Manati Park in Salvaleon de Higuey

Poor animals!

The biggest waste of money I’ve ever spent. They have THE WORST costumer service ever. I’ve never been so disappointed in my life. Those dolphins are in the tiniest pool ever that’s only 5ft deep and I’m 6’2 and I could stand in that water. My tour guide had the audacity to try to take money out of my hand along with saying “why are you here if you’re American.” Every time I asked to take a pic with my phone I was told no. Those animals are in the worst condition possible. DONT GO HERE. Dolphin Island park is way better!!

Dont support animal tourism. The dolphins belong in the wild not tiny pools. Monkeys belong in the forest, not in cages.

If you really love animals - Don’t go to this place. Dolphins should swim in the beautiful Caribbean Sea and be free like other animals. Don’t support animals in cages. Instead go to Samana and watch whales from a distance and appreciate the animals in the wild where they are happy.

I’m sure it’s fun. But google said they were open a d we went and they are closed for Covid

This park is so much fun. Not so big but one of the best tourist attraction in Dominica.I got a private guide in the park. She was Dominican and very kind.I loved the Dolphine and seal show and 1st in my life I swam with the dolphins ❤️🐬The other funny show was the parrot show 👌☺️ it was a lot of time to teach these animals. Well doneThere was a dominican aboriginal tribal show . I really enjoyed it. The costumes were very good and i could see how they were look like and live in the past.I could take pictures with huge parrots on my shoulder, it was amazing.Don’t forget to take a big hat and protect your skin because the sun is very strongGo and visit it 👌☺️

Glad Ive never visited this place while staying in Bavaro Palace. Would never ever support keeping animals in these conditions, especially dolphins. Let them go and live in their natural environment. Shame I cannot give 0 stars.

Super cruel to still host animalShows. Just awful!

Im surprised this place isnt closed down yet. I visited this place last year with my family. I was appauled by the conditions of how the dolphins live! There were four dolphins living in a small pool no deeper than five feet! These dolphins in the wild are known to dive at least 60 feet deep.The process of capturing dolphins in the wild is "very traumatic.""They are chased into nets ... they are rounded up, the ones they want are selected, then they are lifted up into a boat and transported," she explains, adding that female dolphins are preferred because they are more "trainable."Please, please do not contribute to their torture! If no one paid to swim with them, they would live a free happy life!

Take a lot of drinks with you.First place where i felt that locals were considering me not as a client or tourist, but as a money bag to be emptied.4 bucks for a can on warm cola - thank you, but no.The park is small but interesting. Best show - dolfins and sea lions, then horses and tribe dances.

Beautiful place. Loved the thematic. The workers are great, and they offer a great service. I definitely recommend this place if you have small childrens. They will love to see and get to learn about the animals in the park.

We visited Manati park on the 2nd June 2019.We had an amazing day seeing getting to hold all the different animals.And as for the animals shows they was fantastic.Our zoo keeper he was really helpful in showing us the animals from different parts of the world.We will definitely be going again.The animals are well looked after..Shaun

Uncle Bob ist the best Guide everHe loves his jobUncle Bob is my favorite guide in Dominican Republik

Nice room with green parrots. A lot of iguanas. I wish there would be no souvenir shops and braid ladies.

Excellent excursion in PUJ. I recommend this low cost , high value 4 hour excursion coz we had more than we bargained for. We went there to see parrots up close which were terrific. But we were suprised to see so many more species, that was a bonus for us bird lovers. There was a dolphin show which made me tear up at the sight of such beauty. Also the iguanas , flamingos, ducks, and monkeys.It was trully a great bargain for my family. We negociated the price at the hotel. My tour operator was not selling it so we went ahead and shopped around. Needless to say, we did good. Price on the web site is what we paid however, no discount so its fair.Bing a few dollars to tip personnel there, they do an excellent job maintaining the park and animating the shows. The horse with the guys on ski, I did not care for. We missed the Taino show while we were roaming the grounds.The only downside is the fact that I should have been offered to come in the morning, it would not have been so warm. But of course, we tend to purchase drinks if its warmer right ? so there you go! marketing.

Interesting place to visit for one time. Doesnt keeps big amount of animals but the whole excursion consists on different shows they do. Everything over priced. You have to negotiate.

Slim variety of animals. A lot of birds. Manatee and dolphin show a hit! Trainers have clear devoted relationship with animals.

A nice park. A bit disappointed that you cannot do the visit by yourself and are herded from one show to the next.

Carter went swimming with the dolphins. Had a great time.

Great family fun. Not too pricey.

If you love animals and want something to do other than lie on the beach everyday, this is a great experience. Our guide "Antonio Banderas" made sure we were taken care of every step of the way. The park isnt big but with the little shows every hour or so you had plenty to keep you busy. Even the food was good! If you have a chance, swim with the dolphins, the trainers are very good with them.

We had the best time. We didnt know wed get a guide but we had "Uncle Bob", he was GREAT! We were able to see all the shows, all the animals and have time for lunch. He would pick up the stroller to make sure we could get to shows on time! Wonderful park and "Uncle Bob" was fantastic!!

This is a great family day out for relatively not too much money compared with other activities in DR. The park’s bus picked us up from our hotel at the scheduled time of 8:25 (for our hotel there was also a 12:25 option for the afternoon tour).We planned our trip before leaving the UK and I have to say that the staff answering emails were extremely helpful, letting us know the schedules of the shows and the times of the pick up in advance of us going.Having read the reviews ourselves, we asked for Uncle Bob as our guide, but it was his day off! Instead we had Antonio who was very helpful showing us around the park for the first 30 minutes before the shows started. At the very start we were shoved into a photograph with a parrot and some dressed up ladies and park staff positioned themselves deliberately to make taking your own photograph very difficult. However, after that it was far more photo friendly and there were zero restrictions on taking photos around the park. It was also great that there were no more than about 50 visitors and so there was never a crowd waiting to see an animal.We were shown to an aviary where we were let in on our own with a guide and the birds came and landed on our head and ate out of our hands. The guide took photos for us on our phones and there was no expectation of a tip, but we were so pleased that we gave him a small thank you. The same guide took us to the iguanas and these were gigantic and there were scores of them. We were up close and personal with them and were able to touch them and again have photos taken for some amazing memories. You don’t get this close to the animals in English zoos.The first show was about native Dominicans and was a bit run of the mill with some average dancing. It wouldn’t be a disaster if you missed this one.The second show was sea lions and dolphins. The sea lions were OK, not the most impressive ever seen, but the children enjoyed it. The dolphins were fantastic. Don’t expect Disney style showbiz because you’re not paying Disney prices, but for a small park, the show was very impressive with lots of jumping out the water. At the end, children could go and be kissed by a sea lion. The emphasis was on trying to sell a photo, but find the right spot and it’s easy to take your own. Top tip here – hang around at the end of the show and the dolphins are there for a while longer giving some great photo opportunities.There’s about a 45 minute break at this point for some food or just looking around at the small farm, guinea pigs and rabbits, more parrots and exotic birds, flamingos, and the gigantic turtle. Thankfully I’d bought my GoPro with me on a stick and this meant I could put it upside down in the water and get some amazing close up shots of the turtle. We were also able to touch it as we were so close.Next up was the parrot show which was great fun. Getting front row seats was easy and worth it for the photos and videos of parrots riding bicycles, roller skating, driving a car and all sorts of other fun stuff.Finally there is a horse show which was quite impressive. The dancing horses wowed us and the man being towed on skis behind a horse was hilarious. There was also an opportunity at the end for children to have a short 20 second pony ride which was an added bonus.We didn’t take part in the swimming with dolphins because we’ve done it before and also because our son was too short and probably wouldn’t have been too enthusiastic. It is definitely expensive but those taking part did definitely get to swim with the dolphins as they were towed along. It was short, but still a once in a lifetime experience. There was also nothing stopping people from taking their own photos and videos if they chose the right spot.Our return shuttle bus left the park on time at 2pm and there was no pressure for tips. We thoroughly enjoyed the day out and would highly recommend it.

Very nice park, swiming with dolphins was amazing :)

I loved the 5 shows me and my family had a wonderful time over there..

A beautiful place that offers a variety of content and a rich program, is what to see. I recommend visiting anyone who is able to! Transportation from hotel to park and back is free!

today we had an amazing time at Manati Park and Uncle Bob was a great tour guide a lot of animals and the dolphin shows was amazing thank you Uncle Bob we had that amazing experience with you

Everything should be improved ,no food no drink from outside are allowed ,there is a break time about 45 minutes on midday ,្ just enough time to keep you empty your stomach and then no other choice to buy the drink and food from them ,at-least you dare to drink tap water ," Bird show and dolphin show is good . the ritual dancing Taino is excellent .!Travel in the their bus from hotel to the park and backward is more impressive than visit thepark because you can see everything in real life along the street !

I was so disappointed with this place. Some animals (bull, dolphinshad very small enclosures and some, like the rabbits and guinea pigs, were filthy. A few rabbits had raw wounds on them. We were told it would take about 4 hours to tour and watch shows. My husband and I left after 40 minutes as we were disgusted.

Nice experience, a bit of a money grab at times (they attempt to ban people bringing in anything to drink).

Out of a whole 7 days in Punta Cana and the surrounding areas for this to be our last day it was the LEAST enjoyable for us. The best part of us being there was that my daughter and mother got their hair braided but only after we felt pressured for us to have the lady braid. The shows were only 10 minutes long and the employees PUSHED you to go see the shows and then practically had their hands out begging for money as tip towards the end. Also my daughter was very interested in watching the Taino show but we left early out of discomfort once we were brought into the “Taino Village” all its was were outside vendor pulling you by the hand almost BEGGING you to buy their product once you said no they would discard you like yesterday’s trash and try to move on to the next victim (park guestand then force a sale on them. Some even closing their shop because no one wanted to even go near them. We had a lady tell us she was going to walk and explain to us the Taino life only to be brought into her selling hut. It was terrible. I understand people have to make a living but a little respect for guest and maybe guest wouldn’t feel so pressured and more secure to purchase. Also we brought food as my 5 year old LOVES to snack throughout the day and they made us leave our food at the front entrance if we wanted to eat we must eat next to the teller. The teller told us we had to leave the food their because other guest go crazy and try to feed the animals only after a few steps away was a food vendor who was begging us to purchase food as soon as we passed by. Now to end on a positive note, the only cool thing was that they did not charge extra for kids (one or two no more than thatto swim with the dolphins

I am shocked that your employers ( Emmanuel Josephsales drugs instant of to be focus on excursion as a salesman. He keep doing that in the Bavaro Princess Resort daily and disturb Tourists even familys with kids without fears and to feel even shame.

Horrible experience. It was a complete waste of money (35 USD per adultto attend this park. The adverts promised an interactive experience with 5 super shows .... We stayed for two (each less then 10 minutes longand then paid extra to go back to our resort by taxi. We were told when booking that the excursion was 3 hours but when we got there it was actually 5 hours. In all it was interesting for about 30 minutes and then they expect you to shop at their kiosks and pay for food that is massively overpriced. The animals also live in neglect and the monkeys even seem afraid of some of the staff. If I could give this place zero stars I would. Id reccomend that no one ever attend this park.

There is a dolphin and sea lion show, which is pretty cool. They have different animals throughout the park, some you can touch and interact with. It is worth the trip if you are down in this area. They have a shuttle bus that runs every day to the different resorts in the Punta Cana area. You must make reservations with the park before you go.

Nice park, small not too much walking. It was very hot, they don’t allow food in so of course the food and drinks were over priced. There are people selling souvenirs so you may feel a little pressure into buying. I thought it was a 3 hour excursion but it was 5. The buses dropped us off and there was not other way to get back to the resort, I was ready to go after 3 hours.Overall my daughter enjoyed her self and the animals and that was the point. We didn’t pay extra to swim with the dolphins and I was glad, they were in a small pool.

Ive been here twice and its always been a nice experience. I even went swimming with the dolphins! The only bad thing were those prices, they wanted a few dollars for a single bottle of water and had us all leave the water we brought at the front gate.

Interesting place especially for those who first time in Dominican Republic.

Not the greatest experience I have had. Not many attractions and the dolphin pool was very small which wasnt nice to see. We had completed the entire park in 2 hours and where sat around waiting to get a bus back to the resort while the staff constantly hassle you to buy photos and gifts for ridiculous prices. Wouldnt recommend it.

please dont go there.it should be, all about the pleasure, not all about the money.they should shut it down, en take all animals to places where they have more dignity en space

Its a decent place to visit probably over priced for what you get. I feel bad for the dolphins that are given no room or place to swim around.

Huge waste of money. Do not go here. If I could give it zero stars I would. Exploiting animals for money is disgusting. None of the animals have near enough room to live and run. All the employees try to make you buy stuff the entire time. This place is run down, old and should be shut down.

This a nice interactive zoo. However, youre not able to bring in your own food or beverages. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and out the animals but near the end of the "tour" youre forced to go to an area that has many little huts where youre bombarded with over eager locals looking for you to buy stuff from them. You almost need to be rude to them to get away.

I LOVED IT! They celebrated my birthday and it was amazing! Such friendly people😊

In A Nutshell:-Went to Manati Park during a rain and it was still open.-Free parking is available.-As soon as you buy your entrance ticket and enter, you will pose w/ some models and parrots for photos.-The park is not very big and can be explored in an hour.-You can decline a tour and just explore on your own.-They have a variety of animals and some are in large groups (i.e. the iguanas and guinea pigs).Overall, this is a good place to take small kids, but dont get your hopes up if you expect a nicer park.

Enjoyed every bit of it and very friendly staff. Our escort was good too. Only down side you cant take pics with the performers only with the park photographer and that was pricy

Worth to take this excursion. Good shows for adults and kids. Be aware that you will be asked for tips during the excursion.We were four (2 adults + 2 kidsand paid $35 x 2 adults. Kids free. I recommend to take the excursion in the morning, until 1pm. So you can enjoy the rest of the day in the resort. Enjoyong the dolphins show is included but taking pictures with the dolphins is expensive. I dont think it worth unless you are too fan of dolphins. Be aware the personnel who is waiting for you in the entrance and guiding you very friendly during the initial part of the tour will try to sell you products later.

Hated it.Cheapest swim with dolphins they had is $125 per person. It is advertised as 30 mins interaction. None of that is true. You will be about 10 minutes max in the small pool with 4-5 other couples and 2 animals. All swimming by dolphins next to you is done with only one purpose - make a nice picture of you with the animal. And guess what, in the end youll have to give them $70 per couple for those photos (DVD). No option to buy one or few. Its give us $70 or go away.FOR $250 AND 10 MINUTES OF THAT "SWIM" YOU COULD AT LEAST HAVE SOME DECENCY FOR ONE "FREE PHOTO". CHEAP BASTARDS!!!!!!

nothing to see except old iguana and several sheeps and horses. actually, like everything in RD

If you do not want to waist money then do not come here.Especially if the ticket is sold together in a very good deal or something...Pick up at our hotel: 12:40Back to hotel: 18:00 (should have beentotal 5 hours.Basically they have some so called shows which are 10 minutes of attractions (horse, parrot, dolphin&sea-lion)...The rest is some animals quite freely running around the park they can be walked around in max 1 hour.Then after the shows theres nothing (you can waist more money drinking and eating or buying gifts).Very bad decision!!:(

Not worth the money that we paid for. The info given to us by the seller was false, the park wasnt very clean. The swim with the dolphins was $500 for 4 people then $100 for the pictures which we got on a CD, the least they could have done was include the pictures with the swim. $600 down the drain. :-(