Swimming with dolphins, snorkelling over a reef full of tropical fish and floating beneath waterfalls are all part of a day at Discovery Cove, Orlando's all-inclusive, reservation-only day resort.
Discovery Cove sits right across the road from SeaWorld Orlando and belongs to the same family of parks, run by United Parks & Resorts. The AttractionTickets.com team has rounded up our top tips for visiting Discovery Cove, so you can plan the perfect day and savour every sun-soaked minute.
Our quick Discovery Cove tips:
- Book early. Discovery Cove welcomes a limited number of guests each day, and the extra animal experiences have small daily caps.
- Arrive between 7:00am and 8:30am. Check-in opens at 7:15am and the waterways are open 9:00am - 5:00pm.
- Come hungry. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and beer and wine for guests aged 21+ are all included.
- Pack light. Wetsuits, snorkel gear, towels, lockers and animal-safe sun cream are all provided, so you only need swimwear, dry clothes and photo ID for everyone aged 18+.
- Bring your camera. Personal cameras are welcome almost everywhere, except the Dolphin Lagoon, Flamingo Mingle and Shark Swim.
- Check the age requirements. The Dolphin Swim is for ages 6+ (and 42 inches tall), while SeaVenture and the shark experiences are for ages 10+.
- Pick the right ticket. The Discovery Cove Package and Ultimate Package add 14 days of fun at SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and (with the Ultimate Package) Busch Gardens.
1. Book your Discovery Cove tickets in advance
Discovery Cove is a tranquil paradise and the perfect break in-between exploring the Florida theme parks. The resort limits the number of guests each day to around 1,000 to 1,300, which gives the whole place a relaxed, laid-back feel and means you can totally unwind. It's also why booking your Discovery Cove tickets in advance is so important, because once a date is full, it's full!
Discovery Cove recommends booking at least two months ahead for summer and school holiday dates. If you have your heart set on an extra experience like SeaVenture or the Shark Swim, book that as early as you can too, as each one only has a handful of spots each day.
Our top tip: Book with AttractionTickets.com and you'll have the flexibility to cancel for a full refund more than 30 days before your visit*, which is perfect if your Orlando plans are still taking shape.
2. Choose the right Discovery Cove ticket for your holiday
Every Discovery Cove ticket includes a full day at the resort with all the food, drinks and gear you need. Each ticket comes in two versions: a Dolphin Swim ticket, which includes a reserved 30-minute dolphin swim, or a Non-Dolphin Swim ticket for a day of snorkelling, floating and relaxing. Here's how our three Discovery Cove tickets compare:
AttractionTickets.com ticket | What's included | Perfect for |
|---|---|---|
A full all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove, with or without the Dolphin Swim | Shorter trips or packed Orlando itineraries | |
Your Discovery Cove day plus up to 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica | Families who love animals, shows and water slides | |
Everything in the Discovery Cove Package, plus Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and free self-parking at all the parks | Longer holidays and coaster fans |
Children aged 3-5 can book the Non-Dolphin Swim ticket, and children aged 6+ who are at least 42 inches (107cm) tall can choose either. Infants aged 0-2 enter free of charge and don't need an admission ticket.
3. Arrive early to make the most of your day
Arriving early is one of the best ways to get the most out of your day at Discovery Cove. Discovery Cove recommends arriving between 7:00am and 8:30am, and check-in opens at 7:15am.
If you've booked Ray Feeding or the Ultimate Animal Experience, check in by 7:00am (Ultimate Animal Experience guests meet their dolphin trainer at 7:15am). Flamingo Mingle times are given out at check-in, so arrive by 8:00am at the latest.
Your Dolphin Swim and SeaVenture times are given out on a first-come, first-served basis at check-in, so the earlier you arrive, the more choice you'll have. Plus, you'll have time for a leisurely breakfast and your pick of the best spots on the beach before the waterways open.
Here's how the morning usually flows:
Time | What's happening |
|---|---|
7:00am - 8:30am | Recommended arrival time |
7:15am | Check-in opens: show your photo ID, pick up your Discovery Cove ID card and choose your experience times |
7:30am - 10:30am | Breakfast at Laguna Grill |
Before 9:00am | Grab your wetsuit and snorkel gear, claim a locker, apply your sun cream and shower |
9:00am | The waterways open! |
5:00pm | Discovery Cove closes for the day |
Getting there: Discovery Cove is at 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, opposite SeaWorld Orlando and just a short drive from International Drive. All-day self-parking at Discovery Cove is free with every ticket.
4. Make the most of the all-inclusive dining
One of the best things about Discovery Cove (alongside the white sandy beaches, amazing animals and lazy river!) is that it's an all-inclusive resort. Your ticket includes breakfast and lunch, plus unlimited snacks and drinks throughout the day, with a selection of beer and wine for guests aged 21 and over.
- Laguna Grill is the main restaurant, serving a hot breakfast from 7:30am to 10:30am and lunch from 11:00am to 3:30pm. The lunch menu changes regularly, with dishes like coconut-crusted salmon, mojo pulled pork, Jamaican pepper steak, jerk chicken wraps, burgers, salads, kids' meals and desserts like carrot cake.
- Hibiscus Hideaway serves flatbread pizzas, soft-serve ice cream and drinks from late morning until the afternoon. Don't leave without trying a pizza!
- Blue Bamboo Bar is the spot for crisps, warm pretzels, cookies, fresh fruit and drinks.
Our top tips:
- Bring photo ID if you'd like a beer or a glass of wine, as you'll need to show proof that you're 21 or over.
- Cocktail lovers can upgrade to the Premium Drink Package (from $45) on the day, which adds signature cocktails, spirits and craft beer for guests aged 21+.
- Keep an eye on your plate when you dine outdoors, because the resort's cheeky ibis birds love a free lunch!
- For dietary requirements, Laguna Grill has gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Ask to speak with a supervisor or chef at the restaurant, who can talk you through your options and any cross-contact concerns.
5. Know what's included before you go
All-inclusive at Discovery Cove covers much more than food and drink. Your admission also includes:
- Lockers you can open as often as you like
- Fresh towels
- Short and long wetsuits in a wide range of sizes up to 18XL, plus swim vests
- A snorkel and mask, and the snorkel is yours to take home as a souvenir!
- Life jackets in every size
- Showers and changing rooms, stocked with shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Animal-safe sun cream, available at all the restrooms
- All-day self-parking at Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove's special sun cream is safe for all the animal habitats, so skip your usual sun cream on the day and use the one provided. It's quite thick, so a little goes a long way! Discovery Cove also asks you to shower before entering any of the animal habitats, which keeps the water healthy for its residents.
Glasses wearers can borrow a prescription mask, with various strengths available on a first-come, first-served basis, so ask when you collect your gear.
6. Know the water temperatures (and wear the wetsuit!)
The water at Discovery Cove stays at a constant temperature all year round, so you can swim and snorkel in every season. The saltwater areas are cooler to keep the marine life happy, so we'd recommend wearing your wetsuit for the Grand Reef and the Dolphin Swim, even in summer. It adds a little extra buoyancy and sun protection too!
Area | Water | Temperature | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
Serenity Bay | Freshwater | Around 85-86°F (30°C) | Up to 4ft (1.2m) |
Wind-Away River | Freshwater | Around 85-86°F (30°C) | 3-8ft (0.9-2.4m) |
Freshwater Oasis | Freshwater | Around 85-86°F (30°C) | Up to 7ft (2.1m) |
The Grand Reef | Saltwater | Around 76-77°F (25°C) | Up to 12ft (3.7m) |
Dolphin Lagoon | Saltwater | Around 76-77°F (25°C) | Up to 12ft (3.7m) |
Non-swimmers can enjoy the day too, with plenty of shallow areas and free life jackets that can even be worn in the Dolphin Lagoon. Water shoes are a great idea for the rocky bottom of the Wind-Away River.
7. Make your visit extra special with an add-on experience
Discovery Cove is an amazing place to visit, but if you want to make your day even more memorable, there's a host of incredible extras to choose from. These come at an additional cost and have limited spaces each day, so book early to avoid missing out.
SeaVenture is one of our favourite things to do at Discovery Cove. This unforgettable underwater walking tour lets you stroll along the floor of the Grand Reef wearing a special dive helmet, surrounded by thousands of beautiful fish and rays. You don't need any SCUBA certification, and you can book SeaVenture with AttractionTickets.com alongside your Discovery Cove ticket.
SeaVenture is for guests aged 10 and over who are confident swimmers, and you'll spend around 20 minutes underwater on the reef. Guests aged 10-13 are joined by a participating adult.
8. Plan your day around the animals
A little timing goes a long way at Discovery Cove, and these handy tips from our Orlando experts will help you catch the animals at their liveliest:
- Visit the Explorer's Aviary in the morning. The birds are at their hungriest early in the day, so grab a cup of the complimentary bird food and they'll happily hop onto your hand (or even your head!).
- Snorkel the Grand Reef early. The fish and rays are wonderfully active in the morning, and you can always head back for another swim later.
- Look out for the flamingos. The flamboyance often takes a stroll along the beach in front of the Dolphin Lagoon at around 9:15am, on their way to Laguna Grill.
- Meet the animal ambassadors. Animal experts bring out friends like sloths, armadillos and birds at scheduled times throughout the day. Check the Discovery Cove app or the signs around the park so you don't miss them.
- Watch the dolphins play. Even without a Dolphin Swim, it's lovely to watch the dolphins from the beach, and 4:00pm - 4:30pm is the best time to catch them at their most playful.
- Save time for one last float. The waterways close at 5:00pm, so leave enough time for a final lap of the Wind-Away River before you head off to change.
9. Bring your GoPro (and know the photo options)
If you have a GoPro or another waterproof camera, bring it along to Discovery Cove. You'll capture incredible underwater moments in the Grand Reef, Freshwater Oasis and Wind-Away River that you can cherish forever. SeaVenture even encourages you to bring your own underwater camera, and you can bring it on the Shark Snorkel too.
Personal cameras are allowed throughout the park, except in the Dolphin Lagoon, Flamingo Mingle and Shark Swim, where the focus is on the animals' safety. Other members of your party can still film and take photos from the beach during the Dolphin Swim.
Discovery Cove's professional photographers can capture the magic for you during the Dolphin Swim, Ray Feeding, Flamingo Mingle, the shark experiences and the Ultimate Animal Experience. Photo packages cover all the photos for your party (up to 9 guests), with three packages to choose from:
- Digital (from $249.99)
- Discovery (from $259.99)
- Premier (from $279.99), which adds prints, a frame, an album and a poster
Buying your photo package online before your visit can save you money, and picking your photos earlier in the afternoon leaves you free to relax at the end of the day.
10. Pack light
When you visit Discovery Cove, it's a good idea to pack light. Lockers are provided, so you can store your belongings safely for free, but you'll want to spend your time on the beach rather than going back and forth to your locker. Here's what to bring and what to leave behind:
Bring | Leave at your hotel |
|---|---|
Swimwear (wear it under your clothes to save time) | Jewellery (watches and wedding bands are fine) |
A dry change of clothes | Outside food and drink, including alcohol and coolers |
Photo ID for everyone aged 18+ | Your usual sun cream (the animal-safe one is provided) |
Completed waivers for any minors visiting without their parent or legal guardian | Noodles, fins, flippers and sand toys |
A credit or debit card, if you'd like to link it to your ID card for purchases | Clothing with metal zips or buttons |
Water shoes, a hat and sunglasses | |
Any essential medication |
Children in nappies will need swim nappies or waterproof protectors in the water. Remember to keep your photo ID handy rather than locking it away, as you'll need it at check-in.
11. Leave your jewellery at home
We'd recommend leaving your jewellery somewhere safe for the day, for two reasons. The first is that you don't want to lose it in the sand or the water, and the second is that jewellery isn't allowed in the animal areas, to keep the animals safe. Watches and wedding bands are the exception, so you can keep those on. Anything else can go in your hotel safe or your locker when you arrive.
12. Don't forget about the other parks
The Discovery Cove Package includes up to 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. SeaWorld Orlando is home to some of the most thrilling coasters in Orlando and lots of amazing animal encounters, while Aquatica has plenty of fun water slides and a lazy river. Upgrade to the Discovery Cove Ultimate Package and you'll also get admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, plus free self-parking at all the parks.
Your visits to the other parks can be before or after your day at Discovery Cove, all within the 14-day window, so make sure you have enough time to visit them all. Your ticket includes a gate-ready barcode for the other parks too.
If you have limited time in Orlando or an already packed schedule, the Discovery Cove Day Only Experience gives you a full day at Discovery Cove, helping you save a little extra money.
13. Bringing little ones to Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a wonderful day out for all ages, and the shallow waters of Serenity Bay and Freshwater Oasis are perfect for little paddlers. Here's what to plan for:
- Infants aged 0-2 enter free of charge, don't need an admission ticket and will need swim nappies in the water.
- Children aged 3-5 can enjoy everything included in the Non-Dolphin Swim ticket, and the Dolphin Swim opens up once they turn 6 and reach 42 inches (107cm).
- Children under 13 need to be with an adult to enter Discovery Cove.
- Any guest under 18 taking part in the Dolphin Swim needs a minor waiver completed by a parent or legal guardian. If a parent isn't visiting, the accompanying adult will need the signed form plus a photocopy of the parent's driving licence or passport. Contact AttractionTickets.com if you'd like a form sent with your documents.
- Free life jackets come in every size, and specially wheeled strollers make the sand a breeze.
Our guide to what to do at Discovery Cove with young kids has even more ideas for little explorers.
14. Accessibility and special requirements
Discovery Cove is a Certified Autism Center, with specially trained team members, a downloadable Sensory Guide and a Quiet Space near First Aid. The resort works hard to make the day as inclusive as possible:
- Beach wheelchairs with oversized wheels are available to help you get around on the sand. These are pushed by a companion, so reserve them ahead of your visit by calling Discovery Cove on 407-513-4600 (or +1 407-370-1280 from outside the USA).
- Service animals (dogs or miniature horses) are welcome in the resort areas and can stay at least 30 feet from the water's edge while you enjoy the pools, reefs and aviary.
- Mums-to-be are welcome to enjoy a relaxing day at Discovery Cove. For the Dolphin Swim, Discovery Cove asks expectant mothers to check with their doctor first, and SeaVenture is best saved for a future visit.
- Special timings: If you have specific needs that require a set arrival time, call reservations at least 24 hours in advance.
You can find out more on the Discovery Cove Accessibility page.
15. Plan for the Florida weather
Discovery Cove stays open come rain or shine, and most water activities (including the Dolphin Swim) carry on as normal in the rain. If thunder and lightning roll in, the team may pause activities for a while to keep everyone safe, which is a perfect excuse for an extra pizza at Hibiscus Hideaway!
Florida's summer storms tend to arrive in the afternoon, so plan your must-do water activities for the morning. Discovery Cove's Named Storm Policy covers a reschedule or refund if a named tropical storm or hurricane affects your visit. If you booked with AttractionTickets.com, get in touch with our team, who'll be happy to sort out your booking.
The air can feel cooler in January and February, with average highs of 71°F (22°C) in January and 74°F (23°C) in February, but the warm freshwater lagoons and river feel especially cosy. Choose a full-length wetsuit for the reef, keep a towel close by and soak up the sunshine between swims. Spring and autumn are lovely times to visit too, with warm days and comfortable temperatures.
Dive into all-inclusive luxury and book your Discovery Cove tickets with AttractionTickets.com today!
*Free cancellations for bookings cancelled with the supplier more than 30 days before your booked Discovery Cove visit. Full terms and conditions apply.
