Visiting Discovery Cove
Located just across the road from its big sister, SeaWorld, Discovery Cove is an enticing tropical paradise with beaches, reefs, and lagoons. Although the entry price is high enough to make all but lottery winners blink, the park’s relaxing and tranquil setting offers some exceptional and unforgettable experiences, the highlight of which is a 30-minute opportunity to swim with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Forgoing the dolphin experience, however, can reduce the cost of a visit by almost half. In contrast to Florida’s other theme parks, Discovery Cove has a capacity of only 1,000 guests a day – the car park takes only 500 cars – and it is advisable to make reservations well in advance.
TACKLING THE PARK
White sandy beaches, lush green surroundings, and picturesque waterfalls create a serene atmosphere and allow guests to explore the park at a leisurely pace. Make sure you set aside an entire day to cover the park’s animal attractions and enjoy the beaches.
The price is steep at $279 plus taxes per person – with no reductions for children – and include the Dolphin Swim experience, swimming and snorkeling gear, the use of beach amenities such as towels, umbrellas, and lockers, one main meal, and unlimited admission to SeaWorld or the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for seven consecutive days.
The price is reduced to $179 plus taxes if you choose not to do the Dolphin Swim. Note that children below the age of six are not permitted to swim with the dolphins.
Since admission is limited, the lack of crowds ensures attentive service as visitors are greeted by a personal guide, given a photo ID card, and taken on a familiarization tour through the park.
Cameras are allowed at most of the attractions except at Dolphin Lagoon, but avoid wearing jewelry as it might be distracting for the animals. Guests with disabilities are welcome and special outdoor wheelchairs, with oversized tires for easy maneuvering on the beach, are available. There is only one restaurant but the food is good and you can eat on the beaches, too.
TOP TIPS
• Don’t put any sunscreen on before you visit as the price includes Discovery Cove’s own “fish friendly” screen, the only sunscreen allowed.
• You don’t need to be an expert swimmer for the Dolphin Swim experience – just comfortable in the water. You will be given a flotation jacket, which you must wear at all times while you are in the pool.
• The Dolphin Lagoon is cooler than the rest so a wet suit will be provided if you feel too cold.
• Make sure at least one person in your group is wearing a watch at all times as it is otherwise easy to forget your Dolphin Swim time slot.
• It’s a good idea to split your group into two and take turns in clicking photographs. This will help you avoid the high charges of the resident photographers.
