We did the Dolphin "Royal Swim" in Chankanaab. We interacted with the animals for about 45 minutes to an hour. There were 8 in our group, and then 2 left to go back to their ship. We had all the time we wanted with the animals, did every activity they knew--they pushed us out of the water by our feet, pulled us, swam in and out around us, splashed us (they seemed to really get a kick out of that). We got great photos (water camera). My kids thought they had died and gone to heaven. This was worth every dime. We saw the (large) group from the cruise ship with their flippers snorkeling with the dolphins. Trust me, they did not seem to be having the intimate encounter we were having. We booked directly with the park. Cabs were plentiful and not expensive. Chankanaab is practically in sight of the International pier where RCCL docked at that time (no you can't walk there--I just mean to say it is not a dicey ride and not worrisome for making back due to traffic or if you have car trouble more cabs are conveniently going by) There were many cabs at the park waiting to take us back. There is concession there, a nature walk with reproduction ruins (cute picture opportunities), a small beach, snorkeling and equipment rental, lounge chairs, lockers, clean rest rooms and of course a gift shop (where you can get overpriced photos of you with the dolphins and a DVD of your adventure--we bought both!) This probably stands out as one of our best days ever. There is admission to the park but enough to do there to be worth it we felt. The personnel we dealt with spoke good English and were a pleasure to be with. Would do this again in an instant. Our tables mates did a dolpin encounter where you do not get to swim, only greet, touch and watch the dolphins and used the words like "rip off". Again, the Royal Swim was worth every penny.
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Laurie
RCCL Nordic Empress 1993
RCCL Nordic Prince 1994
RCCL Explorer 2003, 2005
RCCL Navigator, 2004, 2007
RCCL Mariner 2006
RCCL Liberty 2008
RCCL Adventure 2009 Read and post cruise reviews
cruzsnob, just be careful with which one you pick versus which one you want. The "Dolphin Experience" means you get to see the dolphins and maybe touch their noses. The Dolphin Swim means you get in the water and they swim with you. Read the details and chose the one you want so you are not disappointed.
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================================================== ========== Carnival Cruise Lines:
Fantasy 90, Celebration 95, Victory 05, Conquest 05, Spirit 6/06, Freedom 6/08, Holiday 7/08, Victory 6/09, Valor 9/09, Dream 6/10, Splendor 8/10,Conquest 8/11,Magic 11/11,Triumph 4/12,Spirit 7/12,Freedom 11/12, Triumph 2/13 - The fire cruise
NCL Dream October 2006, RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007
spoheat summed it up beautifully. I love chanacanob. We always go there when we go to cozumel. search the internet for coupons. they have 2 dollar off coupons at the chanacanob site. not much but it will buy everyone a coke with the money you save.
We did our swim at Chankanaab, too! It was awesome. Just make sure it's the swim and NOT the encounter. Chankanaab is a beautiful park, restaurant, a couple of shops, showers, lockers, and a place to snorkel. You'll love it!
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