Dolphin Encounter at Dolphinaris in Cozumel

At Dolphinaris in Cozumel, we got to shake hands with a dolphin and share a dolphin kiss in a dolphin encounter during our Norwegian Cruise Line excursion.

We took a seven-day cruise on the Norwegian Prima out of Port Canaveral with stops in the Bahamas (cancelled due to high waves), Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Overview

We booked the excursion through Norwegian Cruise Line, which means you can contact them if you have any problems. It also ensures you get back before the ship leaves port. We wore swim trunks, brought towels, and packed clothes for after the dolphin encounter.

Do not wear suntan lotion, or you will have to wash it off before entering the water with the dolphins.

The encounter comes with food and drinks at the restaurant.

*You will swim with two dolphins instead of one for the encounter as a difference.*

You can pay extra to swim with the dolphins, but our son wasn’t up for that.

If you have an older child who swims well, you might want to consider the swimming option.

Closed Activity

Serenity Cove is usually open to kids and adults. It’s a safe inlet with snorkel gear, where you can swim among tropical fish or try paddleboarding and kayaking. Unfortunately, it wasn’t available when we visited.

*Walking to the port from the cruise ship.*

Start of the Day

In Cozumel, we could walk straight off the ship, unlike in Grand Cayman the day before, where we needed a tender boat.

The Port Area

We met the tour director at the port, then walked through a nearby mall to reach our van. It was a bit hard to keep track of the tour director in the crowd, so be aware of this.

After that, we drove through town in an air-conditioned minivan. The ride to the facility was short.

Checking In

When you arrive at the facility, you start the check-in process. Since there are many groups, you’ll get a number and join your assigned group.

Next, there’s a ten-minute orientation where you learn about the dolphins and how to interact with them.

After the orientation, everyone gets a life jacket.

While we waited, I watched other groups interact with the dolphins. It helped me see what we’d be doing soon.

Dolphin Encounter

Finally, our group was called, and we headed down to the dolphin encounter area. It is an artificially created waist-deep lagoon. Be careful stepping down into the water. I slightly scraped my ankle heading into the water. You have 40 minutes in the water.

The trainer brings the dolphin over to greet you. Everyone gets a chance to kiss, shake hands with, and hug the dolphin. A photographer takes pictures you can buy later, but they are pricey.

I didn’t mind waiting for the next person to do the encounter; it was nice just to watch the dolphins interact with everybody. It was a group of ten, so it was not too long before your turn.

The kissing part was easy for me, but shaking the dolphin’s fin felt awkward, and I hesitated a bit with the hug since I’m not used to being in the water with dolphins.

My son loved the dolphins. It was his favorite part of the whole trip.

*The restaurant is located above the dolphin pools.*

Dinner Time

Afterward, we changed and went to the restaurant. We didn’t have to wait long for a table. You choose your food and drinks from the menu, and it’s all included in the excursion price.

The photographer also stops by during the meal to share information about the photo packages we did not purchase.

While we ate, I enjoyed watching other groups interact with the dolphins in the lagoon below the restaurant.

NOTE: The food was just okay. If you want a really good meal, I’d suggest trying a restaurant in San Miguel instead. I also wouldn’t wait too long for the food here.

Gift Shop

After lunch, we visited the gift shop. Some items were expensive, but I found a ten-dollar cap on the discount table.

After the gift shop, we waited for the next van, which arrived every few minutes to take us back.

*Came across a small beach as I explored the port area.*

Back At Port

Because our excursion was in the late morning, we had time to explore the shops near the cruise port when we returned.

Final Thoughts

I’m not sure I’d do a dolphin encounter again. I wish the dolphins could live in the ocean instead of a facility, though they seemed well cared for. I’ve seen dolphin shows before, but being in the water with them is a different experience. They have lots of small teeth and are very friendly and smart.

This is probably the easiest dolphin encounter to get to, since it’s close to the port.

There are other dolphin encounters in Cozumel and at other ports, so choose the one that fits you best. Some offer encounters with other sea life, snorkeling, and more. I recommend doing some research before picking one.