforgettable. The experience is designed to be engaging but safe, with a life jacket required for all water programs.

Meeting the Manatees

Next, you’ll head over to interact with gentle manatees. These slow-moving sea cows are considered one of the most peaceful marine mammals, and many find their calm demeanor very soothing. The 15-minute session is enough for some good photos and to learn about these fascinating creatures from the guides, who share interesting facts about their behavior and habitat.

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The Lunch Break

After the animal encounters, it’s time to refuel with a buffet lunch. Travelers often comment on the quality of the meal—it’s generally described as “decent” and filling, with enough variety to satisfy different tastes. Two non-alcoholic drinks are included, so you can cool down and recharge for the rest of your day. Keep in mind, the buffet service isn’t available for the 3:00 pm schedule, so plan accordingly.

Exploring the Marina

Post-lunch, you’re granted access to the Puerto Aventuras marina, a scenic spot with plenty of options for relaxing or taking additional photos. Facilities include showers and lockers, which are handy if you want to freshen up or store your belongings after the water activities.

The Experience in Detail: Pros and Cons

The Good

One of the standout aspects is the stunning setting of Puerto Aventuras marina. The views are truly picturesque, and the marina’s calm waters set a peaceful backdrop for your marine adventures. The guides are often praised for their friendly and informative approach, helping you feel comfortable and engaged throughout.

Many reviewers, like the one from the Netherlands, mention how “you also get a lot of pictures”, indicating that professional photo options are a plus for capturing memories without worrying about water damage. The 60-minute total water time (50 with dolphins and 15 with manatees) feels like a fair amount of interaction, especially considering the included amenities.

The Challenges

While the experience is generally well-loved, some considerations are worth noting. The price point of $139 per person might seem high for those who are budget-conscious. Plus, the absence of included transportation means you’ll need to organize your own way to the marina, which can be an extra step for travelers unfamiliar with the area.

Another aspect to keep in mind is the cameras are not allowed in the water, which might be disappointing if you’re hoping for lots of spontaneous photos. However, the professional photos available for purchase can still capture those special moments.

Family and Safety Notes

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women or babies under 1 year, and children must meet specific height requirements (over 3.3 feet to participate in the manatee encounter). This makes it more appropriate for families with slightly older children or those interested in adult participation.

Is This Tour Worth It? Our Takeaway

If you’re looking for a fun, engaging, and scenic marine adventure in Puerto Aventuras, this tour offers a lot. The opportunity to swim with dolphins and learn about manatees** is quite special, especially with the added bonus of a buffet lunch and marina exploration.

The experience balances active interaction with relaxation, making it a good choice for travelers who want a meaningful wildlife encounter without sacrificing comfort. While the price might seem steep, many reviews suggest the quality of the interaction and the professionalism of guides justify the cost.

For those with a passion for marine animals or families seeking a memorable activity, this tour ticks many boxes. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the schedule, the costs for extras like photos, and the fact that transportation isn’t included.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras.

Can I take photos during the water activities?
Cameras are not allowed in the water, but professional photos are available for purchase afterward.

How long do I spend in the water?
You get about 50 minutes in the water with dolphins and 15 minutes interacting with manatees, totaling roughly 65 minutes of animal interaction.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and cash for extras or souvenirs.

Is this suitable for young children?
Children over 3.3 feet tall can participate, but those under that height are considered infants and may only join encounter activities. Pregnant women and babies under 1 year are not allowed.

What’s the meal like?
A buffet lunch with two non-alcoholic drinks is included, generally described as satisfying but not gourmet. The buffet isn’t available during the 3:00 pm schedule.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded marine experience that combines wildlife education, fun interactions, and leisure time at the marina. It’s best suited for animal enthusiasts, families with slightly older children, and those who value guided, structured activities.

While the price might be a consideration, many find that the quality of the encounters, the scenic setting, and the included lunch make it worth the investment. Just plan ahead for transportation and photos, and you’re set to enjoy a memorable day in Puerto Aventuras.

If you’re after a meaningful, beautifully set marine adventure that offers more than just swimming, this tour could very well become one of the highlights of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: