Dolphinaris in Cozumel- anyone booked this directly on your own?

[triplefigs]

instead of going through DCL? The Dolphinaris website has a section where it says cruise line passengers should book through their cruise, but it is much cheaper to book directly. Thanks!

 

[mamajojo]

instead of going through DCL? The Dolphinaris website has a section where it says cruise line passengers should book through their cruise, but it is much cheaper to book directly. Thanks!

I am wondering this as well.

 

[stlkeeler]

instead of going through DCL? The Dolphinaris website has a section where it says cruise line passengers should book through their cruise, but it is much cheaper to book directly. Thanks!

I was going to book directly but their website also says kids need to be at least 10 years to do the swim and DCL says they can be 5 years (my DGD is only 7). The cost for DCL is only $5 more than direct. I thought that was worth it since transportation is now taken care of.

Have a great trip!

 

[TVEPFOX]

We did it through the cruise with our 6 DD. We waited around almost 2 hours! Not fun. People who booked on their own walked right in. I was mad because DCL sent such a huge group and the Mexican sun was brutal! The groups did have a place to wait in the shade, but it was too long for the kids.

 

[jedijill]

instead of going through DCL? The Dolphinaris website has a section where it says cruise line passengers should book through their cruise, but it is much cheaper to book directly. Thanks!

I booked directly with Dolphin Discovery in Cozumel. It was cheaper and included more options than what the cruise line offered.

HTH

Jill in CO

 

[triplefigs]

I booked directly with Dolphin Discovery in Cozumel. It was cheaper and included more options than what the cruise line offered.

HTH

Jill in CO

Thanks for your reply. However, we are looking at Dolphinaris specifically as it is enclosed. My DS has mild Cerebral Palsy, and it would be much easier for him to stand in the enclosed pool vs the one at Dolphin Discovery that is subject to tides/waves.

 

[nu2dvc]

I am also trying to get more info on the Dolphin Discovery at Chakanaab park vs. Dolphinaris - both in Cozumel.... anybody out there that is familiar with both?

TIA!

 

[yvetticonfetti]

we're trying to decide as well.

 

[SeattleSuz]

So is it really the case that booking directly through them, the child has to be at least 10, but booking through DCL, the age is much younger?? I would be curious as well, since my DD will be nearly 7 when we go...

 

[mikeymouse1223]

We booked on our own Jan/13 directly through Dolphinaris. Myself, DW, and 5 year old twins booked an excursion where we interacted with a dolphin, but didn't do the full push/pull swim. It was good for kids their age. We were all able to touch the dolphin, kiss him, etc. We walked from the port. It was very close and safe. We got there before the DCL excursion, and left way before they did. It was also quite a bit cheaper. I would recommend doing it on your own. We booked an early morning time because we knew it would get quite hot in the Mexican sun & you can't wear sunscreen in the dolphin pool. Hope that helps!

 

[ocspartan]

I too was looking into this, so for those that booked on your own, did the adult going in wih the kids have to pay full price or was there an observer price? Bc on the dcl page it says the adult who helps only needs to pay the observer price so the combined price for adult and child seems lower. Thanks for the help

 

[favoriteslave]

We did Dolphinaris a few years back outside of disney. We had a group of 10. We walked from port, was escorted past the DCL que, given lockers, towels and then taken directly to the dolphin area. Afterwards we were able to snorkel in their little cove out back. After snorkeling and our dolphin experience we were fed lunch (and booze). We also had a free picture of each one of us during our interactions with the dolphins. All and all it was a wonderful experience. I want to say the cost was just a bit more than the DCL excursion, but really really worth it when it included lockers, towels, lunch and a free picture.

Good Luck!!!!!

 

[smpowers77]

I booked directly through Chankanaab Dolphin discovery website. It will be myself and my DD (6). On the initial page it said 6-12 years for child price but in terms and conditions it said minimum age is 8 years old. I'm hoping its Mexico and they don't check her age. She is very tall for her age so often is mistaken for 8 now and we don't travel until November. We paid $119 (adult) and $89 (child) with a discount of 25% off for booking prior to 1/31/14 and using by 12/31/14. Total is $156. We booked for 10am and ship is due to arrive in port at 8:15am. My significant other only wants to observe so we will pay admission into park $21 when we arrive. When booking you had to say a specific hotel you were staying at to make reservation. If you enter DCL it will tell you to book with cruise and won't let you proceed.

 

[simbasmom2]

We did this in 2008 on our first cruise on Carnival. We booked on our own. It was fabulous.

 

[rubbergypsy]

dolphinaris was awesome. we did it on the magic 2012. the photos they took are wonderful. a great day