5 Dolphin Watching Tours in Playa del Carmen Worth the Money

1.Akumal: Dolphin Encounter

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 56 reviews · from $99Our pick

Spend 15 minutes learning about dolphin care and behavior, then take part in a 40-minute encounter in Akumal. Expect games, a dolphin handshake, and time to watch the animals sing and move in the water. The session is led in English or Spanish. Lockers are included, but photos, towels, and transport are not.

“We have to admit that it was a fantastic experience, thanks to the contact with the dolphins, and Frida, our guide, did a great job. We did feel a bit cheated that, in addition to paying a hefty price (€84/person for 40 minutes of contact with the dolphins), we also had to pay €240 if we wanted photos... it quickly adds up to an hour. During the interaction, the dolphins revolve around the photos, and the guide and photographer constantly keep an eye on each other, with the guide providing explanations when the photographer moves on to other groups. So, very commercially exploited!Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Dolphin Encounter with Beach Club Access

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 34 reviews · 1 day · from $109

At Dolphin Discovery Maroma, marine mammal specialists lead a 15-minute briefing and a 30-minute, shallow-water dolphin encounter with simple interactions such as a hug, handshake, or high-five. Then you can use Maroma Beach Club for the rest of the day. The $109 price includes neither transport, food, drinks, nor photos.

“Magnifique moment avec les dauphins, les enfants on adoré et l’accès privé au top! Je recommande fortement ! Notre guide Luis a été génial 😉”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Swimming Experience with Dolphins

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · 45 min · from $127

Near the Xcaret Park parking lot in Quintana Roo, Delphinus Dolphins runs a 45-minute program for groups of up to 10. You get 20 minutes in the water and take part in ten activities, including learning about dolphin behavior and a dolphin kiss. Staff speak English and Spanish. Cameras and phones are not allowed in the habitat, and photos cost extra.

“Bien accueilli, par groupes de huit personnes, nous avons pu approcher de près des dauphins. Vraiment magnifique.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Swim with dolphins Primax

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 1 hour · from $197Top rated

At Delphinus, near the Xcaret Park parking lot, join up to three other participants for the Primax dolphin program. Expect 18 in-water activities, including a dolphin kiss, an introduction to dolphin anatomy and behavior, and a 15-minute snorkel. Staff speak Spanish and English. Phones and cameras are not allowed in the habitat.

“An incredible experience from start to finish! Swimming with the dolphins was magical, and the staff were outstanding — professional, caring, and full of enthusiasm.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Swim with dolphins Interax

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 8 reviews · 45 min · from $138

At Delphinus, beside the Xcaret Park parking lot, you spend 30 minutes in the water with a dolphin during a 45-minute session. Expect 14 activities, including learning about dolphin anatomy and behavior, games, petting, and a kiss. The session is limited to six participants; cameras and phones are not allowed in the habitat.

“The experience itself was good however no one there to meet you or dorect to what was happening so instructions could be clearer”

Check availability →Read our full review