Manati Park

If you're trying to decide between the Manatí Park and the Dolphin Island (another popular interactive animal excursion), visitors generally agree: Splurge for Manatí if you like flamingos, but make the journey to Dolphin Island if you're into marine life. Recent vacationers are complimentary of the flamingo, iguana and crocodile exhibits, and even enjoy the bus ride to the park. But then opinions turn sour. A Virtual Tourist user laments of "3 fullsize dolphins in a very small tank," while a TripAdvisor review states, "The sea lion show was utterly demeaning to these clearly intelligent animals, like some hideous throw back from the 1970s with the animals mindlessly performing anthropomorphic tricks for food."

Manatí Park is open daily until 6 p.m and hosts show times throughout the day. The rates for entry and shows are moderate, but there's a steep fee to swim with the dolphins. Speak with your hotel concierge or tour desk about arranging a visit to Manatí Park, and visit the official website for more information on shows and admission fees.