Visit Discovery Cove

#3 of 100 things to do in Orlando

Orlando, Florida is home to a truly unique experience that stands apart from the traditional theme park: Discovery Cove. Voted the #1 Best Theme Park in Orlando by USA Today, this all-inclusive day resort offers a limited-capacity, tropical escape where guests can swim with dolphins, snorkel among thousands of tropical fish, hand-feed exotic birds, and float through lush lagoons. Unlike the hustle and bustle of nearby parks, Discovery Cove is designed for relaxation, exclusivity, and unforgettable animal encounters.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about visiting Discovery Cove.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

• Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily; check-in begins at 7:15 AM

• Admission: All-inclusive packages starting around $184–$199

• Capacity: Limited daily attendance; advance reservations required

What Makes Discovery Cove Unique?

Discovery Cove is not a typical theme park. It is a day resort with a limited number of guests each day, ensuring a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere where every guest feels like a VIP. The all-inclusive model means that once you book your package, everything you need for the day is covered—meals, snacks, drinks (including beer and wine for guests 21+), snorkel gear, wetsuits, towels, lockers, and parking.

The resort features several distinct areas, each offering a different experience:

The Grand Reef

Snorkel through a stunning underwater world inspired by the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. You’ll float alongside thousands of tropical fish and graceful rays, gliding over breathtaking underwater canyons.

Freshwater Oasis

Wade through the turquoise waters of Freshwater Oasis, where you can encounter playful otters and curious marmosets in a lush, tropical setting.

Explorer’s Aviary

Step into a free-flight aviary and hand-feed more than 250 exotic birds as they flutter around you in a rainbow of color. It’s like wandering through a living postcard.

Serenity Bay

Relax on the sugar-white sands of Serenity Bay, soak in the sun, or float lazily beneath waterfalls on the tranquil Wind-Away River, which takes you through hidden grottos and past stunning waterfalls.

Flamingo Point

Visit the all-new Flamingo Point habitat to get up close with Florida’s most iconic birds—the flamingos.

Signature Experiences: Dolphin Swim & More

The Signature Dolphin Swim Experience

The centerpiece of Discovery Cove is the 30-minute dolphin interaction session. You’ll become an honorary member of a dolphin pod as you get up close with these playful creatures, learn their secret language, and go for a once-in-a-lifetime swim.

Age Requirement: Guests must be at least 6 years old to swim with dolphins, and all participants must meet a minimum height requirement of 42 inches. Children aged 6–12 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also participating in the dolphin swim.

Upgraded Animal Experiences

For an additional cost, guests can enhance their visit with:

• Shark Interaction: Step into the world of sharks for a heart-pounding feeding and training session before snorkeling with more than 20 resident sharks.

• SeaVenture: An underwater walking tour (participants under 18 require a liability waiver signed by a parent/guardian).

• Animal Trek: A behind-the-scenes experience with various animals.

All-Inclusive Dining & Amenities

One of the best features of Discovery Cove is that everything is included:

Premium Drink Package: For a limited time, guests who book by January 25 for visits through December 31, 2026, receive a FREE Premium Drink Package including mixed drinks, frozen cocktails, wine, and beer.

Tickets & Packages

Discovery Cove offers several package options to suit different preferences and budgets. All packages include the all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove.

Package Options

Pricing (2026):

• Day Only Non-Swim: from $185

• Day Only Swim: from $265

• Package Swim: from $295

• Ultimate Swim: from $310

Important Notes:

• Reservations are required. Discovery Cove limits daily attendance to ensure an uncrowded experience. Book months in advance, especially for peak seasons.

• Florida Residents: Save year-round on admission.

• Children 0–2: Free of charge with a paying adult.

Planning Your Visit: Tips & Guidelines

Age Restrictions

• Dolphin Swim: Minimum age 6, minimum height 42 inches

• Guests 6–12: Must be accompanied by a paying adult participating in the dolphin swim

• Guests 3–5: Must purchase the non-dolphin swim package

• Guests 14 and under: Should be accompanied by an adult when visiting

• Guests 15–17 visiting alone: Must have parent/legal guardian sign “Authorization to Treat” forms

Accessibility

Discovery Cove is committed to creating an inclusive environment:

• Accessible Parking: Available near the park entrance

• Wheelchairs & ECVs: Available for rental; reserve by calling (407) 513-4600

• Beach Wheelchairs: Specially designed with oversized tires for maneuvering on sand

• Service Animals: Welcome (dogs and miniature horses only)

• ASL Interpreters: Available upon request (at least 14 business days in advance)

• Accessible Restrooms: All restrooms are wheelchair accessible

• Food Allergies: Contact [email protected] prior to your visit

Note: Rollators with seats are not permitted due to safety concerns. Complimentary rollators (without seats) and wheelchairs are available .

What to Bring

• Swimsuit: Wear it under your clothes for a quick start

• Change of clothes: For after your visit

• Water shoes: Recommended for comfort

• Valid ID: Required for age verification for alcohol and check-in

What NOT to Bring:

• Outside food, beverages, or coolers (except bottled water or refillable bottles)

• Segways or self-balancing vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Discovery Cove worth the price?
Reviews consistently highlight the exclusivity, all-inclusive amenities, and unforgettable animal encounters as making it worth the investment. The limited capacity ensures a relaxed, uncrowded experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Reserve months in advance, especially for peak seasons. Discovery Cove sells out quickly due to limited daily attendance.

Can I visit without doing the dolphin swim?
Yes! Non-swim packages are available and include all the other experiences—The Grand Reef, Freshwater Oasis, Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay, and Wind-Away River.

What if it rains?
Discovery Cove operates rain or shine. The water is heated to a comfortable 85 degrees year-round.

Nearby Attractions

Discovery Cove is part of the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment family, making it easy to combine with other Orlando attractions:

Stay Connected

Follow Discovery Cove for the latest news, special offers, and animal updates.

• Official Website: https://discoverycove.com/orlando/

• Phone: (407) 513-4600

• Email: [email protected]

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiscoveryCove

• Instagram: @DiscoveryCove

• TikTok: @DiscoveryCove

Discovery Cove provides a mask and snorkel, towels and beach chairs. Guests may use their own masks and snorkels if they prefer, but may not bring any other diving or swimming equipment into the park. Discovery Cove will also provide guests with a sample of specially formulated sunscreen that is safe for use in the animal habitats. Since meals, snacks and drinks are provided with admission to Discovery Cove, no other food, beverages or coolers are permitted. Guests may wish to bring books and magazines, a CD or mp3 player with headset or similar items to help them relax on the beach, and a camera to catch all of their special moments.

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!

Orlando, FL 32821