Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park
Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park
4.5
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Duration: 1-2 hours
Does not meet animal welfare
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Restaurants
10 within 3 miles
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14 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
309 reviews
Excellent
232
Very good
50
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
15
Freedom31392
montreal, Quebec2 contributions
It was incredible,!!!I went with my daughter and a friend and her daughter.You get to see 2 shows,1 with the sea lion and one with the dolphins,Then you get to swim with the dolphins if your brave enough.
,just one little disappointment we were suppose to get our picture taken with dolphins the guy let before we got to see the dolphins , we were one of the last people...So dont forget to bring a camera just in case .....You wouldnt want to miss that experience.........
,just one little disappointment we were suppose to get our picture taken with dolphins the guy let before we got to see the dolphins , we were one of the last people...So dont forget to bring a camera just in case .....You wouldnt want to miss that experience.........
Written August 24, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beach_wedding_girl
Ontario3 contributions
I know it's been a long time since my now fiance and I visited the Aquarium but Trip Advisor helped me so much I thought I would contribute as well. We visited the Aquarium when staying at Las Brisas in 2000. We took the boat over from the hotel with drinks and snorkelling included (which was great) and then we saw the sea lion show and swam with the dolphins. Normally the boat held 25 people but we were lucky enough to have only one other couple go with us. We swam with the dolphins for about an hour and they did many tricks with us and we did not have to pay any extra money. Then we had a fabulous lunch and drinks on the way back. Our boat captain was funny and kept us entertained for the duration. I liked how they had minimal disruption to the natural surroundings to house the aquarium. The show was great and not to be missed. When we got back people were most excited to hear about our experience swimming with the dolphins than anything else.
Written August 22, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Haber
Orleans, Canada469 contributions
We were picked up at 8:45 at the Playa Pesquero on an air conditioned bus for the short trip to the boat dock. There was a bar, washrooms and shade on shore if you had to wait. We didn’t have to wait though. The flat boats take 20 people each. They did a little spin out in the bay on the way there for an extra thrill.
We arrived to the sound of a Cuban band. One of the guys handed all the kids maracas which made for some great photo ops. A welcome drink for all. Those of us who’d come in clothes changed into our bathing suits. Washrooms were clean. No toilet seats, but then again, there were plenty of places in Cuba with no toilet seats. Only one of the cubicles had toilet paper. Luckily, I’d done my research and brought my own.
The dolphin pens are all around. It’s not so much an island as a bunch of interconnected boardwalks and buildings on stilts with dolphin pens in between. I was first in the water with my 8 year old son. He was a little nervous (dolphins are big animals!) but when a dolphin rolls over right beside you so you can pet its belly how can you resist? 20 people in lifejackets with 2 dolphins. We’d brought our own lifejacket for our 45 lb son. It fit better than one of theirs would have.
We all lined up and got kisses, had plenty of time to pet them, get splashed by them, etc. At the end we got to go to the front either individually or in groups to get photos of them kissing us. They had a professional photographer (10 pesos) but it wasn’t a high pressure thing. Our tour guide was happy to tell us on the bus that she was excellent at taking photos and knew all the cameras so she wouldn’t have a problem doing it for you.
We didn’t need camera help since my husband and I took turns since our 3 year old didn’t go in the water. She could have. Another little girl went that day. But ours is completely untrusting of lifejackets so we didn’t see the point of one of us getting strangled by her in the water. Afterwards though, a woman who hadn’t gone in the water asked if she could go down to the platform. So I asked the same for my daughter. It was great! The trainer signaled the dolphin to come up onto the platform and she got to pet her for a minute. I suppose it would all depend on the day and how many people were asking though.
Husband went in a different pen. 10 swimmers, 1 adult dolphin and one baby. (Awww!) Baby didn’t come over to visit anyone but swam close a few times.
Afterwards it was the sea lion show. Funny. Then the dolphin show. They really are spectacular. There’s a volunteer opportunity during the show. I won’t give it away but I wish I’d done it.
Adults: 79 CUC (some tour companies charge 99)
Kids 49
Show only 20
We arrived to the sound of a Cuban band. One of the guys handed all the kids maracas which made for some great photo ops. A welcome drink for all. Those of us who’d come in clothes changed into our bathing suits. Washrooms were clean. No toilet seats, but then again, there were plenty of places in Cuba with no toilet seats. Only one of the cubicles had toilet paper. Luckily, I’d done my research and brought my own.
The dolphin pens are all around. It’s not so much an island as a bunch of interconnected boardwalks and buildings on stilts with dolphin pens in between. I was first in the water with my 8 year old son. He was a little nervous (dolphins are big animals!) but when a dolphin rolls over right beside you so you can pet its belly how can you resist? 20 people in lifejackets with 2 dolphins. We’d brought our own lifejacket for our 45 lb son. It fit better than one of theirs would have.
We all lined up and got kisses, had plenty of time to pet them, get splashed by them, etc. At the end we got to go to the front either individually or in groups to get photos of them kissing us. They had a professional photographer (10 pesos) but it wasn’t a high pressure thing. Our tour guide was happy to tell us on the bus that she was excellent at taking photos and knew all the cameras so she wouldn’t have a problem doing it for you.
We didn’t need camera help since my husband and I took turns since our 3 year old didn’t go in the water. She could have. Another little girl went that day. But ours is completely untrusting of lifejackets so we didn’t see the point of one of us getting strangled by her in the water. Afterwards though, a woman who hadn’t gone in the water asked if she could go down to the platform. So I asked the same for my daughter. It was great! The trainer signaled the dolphin to come up onto the platform and she got to pet her for a minute. I suppose it would all depend on the day and how many people were asking though.
Husband went in a different pen. 10 swimmers, 1 adult dolphin and one baby. (Awww!) Baby didn’t come over to visit anyone but swam close a few times.
Afterwards it was the sea lion show. Funny. Then the dolphin show. They really are spectacular. There’s a volunteer opportunity during the show. I won’t give it away but I wish I’d done it.
Adults: 79 CUC (some tour companies charge 99)
Kids 49
Show only 20
Written March 25, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
North-of-Barrie
Northern Ontario57 contributions
If you go to the Guardalavaca area for you vacation in Cuba, I recommend that you swim with the dolphins! I've been to this area 3 times and have never done this before. Well I did this time and had one of the best times of my life! It costs 99 peso to go to the dolphin and sealion show and swim with the dolphins for 20 minutes. Another 10 pesos if you want to do the dolphin push where they push you up out of the water. If you only want to go and see the show and not do any swimming the show costs 40 pesos. It was worth every penny I paid! The band at the bar is really entertaining as well.
Written February 4, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheKings12
Niagara Falls, Canada28 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We did the half day dolphin excursion from 9am-1pm. Tour bus picked us up at 9am. It's a 15 minute drive from our hotel (Brisasa, Guardalavaca). Upon arrival, you are welcomed to the open bar, and they start with a sea lion show. Then you're split into groups - you can choose deep swim or shallow swim with the dolphins. You don a life jacket and hop right into the water. You have about 20 minutes with one dolphin.. between 6-8 people. There are lots of tricks, and my favourite- free time with the dolphin- just treading beside the dolphin, touching it, and really getting a good look at it- pretty neat. We all get in a line and the dolphin comes up to you and kisses you, splashes water on you, sings for you it- it's quite an experience. We even had someone taking pictures with our own camera for us- he took 100 pictures, and even a few videos. We tipped him for doing it, and I am so grateful to have all the pictures! After you have some free time at the bar and a light snack. We walked around the grounds, sat and watched the dolphins. There was one that even brought me a life jacket that had fallen in the water, and there was no trainer around! Then there's a dolphin show. After you are shuttled back over via boat to your bus. This half day excursion cost 84 CUC. You have to go.
Written September 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anders F
Copenhagen, Denmark5 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
As a mixed family danish and cuban, we were not allowed entry due to the regimes wishes to separate the cubans from turists.
Written August 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NikkiHay
Lancashire16 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
We were on our honeymoon and did 3 trips through the National Park with Joel, we stayed at Sol Rio de Luna Y Mares and I had heard of Joel through trip adviser, he works for the national park and arranges the best excursions ever. We did the dolphin trip, which included private air con coach to the national park, horse ride to a farm (optional) tour round an amazing working farm, private boat to the dolphinarium, Private swim with the dolphins... 3 of us booked through Joel, he only takes small trips... between 2-9 maybe...unlike thomas cook who take a coach load and you are in with the dolphin with 20 others! after the swim we had a tour round the bay and chance to drive the boat, then back to the national park for a 5 course meal which was delicious. Then air con bus back to the hotel... By the way we didn't have a budget as it was our honeymoon but overall it was a good £60 cheaper for the day than it would have been through thomas cook and more personal. We did 2 other amazing National park Trips with Joel, speed boat fishing and National park day with horse riding and mangrove fishing. Totally amazing! We have told Joel he needs to be available for next year as you really couldn't wish for a better guide. He is very knowledgeable and more than willing to go the extra mile for you.
Written April 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lammy69
Filey, UK42 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
What a trip, we stayed in the cottage on site at the marina, unique experience with 2 x VIP swims with the dolphins (no other visitors apart from us), All inclusive food and drink. Apart from one security guard on patrol we were all alone overnight amazing waking up to the sound of dolphin song. Bar staff were excellent and ensured we had more than enough liquid refresments to last us overnight until they returned the next day
Written April 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tooboogaloodoo
Pontefract, UK34 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
We visited here as part of a combined tour in November 2013. It was a little pricey for what you actually got. We were sold 20 mins with the dolphins but actual interaction time was 10-12 mins (I had my gshock watch on and was able to check whilst in the water) 10 mins was group interactions and then 10 mins of it was waiting in the water for other couples to have their one to one photos with the animals which took approx 1-2 mins each. We were then offered to buy extra tricks for 20 CUC each! But I hadn't had my full 20 mins yet! so didnt want to pay extra as we had already paid 109 CUC each for the day trip altogether, 50 CUC each of it I understand is the Dolphinarium, 10 CUC for a blown up photograph and another tip for the man who took photos on our camera whilst in the water. We were then given a meal (which was delicious!) and the waiter brought an empty glass to the table and told us we were normally expected to leave a tip! Overall a very expensive day when it was all added up.
There was a sea lion show and a dolphin show which again was about 15-20 mins each. The animals appeared in very good health and it was entertaining to watch. The heavily pregnant narrating lady did come across as finding it a little monotonous but did very well at providing very clear and informative information (albeit cheesy at times)
I dont normally make a habit of complaining and I loved my experience with the dolphins! It was truly amazing. But my Cuba holiday was my honeymoon as I can't normally afford luxury holidays and usually travel on a very tight budget, so I like to get good value for my money. I felt that the experience I gained here was almost there but just needed that little bit more time in the water with the Dolphins or even 2 sessions to make it just that little bit better. Also I strongly disagree with having to pay for extra tricks. It should be included in the original price for everyone or not available at all. We couldn't afford the extras so felt left out and a little disheartened, especially when we didn't get the full advertised 20 mins in the first place.
i would definately go again (if I ever find myself in cuba!) just for the amazing experience, but felt a little more time would be perfect!
There was a sea lion show and a dolphin show which again was about 15-20 mins each. The animals appeared in very good health and it was entertaining to watch. The heavily pregnant narrating lady did come across as finding it a little monotonous but did very well at providing very clear and informative information (albeit cheesy at times)
I dont normally make a habit of complaining and I loved my experience with the dolphins! It was truly amazing. But my Cuba holiday was my honeymoon as I can't normally afford luxury holidays and usually travel on a very tight budget, so I like to get good value for my money. I felt that the experience I gained here was almost there but just needed that little bit more time in the water with the Dolphins or even 2 sessions to make it just that little bit better. Also I strongly disagree with having to pay for extra tricks. It should be included in the original price for everyone or not available at all. We couldn't afford the extras so felt left out and a little disheartened, especially when we didn't get the full advertised 20 mins in the first place.
i would definately go again (if I ever find myself in cuba!) just for the amazing experience, but felt a little more time would be perfect!
Written November 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola
Hurghada, Egypt98 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
The dine with dolphins excursion was absolutely fantastic. Gorgeous dolphins in lovely clear water. A perfect setting for swimming with dolphins, and not far from any of the Guardalavaca hotels. I've swum with dolphins in Mexico but this was just in a different class, and the trainers are lovely! Definitely worth paying extra to do the tricks.
Written July 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a website or phone number. How much dies it cost. How do I get there. Where should I stay
nicola m
Surrey, UK74 contributions
The costs came through the hotel rep , travel was included. I searched and came across their website. I can’t paste it here but it’s easy to search with their name
jayson20199
1 contribution
how much does it cost to see the dolphin show and swim with the dolphins if we just go to the park by taxi and do not take an excursion?
peter v
Dorset, UK17 contributions
I am pretty sure you can not just turn up and go in, it has to be done via excursions. I may be wrong, but it's all a booking system as far as I know. And it's about £30 to watch the dolphin show, the sea lion show and swim with the dolphins....
Will7716
3 contributions
How much is this trip please
admiralnieder
3 contributions
We booked through our TC Rep. TC use Cubatur, think we paid 99 CUC per adult for Dinner with Dolphins, including bus transfer, sealion and dolphin shows, 20mins with dolphins and lobster dinner.
Bethandbert2016
Chorley, UK1 contribution
Can you just turn up and pay there , our do you have to book with rep ?
kazani06
London, UK52 contributions
Hello,
Can anyone give me a rough idea as to the price of swimming with the dolphins?
Kind regards
Karlene
peter v
Dorset, UK17 contributions
it cost my partner and me thirty each Saying that it's worth double that as it's not like your normal dolphin experience Your split into groups of about 4 to 6 And your actually in the water with the dolphins for about 20 mins And the dolphin spends time with each of you as a group and on your own Plus the show and the sea lion show it's the best ever And in been swimming with them all over the world This was by far the best
Lily M
1 contribution
Hi we arrive next month and wondering if my 2 year old would be able to go in the water with the dolphins?
peter v
Dorset, UK17 contributions
I have seen little ones with the dolphins, but only in the shallow pool/area. Where it is only a walk in up to your waist. They do give you life jackets though, so you may have to hold the little one. But i would ask to be sure.
Richard G
Okehampton, UK4 contributions
We arrive in Cuba on Tuesday, and are staying at the nearby Paradisus De pro hotel. What is the cost of this trip to swim with dolphins?
loupen2017
Bobcaygeon, Canada22 contributions
well worth it
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Claim your listingBahia de Naranjo Nature Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park
- Hotels near Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park:
- (0.00 mi) Casa El Galeon
- (0.00 mi) Casa Garcia
- (0.00 mi) Casa Del Ciclismo
- (0.00 mi) Paraiso Gladisel
- (2.93 mi) Hostal Refugio de Reyes
- Restaurants near Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park:
- (3.23 mi) 1910 Restaurante & Bar
- (1.31 mi) Rancho BaRumba
- (3.08 mi) Restaurant 1720
- (1.99 mi) Taberna Pancho
- (3.54 mi) Delicias Cubanas