Cozumel Dolphin Excursion

[mlshannon]

Hey everyone,

I am looking into the Dolphin excursion for Cozumel. There is one at Dolphinaris and one at Dolphin Discovery. Can you tell me your experience and which one is the better excursion? It will be Me, my husband and 3 year old son. Is there more things to see/do at one versus the other?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

 

[Colo17]

We did Dolphin Discovery a few years ago (no kids, have done several visits). Cheaper to book directly but you don't have that option. Great folks, ok food (although long lines), nice small pool and full access to rest of Chankanaab Park, including small safe beach and sea lion show. Photos are whatever they think they can get away with. You should also get to see the manatee up close.

For last trip our 7 year old granddaughter wanted to swim with dolphins again. Chose Dolphinaris because seemed to limit what she could do less than Dolphin Discovery. She still wasn't allowed to do dorsal fin tow (she did that when she was six at Discovery Cove in Orlando) - pushed on a floatie instead with her mom. She still had a blast. Dolphinaris was packed at Christmas and didn't have other activities. Typical Mexican buffet.

I think both locations may limit what you can do with a 3 year old but you should be able to at least do a handshake and kiss at either. And be ready for picture costs over $150. Dolphin Discovery/Chankanaab has more things to do but might also cost more. Cameras not allowed at encounters and you really leave jewelry/watches back in cabin or in locker.

 

[mlshannon]

We did Dolphin Discovery a few years ago (no kids, have done several visits). Cheaper to book directly but you don't have that option. Great folks, ok food (although long lines), nice small pool and full access to rest of Chankanaab Park, including small safe beach and sea lion show. Photos are whatever they think they can get away with. You should also get to see the manatee up close.

For last trip our 7 year old granddaughter wanted to swim with dolphins again. Chose Dolphinaris because seemed to limit what she could do less than Dolphin Discovery. She still wasn't allowed to do dorsal fin tow (she did that when she was six at Discovery Cove in Orlando) - pushed on a floatie instead with her mom. She still had a blast. Dolphinaris was packed at Christmas and didn't have other activities. Typical Mexican buffet.

I think both locations may limit what you can do with a 3 year old but you should be able to at least do a handshake and kiss at either. And be ready for picture costs over $150. Dolphin Discovery/Chankanaab has more things to do but might also cost more. Cameras not allowed at encounters and you really leave jewelry/watches back in cabin or in locker.

Thank you for the insight.