Cancun: Manatee Swimming on Isla Mujeres with Buffet Lunch

Discover the Unique Manatee Encounter on Isla Mujeres

The Cancun: Manatee Swimming on Isla Mujeres with Buffet Lunch offers a heartfelt chance to meet the region’s gentle aquatic giants. For approximately $95 USD, this full-day activity includes round-trip ferry transportation from Cancun, an interactive manatee program at Dolphin Discovery, and a buffet lunch with soft drinks. Designed for those seeking a relaxed, educational experience, it suits families and anyone curious about sea creatures, with the caveat that swimming or snorkeling with the manatees is not part of this tour.

While the animal habitats are small and the encounter lasts about 15-20 minutes, reviews highlight the expert guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge, making it more than just a brief meet-and-greet. The tour’s pace, combined with the scenic ferry ride and the opportunity to relax by the pools after the encounter, makes for a well-rounded day. However, potential visitors should be aware of the limited water interaction and some organisational challenges reported by a few guests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Price: Around $95 USD per person, including ferry, encounter, lunch, and soft drinks
• Duration: Full-day experience, with ferry departure at 9:00 AM and return at 5:30 PM
• Location: Starts at Playa Langosta in Cancun, ending at Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres
• Activities: Caress and give big hugs to manatees; learn about their diets; relax at pools and enjoy buffet
• Not suitable for: Children under 8, pregnant women, mobility-impaired individuals, and wheelchair users
• Guide Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish
• Reviews: Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 81 reviews, with many praising the friendly staff and the educational aspect

The Ferry Transfer from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

The tour begins early in the morning with a ferry departure at 9:00 AM from Playa Langosta on Boulevard Kukulcan. It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes early to check in and receive your identification bracelet. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the Caribbean and is generally smooth, with opportunities to spot wild turtles and dolphins during the trip. The return ferry departs in the early evening at 5:30 PM.

The ferry transfer is free and included in the tour price, making it a convenient way to reach Isla Mujeres without extra costs. The check-in process is straightforward, with signage directing guests to the Dolphin Discovery check-in point. The journey provides a refreshing start to the day, with many guests remarking on the enjoyable ride.

Meeting at Playa Langosta and Check-in Process

The meeting point for the ferry is at Playa Langosta, situated in Boulevard Kukulcan. Arriving 30 minutes early allows for smooth check-in, where you will check in at the Dolphin Discovery booth and receive your bracelet for access. It’s best to follow the signs marked Dolphin Discovery to find the check-in area.

Staff members are generally helpful, but some reviews mention disorganization and delays, so arriving early is a good idea. The check-in involves a quick process, and then you board the smaller ferry boats for the approximately 20-minute ride to Isla Mujeres.

The Encounter with Manatees at Dolphin Discovery

Once on Isla Mujeres, the main attraction is the interactive program with manatees. The Dolphin Discovery center hosts these gentle giants, with specialized instructors guiding the experience. The guides are praised for their passion, expertise, and patience.

The encounter lasts about 15-20 minutes, during which you can caress, hug, and kiss the manatees. Guests are encouraged to give them tasty snacks, which adds a fun element to the interaction. The manatees are large, calm, and friendly, often climbing onto or swimming close to participants.

This activity is designed for a close-up experience but does not include swimming with or snorkeling alongside the animals. Some reviews note that feeding the manatees is a highlight, and many appreciate the informative explanations about their diet and behavior.

More Great Tours Nearby

Facilities and Pool Time on Isla Mujeres

After the manatee encounter, the tour provides ample time to relax at the Dolphin Discovery pools. Guests can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply unwinding by the water. The pools are well-maintained, and reviews mention the friendly environment for families and friends to enjoy together.

While some visitors find the facilities small or basic, the overall atmosphere is described as relaxed and family-friendly. The pools offer a chance to cool off or take additional photos, but the main focus remains on the manatee experience.

Buffet Lunch and Refreshments

The tour includes a buffet lunch featuring a range of local and international dishes, with guests describing it as “delicious” and suitable for most tastes. Soft drinks are unlimited and available throughout the afternoon, adding to the comfort of the day.

Some reviews highlight the quality of the food and friendly service, making the meal a pleasant part of the experience. The buffet provides enough variety for a satisfying meal after the encounter, and many guests enjoy sharing it with family and friends.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should bring swimwear, as they might want to relax in the pools or take photos. Biodegradable sunscreen is recommended to protect the environment and the marine life. Cash is necessary for additional purchases like souvenirs or tips, but cameras and cellphones are not allowed in the water to protect the animals.

It’s also advised to arrive early for check-in and be prepared for hot weather—there’s minimal shade at the facility. Visitors should note that children under 8 and pregnant women are not permitted to participate, along with individuals with mobility issues or in wheelchairs.

Accessibility and Limitations of the Tour

While the experience is family-friendly and educational, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The small habitats and short duration of the interaction mean it’s designed for those seeking a gentle, non-swimming encounter.

Guests should be aware that photos and videos in water are not permitted—photo packages are available for purchase, but reviews indicate these can be expensive. The lack of snorkeling or swimming with the manatees limits the activity for those wanting more immersive aquatic experiences.

Honest Insights from Guest Reviews

Most reviews are highly positive, emphasizing friendly guides, informative explanations, and the sweet nature of the manatees. Many highlight the personalized experience, especially when fewer participants are involved, making the encounter more intimate.

Some guests note organisational challenges, such as delays or confusing check-in procedures, and a handful mention hidden costs for photos or drinks. The small size of the animal habitats and the absence of water activities are common points of critique, but overall, the experience remains rewarding for animal lovers and families.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for families with children over 8, animal enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful, educational activity. It offers a gentle encounter with manatees in a relaxed environment, making it suitable for visitors who prefer not to swim or snorkel.

While it may not satisfy thrill-seekers or those wanting a longwater interaction, many guests find the learning aspect, friendly staff, and scenic ferry ride to be well worth the price. It’s a calm, informative outing that offers a chance to connect with the region’s unique marine life.

Final Thoughts on the Isla Mujeres Manatee Experience

The Cancun: Manatee Swimming on Isla Mujeres with its round-trip ferry, educational encounter, and buffet lunch provides a peaceful, family-friendly way to meet the region’s gentle sea giants. The expert guides and scenic boat ride add to the overall value, especially for those interested in learning about marine animals.

Though water interactions are limited and small habitats may disappoint some seeking a more immersive experience, many reviews emphasize the kindness of the manatees and the friendly staff as highlights. The lunch and pool time round out a well-organized day, making this tour a good choice for relaxed explorers and animal lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is swimming with manatees included in this tour?
No, the experience involves caressing, hugging, and feeding the manatees from the water’s edge. Swimming or snorkeling with them is not part of the itinerary.

How long does the manatee encounter last?
The encounter typically lasts 15-20 minutes, giving enough time for close interaction and learning.

What is the price of this tour?
The full-day experience costs approximately $95 USD, which includes ferry transfer, the encounter, buffet lunch, and soft drinks.

Are children under 8 allowed to participate?
No, children under 8 years old are not permitted due to safety and activity restrictions.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for extras. Cameras and cellphones are not allowed in the water.

Is there any physical difficulty involved?
The activity is gentle and requires no physical effort, but it is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or in wheelchairs.

What are the facilities like at Dolphin Discovery?
The pools are family-friendly but are described as small and basic. The focus remains on the manatee encounter.

Can I purchase photos of my experience?
Yes, photo packages are available but are considered expensive by many guests, with some reviews mentioning costs up to $200 USD.

How do I find the check-in point in Cancun?
The check-in is at Playa Langosta on Boulevard Kukulcan, about 30 minutes before departure. Follow the signs for Dolphin Discovery.

What if I want to cancel my booking?
Cancelling up to 24 hours in advance allows a full refund. The booking offers flexibility with the reserve now, pay later option.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, the guides speak English, Portuguese,, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

This tour offers a gentle, educational encounter with the region’s beloved manatees in a scenic setting, perfect for families and animal enthusiasts seeking a relaxed day in Isla Mujeres.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby