Puerto Aventuras: Manatee Encounter

If you’re considering a trip to Puerto Aventuras and want a unique, up-close encounter with adorable marine mammals, the Manatee Encounter might catch your eye. It’s a short, 30-minute interactive experience designed to give you a chance to meet and gently interact with these calm, curious creatures. Alongside the water activity, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch and have access to the marina’s facilities, making it a well-rounded, family-friendly option for a quick, memorable outing.

What we especially like about this tour is how it combines hands-on interaction with the manatees—something that tends to leave a lasting impression—and the convenience of full access to the marina’s amenities afterward. On the flip side, some travelers have found the encounter quite brief and felt the staff’s attitude was less than welcoming. Still, if you’re after a simple, straightforward experience that offers a chance to see these gentle animals in a relaxed setting, this could be a good pick, especially for those with limited time or looking for a family-friendly activity.

This experience is probably best suited for travelers who value the chance to interact directly with marine life and want a no-fuss option that includes a meal and the opportunity to enjoy the marina. However, if you’re seeking a deep, immersive encounter or are sensitive to shorter time slots, you might want to weigh those considerations.

Key Points

• Short but sweet: Just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick visit.
• Family friendly: Suitable for children over 6, but not for very young kids or pregnant women.
• Good value: The price includes the encounter, buffet lunch, and access to facilities.
• Staff and timing vary: Some reviews indicate some staff rudeness and a surprisingly brief experience.
• No photos in water: Cameras are not allowed during the encounter, though professional photos are available afterward for purchase.
• Facilities included: Use of pools, showers, lockers, and restrooms adds convenience post-encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Manatee Encounter in Puerto Aventuras

When you arrive at Dolphin Discovery Puerto Aventuras, the experience begins with a safety briefing from the crew. This is pretty standard but important, especially considering you’ll be in the water alongside these gentle giants. Once ready, you’ll jump into the water, where the real magic happens. The staff will introduce you to the manatees—docile, curious, and eager to meet people.

The highlight for most visitors is the chance to touch and caress a manatee as it swims close by. Some even get to feed these creatures, which adds an extra layer of interaction. Keep in mind that the experience lasts around 15-20 minutes, which some travelers have pointed out as being quite short. As one reviewer put it, “The encounter was very nice. But much too short!”

Throughout, guides are available to answer questions and help facilitate the interactions. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, but some reviews mention that staff can be impatient or hurried, which might detract from the experience if you’re hoping for a more personalized touch.

The Meal and Facilities

After your water adventure, you’ll head to the buffet, which includes two non-alcoholic drinks and a variety of food options. While the menu isn’t detailed, most find it satisfying enough for a quick lunch and appreciate the convenience of having everything in one spot. It’s a good way to unwind and discuss the encounter with your group.

Full access to the marina facilities is included, so you can take advantage of the pools, showers, lockers, and restrooms. This makes it easy to freshen up or relax after your activity, especially if you’re planning to continue exploring Puerto Aventuras or heading elsewhere.

The Practical Side: Cost and What’s Included

At $69 per person, this tour offers decent value considering the encounter, buffet, and use of amenities. However, it’s worth noting that photos taken during the encounter are not included and are sold separately, which can be a disappointment if you’re hoping for souvenirs.

Plus, the tour duration is quite capped—about 30 minutes overall—so don’t expect hours of interaction. It’s a quick hit of joy rather than an in-depth experience, which may suit travelers with tight schedules or those just looking to tick off a unique activity.

Authentic Traveler Insights

The reviews paint a mixed picture. On one hand, many visitors rave about the adorable manatees and the fun of feeding and stroking them. For example, one traveler from the UK said, “The manatees were just the cutest, and this trip was worth every penny.” They loved the ability to get close and interact.

But not all reviews are glowing. A U.S. traveler noted, “The staff at Puerto Aventuras was rude and impatient,” and found the experience “short and expensive for such little time with the animal.” Another pointed out, “The encounter was very nice, but much too short!”

These insights remind us that while the animals and the setting can be truly special, the overall experience can vary depending on staff attitude and expectations for time.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a quick, friendly interaction with manatees, and don’t mind a brief encounter, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with family members over 6, as it offers a safe, guided environment for interaction.

It’s also a solid choice for those who want some convenience, as the package includes lunch and access to facilities, making it more of an all-in-one outing. However, if you’re searching for a longer, more immersive wildlife experience or want to avoid the possibility of rushed staff, you might want to set your expectations accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the encounter last?
The actual interaction with the manatees typically lasts around 15-20 minutes, which some travelers find a bit brief.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the encounter, access to the pools, lockers, showers, restrooms, and a buffet meal with two non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I take photos during the encounter?
Cameras are not permitted in the water, but professional photos will be available for purchase afterward.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Children over 4.6 feet (140 cm) can pay the adult rate. Kids between 3.9 and 4.6 feet must be accompanied by a paying adult, and younger children under 3.3 feet are considered infants. Note that children under 6 are not recommended, and pregnant women are advised not to participate.

Are there other activities included?
No, the main activity is the manatee encounter itself. Additional activities in Riviera Maya are not included.

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

Are the staff helpful?
Reactions vary. Some visitors felt the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, while others found them impatient or rushed.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Aventuras Manatee Encounter offers a simple, engaging way to meet some of the ocean’s most gentle creatures. If you’re looking for a short but meaningful interaction, coupled with a nice meal and access to marina facilities, it’s a practical choice. The experience’s charm lies in the adorable manatees and the ease of the setup, making it suitable for a relaxed, family-friendly outing.

However, be prepared for the possibility of a shorter, sometimes rushed encounter, and manage your expectations around photo opportunities and length of interaction. It’s not the most in-depth wildlife experience, but for many, that’s part of its appeal—an efficient way to tick a unique activity off your list without too much fuss.

If you’re in the area and want a taste of the marine life with minimal hassle, this might just be worth your time. Just remember to go in with a positive attitude, and leave enough time to enjoy the marina afterward.

Happy travels, and I hope your adventure with the manatees is as charming as it sounds.

You can check availability for your dates here: