If you’re planning to swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya, enjoy a Sea Lion encounter, or experience a Manatee interaction, there’s important new information you should know before your visit. Starting May 1, 2025, a new regulation will take effect, applying a special fee known as the Tax on Expenses for Participating in Activities with Aquatic Animals (ISEPAAA), following Article 60 of the Tax Law of the State of Quintana Roo.
If you’re planning to swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya, this information will be very useful. We explain everything you need to know so you’re not caught off guard during your visit to our Habitats.
What Is ISEPAAA and Why Is It Charged?
ISEPAAA is a tax of $3 USD per person, applied to those who participate in Marine Mammal activities as part of a recreational or tourist program. This tax applies to all our interactive experiences with Marine Mammals and is charged per person starting at 6 years of age. It must be paid directly at check-in at the Dolphin Discovery Habitat, where the experience takes place. This new tax does not affect the base price of the experiences.
Still, it is important to factor it into your budget if you plan to swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya, or any other activity involving marine species.
Exemption for Quintana Roo Residents
As part of a policy aimed at promoting local tourism and making these experiences more accessible for residents, this tax does not apply to residents of Quintana Roo. If you are a resident, please remember to bring a valid official ID that shows your address in the state (e.g., INE, driver’s license, immigration document, social security card, or school ID for minors) to prove your residency and avoid the additional fee.
This benefit applies to those planning to swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya, as well as for other similar marine experiences in Quintana Roo.
What Is the ISEPAAA’s Purpose?
According to state authorities, this tax has an environmental and conservation purpose. The revenue will be allocated directly to a Marine Species Protection Fund for species that inhabit the Quintana Roo region.
This fund will support habitat preservation, rescue programs, rehabilitation, reintegration, conservation, research, monitoring, and protection of Dolphins, Sea Lions, Manatees, and other marine life.
By participating in a swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya, you’re also contributing to the conservation of these species and their natural Habitats.
Additionally, part of the tax will fund environmental awareness campaigns aimed at promoting more responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
A Small Tax, A Big Impact!Â
We know that every detail matters when planning your vacation. That’s why we want you to be aware of this new measure, which, although low in cost, has a significant impact on preserving the marine ecosystem.
The swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya is not just an unforgettable experience, but also an act of support for environmental protection. By choosing to encounter Sea Lions, Manatees, or swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya, you’re actively helping to maintain the natural balance of our coastal environments.
Your visit helps ensure that future generations will also have the chance to enjoy these species in a safe and educational setting.
Travel with Purpose. Live, Enjoy, and Protect!
Plan your adventure with Dolphins in Cancun and Riviera Maya, Sea Lions, or Manatees, and make it even more meaningful.
By covering this small tax, you’re helping protect marine ecosystems and ensuring their long-term preservation.
Whether you’re planning a swim with Dolphins in Cancun or Riviera Maya, a family activities in Cancun, or you’re simply looking for things to do in Cancun and Riviera Maya, include this tax in your travel budget and enjoy a responsible journey.
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