Discovery Cove Orlando: Complete Guide to Swimming with Dolphins, Attractions, Dining and 5 Tips Before You Go in 2025. Is It Worth It?

Discovery Cove is not your typical water park. This all-inclusive tropical paradise lets guests swim with dolphins, snorkel with rays, and relax in crystal-clear lagoons. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat, Discovery Cove delivers an unforgettable experience. But is it worth the price? Let’s take a deep dive into everything this unique park has to offer.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Discovery Cove in Orlando

Prices vary based on the season, but standard admission starts at around $200 per person. Dolphin swim experiences are extra, and multi-park passes provide better value. You can check the prices here.

Yes, if it’s your first time! However, the actual swimming portion is short – around 10 seconds per person. It’s more about interaction than a full swim.

No, but all meals, snacks, and drinks are included with your ticket.

A swimsuit, sunscreen (must be reef-safe), and a dry change of clothes. Towels, snorkels, and lockers are provided.

Weekdays are less crowded, and early mornings are the best for dolphin swims and aviary visits.

Welcome to Paradise: Getting Started

Discovery Cove is part of the SeaWorld Parks family, along with SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. Unlike traditional theme parks, it limits daily attendance, so it never feels overcrowded. Your ticket includes unlimited food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), snorkeling gear, wetsuits, lockers, and towels – so you can leave your wallet behind and just enjoy the day.

Arrival and Check-in

  • Arrive early: The park opens at 7 AM, and it’s best to get there as early as possible to make the most of your time.
  • Check-in process: Guests receive their schedule for any add-on experiences and a map of the park.
  • Breakfast time: A buffet breakfast is served at Laguna Grill from 7 AM to 10:30 AM, featuring muffins, scrambled eggs, sausage, bagels, waffles, and fresh fruit.

Explore the Park

Discovery Cove is divided into three main sections:

  • The Grand Reef (West side) – Snorkeling with tropical fish and rays
  • Dolphin Lagoon (Center) – The famous dolphin swim experience
  • Wind-Away River & Freshwater Oasis (East side) – A lazy river, aviary, and encounters with otters and marmosets

The Grand Reef

One of the park’s highlights, The Grand Reef is home to thousands of colorful fish and velvety rays. Guests can snorkel through coral caves and even get up close to sharks behind glass walls. Optional upgrades include:

  • SeaVenture: An underwater walking tour in a diving helmet
  • Ray feeding: A hands-on experience with stingrays
  • Flamingo Mingle: Get close to friendly flamingos during morning feeding sessions

Private cabanas are also available, offering shade, snacks, and VIP service.

Discovery Cove Guide Orlando View Guide Tips Before You go, The Grand Reef What To Do

Dolphin Lagoon: The Signature Experience

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, this is your chance! The dolphin swim upgrade includes a 30-minute experience with a trainer-led interaction, where you can:

  • Learn about dolphin behavior
  • Touch and interact with the dolphins
  • Take part in a short swim, where the dolphin pulls you through the water

Important Notes:

  • No personal cameras or jewelry are allowed in the dolphin area.
  • The water is cold – opting for a full wetsuit instead of a vest can help keep you warm.
  • The official photo packages can be expensive (starting at $224 for digital copies), so consider having someone from your group take pictures from the shore.
Discovery Cove Orlando Guide What To Do Tips

Wind-Away River & Freshwater Oasis

For a more laid-back experience, head to Wind-Away River. This scenic lazy river winds through waterfalls, caves, and lush landscapes. Highlights include:

  • Explorers Aviary: A walk-through bird habitat where you can hand-feed tropical birds
  • Marmoset Island: Watch tiny monkeys interact with trainers
  • Otter Encounter: View playful Asian small-clawed otters from underwater and above

The river has varying depths, so water shoes are recommended to avoid scraped feet.

Food & Drinks: All-Inclusive Dining

One of the biggest perks at Discovery Cove is the unlimited food and drink options. Laguna Grill offers breakfast and lunch buffets, plus there are snack bars throughout the park.

Lunch Menu (11 AM – 3:30 PM)

  • Jerk chicken, pepper steak, coconut-crusted salmon
  • Mac and cheese, hot dogs, chicken tenders
  • Fresh fruit, salads, desserts, and soft drinks

For drinks, complimentary beer and wine are available, but guests can also purchase a premium drink package ($40) for access to signature cocktails, upgraded wines, and craft beer.

Discovery Cove Orlando Breakfast Dining Guide

5 Tips for Visiting – Before You Go

  • Arrive early – to make the most of your day
  • Wear water shoes – the river floor is uneven
  • Bring a waterproof phone case – if you want to capture memories in the water
  • Snorkels are free to keep – but wetsuits and masks must be returned
  • Take advantage of Black Friday and January deals – multi-park tickets (SeaWorld + Aquatica) offer the best value
  • EXTRA TIP –  If you’re based in Orlando or the surrounding areas, consider our expert carpet cleaning services in Orlando. We also clean mattresses and upholstery.

Summary

Discovery Cove is a one-of-a-kind experience that offers relaxation, adventure, and plenty of animal encounters. While it may not be for thrill-seekers, it’s perfect for those looking for a more laid-back, immersive experience. If you’re visiting Orlando and want a break from the crowds of Disney and Universal, this tropical paradise is a must-visit! Have a good time there – wish you ShinyandSpotless team!