Interactive Aquarium Cancún

Rating

4.0(6,800)

Family of 4

$65-$350 USD depending on add-ons.

Duration

1-2 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 2-12

About

The Interactive Aquarium Cancún is located inside La Isla Shopping Village in the heart of the Hotel Zone, making it one of the most convenient family attractions in Cancún. It's not a massive aquarium on the scale of Georgia Aquarium or Monterey Bay, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in hands-on interaction that kids absolutely love.

The main aquarium features a collection of tropical fish, jellyfish, seahorses, and a walk-through shark tunnel where nurse sharks, rays, and other species glide overhead. It's compact enough that even toddlers can do the full circuit without getting tired.

The standout feature is the interaction area. Kids can touch stingrays in a shallow pool, hold starfish, and hand-feed sea turtles. This tactile experience is what sets this aquarium apart from bigger but more hands-off facilities. For young children (ages 2-6), this alone justifies the visit.

For families willing to invest more, the aquarium offers several premium encounters. The Dolphin Swim lets kids age 5+ interact with bottlenose dolphins — touching, hugging, and getting a dorsal fin ride. The Sea Lion Discovery is a more affordable alternative where kids meet and pose with sea lions. And the Shark Encounter lets brave swimmers age 8+ enter the shark tank with a guide.

The aquarium serves double duty as a rainy-day option since it's fully indoor and air-conditioned. At just 1-2 hours for the basic visit, it pairs perfectly with shopping and dining at La Isla Shopping Village. The Ferris wheel and canal boat rides at La Isla add another hour of family fun.

Pricing is tiered: basic aquarium admission is very affordable, while the dolphin and shark encounters are premium add-ons. For families on a budget, the basic admission with the touch tank provides solid entertainment value without breaking the bank.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are least crowded. Avoid weekends and holidays when the aquarium gets packed. The afternoon feeding times (check schedule at entrance) are the most exciting time to visit.

Wait Times

Minimal for general admission; 15-30 min for dolphin encounters

Nearby Food

You're inside La Isla Shopping Village, which has dozens of restaurants: Johnny Rockets for burgers, Häagen-Dazs for ice cream, The Seafood Market for local fish, and Taco Factory for Mexican food. There's also a food court with multiple options for picky eaters.

Why Kids Love It

The Interactive Aquarium puts kids face-to-face with marine life in ways most aquariums don't. The touch tank is the highlight for little ones — they can hold starfish, pet stingrays, and feed sea turtles with their own hands. The shark tank has a walk-through tunnel where sharks swim overhead, and brave kids (age 8+) can even do a shark encounter swim.

But the real magic is the dolphin area. Even without paying for a swim, kids can watch the dolphins play and interact with trainers. For families who splurge on the dolphin encounter, it's a memory that lasts forever — kids get to touch, hug, and even get a push-ride from a bottlenose dolphin.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • The basic admission is a great rainy-day activity — affordable and right in the Hotel Zone
  • If you're doing the dolphin swim, book ahead online for better pricing
  • The touch tank area is the best part for kids under 6 — let them linger
  • Combine with a visit to La Isla Shopping Village since the aquarium is inside it
  • Bring a waterproof camera if doing any swim encounters

What to Bring

  • Camera (flash-free for aquarium viewing)
  • Swimsuit if doing dolphin/shark/sea lion encounter
  • Light jacket (the aquarium is air-conditioned)
  • Cash for souvenir photos
  • Towel if doing water encounters

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$65-$350 USD depending on add-ons.

Basic admission ~$16/person.

Dolphin swim packages $99-$179/person extra.

Sea lion and shark encounters have additional fees.

Tips to Save

  • Basic admission alone is very affordable at ~$16/person.
  • If you book a dolphin swim, aquarium entrance is included free.
  • Skip the add-on experiences if budget is tight — the basic aquarium tour with the touch tank is plenty for young kids.
  • Combine with shopping at La Isla to make a half-day of it.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
9:00AM-8:00PM
Monday
9:00AM-8:00PM
Sunday
9:00AM-8:00PM
Tuesday
9:00AM-8:00PM
Saturday
9:00AM-8:00PM
Thursday
9:00AM-8:00PM
Wednesday
9:00AM-8:00PM

Contact

Blvd. Kukulcán Km 12.5, La Isla Shopping Village, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Booking

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