Dolphin Encounter and Chankanaab National Marine Park

Cozumel Dolphin Encounter at Chankanaab Marine Park | Port Cruise Excursion

Excursion Highlights:

 

 

Price: $139.00   Children ages 1 - 7 OR under 3'11" must be accompanied by 1 paying adult (18+) per child. Children 8+ OR over 3'11" can swim on their own if an adult is present. All children swimming without 1 adult per child MUST pay adult price.

Please Note: This excursion cannot be confirmed without the Name, Age, and Height of each participant.

 

Shore Excursion Size Small

 

Shore Excursion Type Eco, Nature

 

Shore Excursion Duration 1+ Hour

 

Activity Level Moderate

 

Shore Excursion Leaves From An approximately 5 to 10-minute taxi ride (not included, approximately $15 US to $20 US each way) is required to reach your departure location.

 

Food/Beverage Provided Beverage Included

 

Recommended Dress We recommend wearing a swimsuit under comfortable clothing and shoes. A towel, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen (for after the dolphin portion) is recommended. Sunblock, jewelry, watches, rings, bracelets, or any object which might scratch the dolphin is not permitted in the water with the dolphins.

 

Restrictions The minimum height requirement is 3 feet 3 inches (39 inches / 100 cm). Children under 3 feet 9 inches (45 inches / 114 cm) must be accompanied by a paying adult for each child. Children between 3 feet 9 inches and 4 feet 6 inches (45–54 inches / 114–137 cm) also require one paying adult per child. Children over 4 feet 6 inches (54 inches / 137 cm) can participate independently. Infants under 3 feet 3 inches (39 inches / 100 cm) or children ages 1 to 5 who do not meet the height requirement are not eligible to participate.  If any children are participating on their own (without at least one adult per child), they must be counted as an adult at the time of booking. Pregnant women may not participate in this tour.  Guests ages 60–79 may participate in all dolphin programs provided they are fully independent, have no medical or mobility limitations, and can swim unassisted. Guests ages 80 and over may participate in the Dolphin Encounter only; other interactive dolphin programs are not permitted.  You do not need to be a swimmer to participate in this program. All participants are required to wear a life jacket.  Sunblock, jewelry, watches, rings, bracelets, or any objects that might scratch the dolphin are not permitted in the water with the dolphins. The instructors have the final say on what can and cannot be worn in the water with the dolphins. For security reasons, personal cameras are not allowed in the water or in the program area. A professional photographer will be on hand to take pictures, which will be available for purchase.

 

This Chankanaab Dolphin Encounter is a great option for guests of all ages looking to enjoy an up-close experience with these fascinating marine mammals in Cozumel. Set within the beautiful surroundings of Chankanaab National Marine Park, this program offers a fun and educational introduction to dolphins in a safe and controlled environment.

 

Your experience begins with a 15-minute orientation led by a professional trainer, where you will learn about dolphin anatomy, behavior, and how they communicate. You'll then enter the water wearing a provided life jacket and step onto a submerged platform, where the water is approximately waist-deep for most adults.

 

During your encounter, you will interact with one dolphin and take part in a variety of guided activities. These may include a dolphin welcome, observing dolphin sounds and vocalizations, learning about their fins and anatomy, and experiencing behaviors such as dolphin camouflage, a swim-by, a dolphin kiss, a fin shake, and responding to a hand target. The program also shares an important environmental conservation message and concludes with a dolphin farewell.

 

The program includes approximately 30 minutes in the water within a total duration of about 45 minutes, with a maximum of 10 guests per platform to ensure a comfortable and engaging experience.

 

As part of your visit, you will also enjoy a 10-minute manatee meet and greet, offering a calm and educational opportunity to observe these gentle marine animals up close.

 

Your tour ticket includes admission to Chankanaab National Marine Park. Guests can arrive at any time and make use of the facilities at the park. The park offers a beach, swimming pool, and snorkel area. Restrooms and showers are available. Beach chairs and snorkel gear can be rented. There is a restaurant offering food and drinks for sale. On most days, you can catch a thrilling Sea Lion Show. Be sure to check the schedule when you arrive for shows on that day. Explore the Chankanaab National Marine Park and encounter its amazing wildlife on this fun Cozumel shore excursion!

 

Please note: On the platform, guests will take part in an educational briefing followed by close-up interactions such as a dolphin kiss, fin shake, and other guided behaviors. The experience lasts approximately 45 minutes, including about 30 minutes in the water, with a maximum of 10 guests per platform and one dolphin. Admission to Chankanaab National Marine Park is included, along with a 10-minute manatee meet and greet, access to a sea lion presentation, and use of the park's facilities, including the pool and beach areas. Guests ages 60-79 may participate in all dolphin programs provided they are fully independent, have no medical or mobility limitations, and can swim unassisted. Guests ages 80 and over may participate in the Dolphin Encounter only; other interactive dolphin programs are not permitted.