We were at Dolphinaris in Cozumel about three weeks ago. It was delightful. We were on a cruise and organised it ourselves on the internet. That way it was much cheaper than the cruise ship excursion price and we were free to plan our own day. We actually booked the 1.20pm swim, but they were happy to switch us at no charge when we turned up two hours early. They seemed very flexible.
Dolphinaris is a flat, 15 minute walk from the cruise terminal. Basically you just get off the ship and turn right anong one main road. We experienced no hassle whatsoever on the walk. Just the odd beep from a taxi driver touting for business. All very civil. The people there (in Cozumel and Dolphinaris) are very helpful and welcoming. The online price at
Swim with Dolphins Cancun, Cozumel Dolphin Swim | Dolphinaris Mexico - Official Site was $119. If you have any people who just want to watch then they have to pay $25 to get in (but they can use snorkelling equipment if they want to).
You can get drinks and snacks (and even full meals) in there at reasonable prices.
We did the basic package, which gave my daughter about 40 minutes in the water with the dolphins, and she got lots of contact with them. They split you up into small groups and everyone gets to ride on a dolphin.
Only my daughter wanted to do the swim, so the three of us just watched, drank a soft drink and took photographs.
They do a video and some pictures, but I think I remember the prices were quite high ($48 rings a bell). We took our own photographs and videos, and had paid $75 to watch, so didn't feel like shelling out more. The pictures were very good though from what we could see. If you have someone in your party who doesn't want to swim, I'd nominate them as group photographer and save a pile of money.
Changing facilities are good, but remember to take your own towels. They do have lockers there and the whole place felt pretty secure. All the prices are given in $US so you don't need local currency at all That goes for the whole of Cozumel as far as I could see)
I would highly recommend Dolphinaris and would give three tips.
1. Organise it yourself on
Swim with Dolphins Cancun, Cozumel Dolphin Swim | Dolphinaris Mexico - Official Site (you only pay for the swimmers - observers just pay at the gate)
2. Walk there. Don't take a taxi.
3. Nominate a non-swimmer as group photographer so that you get lots of great shots for free.
I'd be happy to give you any more information you might need. The most important thing was that my daughter absolutely loved it!!
P.S. The guacamole was great!!!