Marine animal rights group TideBreakers has launched a global boycott campaign against Hyatt hotels after drone footage revealed six dolphins living in what they describe as a shallow concrete tank at the Hyatt Ziva Cancún resort in Mexico. The footage, filmed in May 2026, shows the dolphins swimming in endless circles or floating motionless near a gate, sparking outrage over their welfare.
Allegations of poor conditions
According to TideBreakers, the dolphins are subjected to repeated interactions with hotel guests throughout the day, leaving them with little opportunity to display natural social behaviours. The group claims the animals have no escape from a constant barrage of disco music during the day and laser shows at night that keep them awake. They also allege the dolphins appear thin, with damage and scars on their bodies, and are not adequately medically cared for.
Marketa Schusterova, co-founder of TideBreakers, visited the resort in May and described the conditions as poor. “These dolphins are in shallow tanks, have no escape, no shade, suffer from a constant barrage of disco music and then at night a laser show keeps them awake. They are not medically looked after well, appear thin, have damage and scars on their bodies and they are clearly distressed. There is zero possibility of any kind of normal social behaviour as they might experience it in the wild,” she said.
Resort's response
The Hyatt Ziva Cancún resort has rented the former swimming pool to dolphin experience company Delphinus since 2015. A spokesperson for Hyatt Ziva Cancún responded to the concerns, stating: “We understand the concerns raised regarding the dolphins at the resort. While the dolphin habitat and program at the resort are operated and managed by a third party, Delphinus, we want all services and experiences offered at our hotel to meet our high standards. Delphinus is an organisation accredited by Mexican authorities and international agencies and is responsible for the care of the dolphins, including support from trained animal care and veterinary professionals.”
Boycott campaign
TideBreakers is now calling for a worldwide boycott of Hyatt hotels until the resort stops renting the pool to Delphinus. The group argues that the dolphins’ captivity in such conditions is unacceptable and that the resort must take responsibility for the welfare of the animals on its premises.
