Discovery Cove | Orlando

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort located in Orlando, Florida, offering a unique experience where guests can immerse themselves in a tropical paradise with up-close animal encounters, water activities, and relaxation. Unlike typical theme parks, Discovery Cove focuses on creating an intimate, tranquil atmosphere with limited capacity, ensuring guests can truly connect with nature. It's a sister park to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, offering a more serene, exclusive alternative to traditional theme parks.

Key Attractions and Experiences

1. Dolphin Swim

The Dolphin Swim is one of Discovery Cove's signature experiences, offering guests the chance to engage with bottlenose dolphins in a shallow, calm lagoon. During the 30-minute encounter, visitors will interact with dolphins through activities such as:

Dolphin kisses

A dorsal fin ride, where guests are gently pulled through the water by the dolphin

Learning about dolphin behavior, communication, and conservation efforts

This experience is led by professional trainers who provide safety instructions and ensure that guests have an enriching, memorable experience with these intelligent and playful marine mammals.

2. The Grand Reef

The Grand Reef is a massive saltwater environment where guests can snorkel among thousands of tropical fish, rays, and even sharks. Some key features of the Grand Reef include:

Snorkeling: Visitors can float on the surface and explore the vibrant reef below, interacting with tropical fish, rays, and other sea creatures.

Interactive zones: Guests can explore underwater grottos, caves, and rope bridges, all set within a naturalistic reef environment.

Sharks: There are safe viewing areas where guests can see different species of sharks, including blacktip reef sharks, while snorkeling in the reef.

3. SeaVenture

For a truly immersive underwater experience, SeaVenture offers an underwater walking tour where guests wear a dive helmet to walk on the sea floor of the Grand Reef. This experience is designed for guests who may not be certified divers but want to experience life beneath the waves. Visitors will be able to:

Walk on the ocean floor

Interact with rays, tropical fish, and other marine life

Discover the underwater world in a unique way, all while being guided by a trained aquarist

4. Shark Swim

For the more adventurous, Discovery Cove offers a Shark Swim experience, where guests can swim alongside several species of sharks, including nurse sharks and blacktip reef sharks. This is a guided experience that emphasizes safety and provides a thrilling opportunity to come face-to-face with these incredible predators in a controlled environment.

5. Wind-Away River

The Wind-Away River is a lazy river that winds through lush, tropical landscapes, providing a serene way to explore Discovery Cove. Key features include:

Floating on the river through caves, waterfalls, and lush vegetation

Relaxing while enjoying the sights and sounds of the park

A peaceful journey through the park’s tropical surroundings, perfect for cooling off on a warm Florida day

6. Serenity Bay

For those looking to relax, Serenity Bay is a heated freshwater pool with sandy beaches, where guests can unwind in a calm, tranquil setting. Key features of Serenity Bay include:

Comfortable lounge chairs and hammocks to enjoy the sun

A peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the more adventurous experiences in the park

Perfect for lounging and taking a break between activities

7. Explorer’s Aviary

The Explorer’s Aviary is a free-flight aviary featuring more than 250 exotic birds from around the world, including parrots, toucans, and flamingos. Visitors can:

Walk through a lush rainforest environment

Observe the birds as they fly freely within the aviary

Interact with the birds by feeding them from the designated areas

This aviary provides a relaxing and educational experience where guests can learn about bird species and conservation efforts.

Dining & Beverages

Discovery Cove provides all-inclusive dining throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages during their visit.

1. Laguna Grill

Located in the center of Discovery Cove, the Laguna Grill offers a range of buffet-style meals, including freshly prepared salads, grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.

Breakfast and lunch are served, and guests can enjoy a variety of beverages, including non-alcoholic drinks.

2. Hibiscus Hideaway & Blue Bamboo Bar

These stations offer snacks, ice cream, and a selection of alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails, wine, and beer.

Throughout the day, guests can indulge in light bites, refreshing beverages, and tropical drinks while enjoying the park’s relaxing atmosphere.

Admission & Reservation

Admission: Discovery Cove is an exclusive resort that operates on a reservation-only basis, ensuring a limited capacity and a more personalized experience. Guests must book their tickets in advance to secure entry.

Package Options: There are various packages available, including the Dolphin Swim package (which includes the dolphin interaction) and general admission that includes access to all the park’s water attractions, including the lazy river, pools, and aviary.

Duration: Guests typically spend the entire day at Discovery Cove, as the experience is designed to be leisurely and immersive. The park usually opens at 7:00 AM and closes by 5:00 PM.

Special Add-Ons

Private Cabana Rentals: For a more exclusive experience, guests can rent private cabanas to relax in during the day. Cabanas come with various amenities, including shaded seating, refreshments, and premium service.

Animal Encounters: In addition to the dolphin swim, Discovery Cove offers other animal encounter experiences, including interactions with rays, exotic birds, and even sea lions.

Seasonal Events

While Discovery Cove operates year-round, the park occasionally features special events and seasonal activities:

Christmas at Discovery Cove: During the holiday season, Discovery Cove is decorated with festive lights and holiday-themed activities, making it a great place to celebrate Christmas in a unique, tropical environment.

Summer Camps: Discovery Cove sometimes offers summer camps and educational programs focused on marine conservation, allowing children to learn about wildlife in a fun and engaging way.

What Makes Discovery Cove Unique?

All-Inclusive Experience: Unlike many other theme parks, Discovery Cove offers an all-inclusive experience where food, drinks, and most activities are included in the price of admission. This removes the need to worry about additional costs during your visit.

Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere: Discovery Cove limits its capacity to maintain a more relaxed and intimate experience, allowing guests to enjoy animal interactions and water activities without the large crowds typical of other theme parks.

Personalized Animal Interactions: Discovery Cove focuses on creating authentic connections with marine life, offering hands-on experiences with dolphins, rays, and other animals in an educational and environmentally conscious way.

How to Plan Your Visit

Book Early: Given that Discovery Cove operates with a limited capacity, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets as far in advance as possible to ensure availability.

Arrive Early: Arriving early allows you to take advantage of the quieter morning hours, making it easier to enjoy the dolphin swim and other popular activities.

Dress Comfortably: The park is focused on water activities, so guests should bring swimwear, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear. Towels and lockers are provided for guests.

Conclusion

Discovery Cove offers a one-of-a-kind, relaxing, and educational experience for guests looking to interact with marine life in an intimate and tranquil setting. With its all-inclusive approach, personalized animal encounters, and beautiful tropical environment, it provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of traditional theme parks. Whether you're swimming with dolphins, snorkeling in a reef, or simply relaxing by the pool, Discovery Cove provides a memorable, luxurious experience for all ages.