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Delfiniti Ixtapa

4.2
·4k reviews·Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Vibrant family waterpark in Ixtapa offering unique dolphin swim experiences and therapeutic programs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal time

CrowdLow
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Dolphins Baby and Mia

Delfiniti Ixtapa

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal time

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vibrant family waterpark in Ixtapa offering unique dolphin swim experiences and therapeutic programs.

4.2
(4k reviews)

"Kids had a blast swimming with the dolphins, an unforgettable experience for the whole family."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 No Personal Photos Allowed

You can't take your own photos during interactions. Professional photos are available for purchase, but they are pricey. :camerawithflash:

💰 Book Ahead for Discounts

Reservations made the day before can sometimes secure a discount on your dolphin interaction. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Swim with Dolphins

Swim with Dolphins

Dolphinarium

An unforgettable opportunity to interact and swim with dolphins, creating lasting memories for families.

Dolphin Therapy Sessions

Dolphin Therapy Sessions

Therapy Area

Specialized sessions using dolphin interaction to aid in the rehabilitation and well-being of children.

Family Waterpark Experience

Family Waterpark Experience

Waterpark Area

Beyond dolphins, enjoy a family-friendly waterpark with slides and pools for a full day of fun.

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Planning Your Visit

Consider Dolphin Welfare

While many visitors find Delfiniti Ixtapa an unforgettable experience, some reviews raise concerns about dolphin welfare and captivity. Research and decide if this aligns with your values before booking.

Book Interactions in Advance

To secure your preferred dolphin interaction and potentially get a discount, it's recommended to make reservations the day before. This also helps manage crowds and ensures a smoother experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal time
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Dolphin shows are often scheduled
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hoy nuestro agradecimiento es para el equipo Delfiniti Ixtapa por su solidaridad y cariño con nuestros niños y jóvenes de #ClubdeDiscapacidad.🐬🫶 Donde vivimos una semana de Delfinoterapias, creando lazos de amor y conexión entre nuestros pequeños y los delfines, reforzando su sistema nervioso central y con ello su calidad de vida. ¡Muchas gracias! #ConAmorTodoEsPosible
zihuatanejodif
29 likes • 651 views

📸 No Personal Photos Allowed

You can't take your own photos during interactions. Professional photos are available for purchase, but they are pricey. :camerawithflash:

💰 Book Ahead for Discounts

Reservations made the day before can sometimes secure a discount on your dolphin interaction. :ticket:

"Delfiniti Delfinario Ixtapa", es el nombre del lugar en donde tienen encerrados a unos delfines. Recibí este video y prefiero mantenerla en anonimato porque sé lo que es ser atacada por la industria del cautiverio. Aún así seguiré denunciando en mis redes abusos como éste. Estos delfines se encuentran a unos metros del mar. Estos delfines escuchan el "punchis punchis" de la música todo el día. Es...
karmuncol
279 likes • 7.5K views
Visitando Delfiniti Ixtapa!!! Nos encantó nadar con los delfines 🐬🐬🐬🐬 una experiencia inolvidable
eldapasteles_zihuatanejo
8 likes • 354 views

🐬 Consider Dolphin Welfare

Some visitors express concerns about dolphin captivity. Research and decide if this experience aligns with your values. :thought_balloon:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Families

Kids often have a blast swimming with dolphins, making it a memorable family outing. :family_ww:

3era terapia, nosotros tomamos 30 min cada sesión en total 5 sesiones al año en delfiniti de ixtapa ♾️
el_autismo_y_diego
3 likes • 191 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 No Personal Photos Allowed

You can't take your own photos during interactions. Professional photos are available for purchase, but they are pricey. :camerawithflash:

💰 Book Ahead for Discounts

Reservations made the day before can sometimes secure a discount on your dolphin interaction. :ticket:

🐬 Consider Dolphin Welfare

Some visitors express concerns about dolphin captivity. Research and decide if this experience aligns with your values. :thought_balloon:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Families

Kids often have a blast swimming with dolphins, making it a memorable family outing. :family_ww:

🌊 Dolphin Therapy Benefits

Delfiniti offers dolphin therapy sessions, which some find beneficial for children with special needs. :heart:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Delfiniti Ixtapa offers a memorable experience, particularly for families enjoying dolphin swims and specialized therapy sessions. However, concerns about dolphin welfare and the high cost of professional photography are noted by some visitors.

"Xavier was a fantastic guide. My kids had a blast swimming with the dolphins."

Chris Bayliss

"Terrible experience. The dolphins are under terrible conditions, you can see that they are hurt. If you care about an animals, please DONT GO. Don’t be part of this business 😔"

M. Dreyer

"While I am aware that the issue of cetaceans in captivity is an important and contentious one, it is not one that I have given sufficient attention to offer much insight on. The dolphins my eight-year-old son and I interacted with certainly seemed healthy and happy enough, and the aquarium seemed more than large enough for the number of dolphins living in it (but I am not a marine biologist, and so have little more than my impressions to base this on). Moreover, everyone I observed (including my fellow visitors) treated the dolphins with kindness and respect.

My son and I signed up for the full interaction, which I recommend if you can afford it. We made our reservations the day before with Jesús Rodríguez, who kindly obtained us a substantial discount.

The experience itself is largely indescribable. Luz, the dolphin we interacted with, not only seemed healthy and happy as I mentioned, but also friendly and patient with her visitors. The interaction was informative as well as exciting, and so my son and I also learned a bit about dolphin behavior and physiology.

As some other visitors have mentioned, photographs are strictly prohibited within the facilities. Notably, this restriction is not limited to interactions with the dolphins. While profitability may indeed be a factor here, I also suspect it reduces the likelihood of a visitor doing something stupid in an unsupervised interaction with one of the animals.

The photographs provided by the professional photographers are indeed expensive--in our case, they cost almost as much as the visit itself. That said, the people responsible for the pictures are clearly professional photographers, such that the photographs are of much higher quality than anything I would have snapped with the camera on phone, or even with one of their cameras."

Brian Michael Napoletano

What People Like

Unforgettable dolphin swims
Great for families
Beneficial dolphin therapy

What People Dislike

Dolphin welfare concerns
Expensive photos

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Delfiniti Ixtapa is located in Ixtapa, Guerrero, Mexico. It's often mentioned in conjunction with hotels like Brisamar Ixtapa, suggesting it's accessible from major tourist areas. Taxis or ride-sharing services are common ways to reach attractions in Ixtapa. Instagram

Yes, Delfiniti Ixtapa is conveniently located near other popular spots like the Magic World Ixtapa waterpark, making it easy to combine visits. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The cost for dolphin interactions can vary. Some visitors recommend booking in advance to potentially secure a discount. Professional photos are an additional, significant expense. Reddit

While specific online booking details aren't always highlighted, making reservations the day before is a common recommendation, suggesting direct contact or through travel partners might be necessary. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but it's generally a daytime attraction. It's best to check their official channels or inquire when booking your interaction. Instagram

Yes, Delfiniti Ixtapa offers various interaction programs, including swimming with dolphins and specialized dolphin therapy sessions. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors describe swimming with dolphins as an indescribable and exciting experience. The dolphins are reported to be friendly and patient, and the interactions can be informative about dolphin behavior. Reddit

No, personal photography is strictly prohibited within the facilities during dolphin interactions. Professional photographers are on-site to capture the moments, but their photos are expensive. Reddit

Visitor opinions are divided. Some report the dolphins appearing healthy and happy, while others express strong concerns about the conditions and signs of depression in the animals. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Delfiniti Ixtapa is often highlighted as a fantastic family destination, with children frequently described as having a blast during dolphin swims. Instagram+1

Delfiniti Ixtapa offers dolphin therapy sessions, which are noted for their potential benefits in aiding children with central nervous system atypicalities and improving their quality of life. Instagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While specific dining details for Delfiniti itself aren't extensively covered, it's a family waterpark, so it's likely there are concessions or nearby eateries. Hotels in the vicinity often have multiple restaurants. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Professional photographers are available at Delfiniti Ixtapa to capture your dolphin encounters. These photos are of high quality but come at a significant cost, often comparable to the interaction itself. Reddit

The restriction on personal photography is likely in place to ensure visitor safety during interactions and potentially to encourage the purchase of professional photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Delfiniti Ixtapa is a hit with families, especially for the chance to swim with dolphins. Kids often have an absolute blast, making it a truly memorable experience. Instagram+1 The park also offers dolphin therapy sessions, which can be beneficial for children with special needs, showcasing a dual focus on fun and therapeutic engagement. Instagram+1

Be prepared for the fact that you won't be able to take your own photos during the interaction. Professional photos are available for purchase, but they are quite expensive, so factor that into your budget if you want to bring home souvenirs of your kids' dolphin adventure. Reddit

❤️ Those Interested in Dolphin Therapy

For individuals or families seeking the benefits of dolphin-assisted therapy, Delfiniti Ixtapa offers specialized sessions. These programs are designed to support children with central nervous system atypicalities, aiming to enhance their well-being and quality of life. Instagram+2 The facility is involved in studies to measure the effectiveness of these therapies, indicating a commitment to their development and validation. Instagram

While the therapeutic aspects are a draw, it's worth noting the broader discussions around animal therapy and captivity. Researching these aspects can help you make an informed decision about whether Delfiniti's approach aligns with your expectations and values. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Dolphin Therapy

Delfiniti Ixtapa is recognized for its role in dolphin therapy, particularly for children with atypicalities in their central nervous system. These sessions aim to improve their quality of life through interaction with dolphins. Instagram+2 Studies are being conducted, such as one by the Politécnico Nacional, to measure the efficiency of these therapies, highlighting a commitment to understanding and advancing their benefits. Instagram

While the therapeutic benefits are a significant aspect, it's important to note that the practice of using animals for therapy, especially in captivity, can be a sensitive topic. Visitors considering these sessions may wish to research the broader discussions around animal-assisted therapy and its ethical considerations. Instagram

The focus on specialized programs like dolphin therapy underscores Delfiniti's multifaceted approach, extending beyond simple entertainment to potentially impactful therapeutic interventions. Instagram

The Controversy of Captivity

The presence of dolphins in captivity at Delfiniti Ixtapa has drawn criticism from some visitors and animal welfare advocates. Concerns are raised about the dolphins' living conditions, with some describing them as 'terrible' and the animals showing signs of depression. InstagramReddit

Conversely, other visitors report that the dolphins they interacted with appeared healthy, happy, and well-cared for, with the aquarium seeming sufficiently large for the number of animals. These observers, while acknowledging they are not marine biologists, noted that visitors treated the dolphins with kindness and respect. Reddit

This divergence in experiences and opinions highlights the ongoing debate surrounding marine parks and animal captivity. Visitors are encouraged to research these concerns and form their own informed opinions before deciding to visit. InstagramReddit

Capturing Memories: Professional Photography

At Delfiniti Ixtapa, personal cameras and phones are not permitted during dolphin interactions. This policy is in place to ensure safety and potentially to encourage the use of their professional photography services. Reddit

The professional photographers on-site capture high-quality images of your experience. While these photos are often praised for their quality, they come at a considerable cost, sometimes nearly as much as the interaction itself. Reddit

For those who wish to have tangible memories of their dolphin encounter, investing in the professional photo package is the only option. It's advisable to budget for this expense if capturing these moments is a priority. Reddit

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