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Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery

Franklin, Texas
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99 posts
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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Could someone please explain each of these to me?

I am somewhat confused when researching these 3. It seems that Garrafon Reef Park and Garrafon de Castilla are completely places(locations). And from what I understand Dolphin Discovery is the dolphin experience AT or RELATED to Garrafon Reef Park. Please tell if I have this correct or not.

Also, please explain the activites at each. I have very mixed reviews for Garrafon Reef Park...as far as the food and drinks and overall experience. From what I can understand on their website you can pay for Royal Garrafon and whatever level of dolphin experience you would like. All of these included open bar and buffet and all other activities. You can also pay for VIP and I assume have more "exclusive" facilities along with bar and buffet.

Please help me understand all of this. My boyfriend and I will be going for 5 nights in August and staying at Jimbo's Casa Roca Caribe. Thank you!!

South Dakota
Level Contributor
55,627 posts
45 reviews
35 helpful votes
1. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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You are right - they are different. Garrafon de Castilla is a very inexpensive spot - has a small restaurant/bar, basic shower/bathroom and a small chunk of sand - and some pretty cool snorkeling.

The other is a major tourist destination - more like an all inclusive where you spend your $$ and stay for the day, and you spend more if you want anything special involving dolphins. If you just want to enjoy some simple snorkeling, hit Garrafon de Castilla. :)

Ontario
Level Contributor
7,814 posts
205 reviews
157 helpful votes
2. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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Garrafon de Castilla...if you want to avoid the dolphin situation this would be the place. 50 pesos entrance fee..about $4 per person. This is not all inclusive but they have a little restaurant/snack bar type place, lockers, equipment to rent, toilets, covered patio with proper loungers and a beach with the odd "S: shaped loungers lol. :-D

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g150810-d1997202-Reviews-Garrafon_de_Castilla-Isla_Mujeres_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

Same post time coalminer..great info. :-D

Edited: 10 years ago
Poughkeepsie, NY
Level Contributor
527 posts
165 reviews
193 helpful votes
3. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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Garrafon de Castilla....do any motor boats come in close by the snorkelers? Just curious. Also, has anyone tried the grub here? Muchas gracias.

South Dakota
Level Contributor
55,627 posts
45 reviews
35 helpful votes
4. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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They do have the snorkeling section roped off, so the boats don't go into the area. I only had a beer or two, so I can't comment on the food. I did enjoy the snorkeling! Much, much better than the Avalon area as far as fish diversity and coral.

Boston...
Level Contributor
1,405 posts
21 reviews
30 helpful votes
5. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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The food at Castilla is decent and very reasonably priced. It is mostly finger foods and snack type items. I've had the Guacamole a few times and it has been very good and the drinks they pour are also good. I had a couple of margaritas when I was there in December and they were very good and quite strong (Soggy Peso strong).

You will love staying at Casa Roca Caribe. A friend was staying there when I was down in December and I hung out there a few days. the views from the balcony are beautiful and the apartments are really nice.

Poughkeepsie, NY
Level Contributor
527 posts
165 reviews
193 helpful votes
6. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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We went to Yal-Ku lagoon near Akumal last year. Snorkeling was superb! We were straying near PDC, so by taxi it wasn't far. Hope Garrafon de Castilla is half as good. Gracias for the info.

Franklin, Texas
Level Contributor
99 posts
3 reviews
1 helpful vote
7. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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Thank you all for the great info! We will probably hit up Castilla...unless my boyfreind wants to do the dolphin thing...I think it will be worth saving the $$ compared to the reef park.

new york
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25,074 posts
89 reviews
188 helpful votes
8. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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The dolphin swim and the park are two separate places (one is at Sac Bajo and the other at Punta Sur) but you can do a combined package to both. Or you can do each alone. Or better yet, skip the dolphins all together and just go snorkel :)

South Dakota
Level Contributor
55,627 posts
45 reviews
35 helpful votes
9. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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So true, tNY - in fact, I think the best snorkeling is by boat - so do give that a go while you are there! :)

Chicago, Illinois
Level Contributor
2,628 posts
43 reviews
65 helpful votes
10. Re: Garrafon Reef Park/Garrafon de Castilla/Dolphin Discovery
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Staying at Jimbos for 9 nights in september. I just LOVE that side of the island!

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