Discovery Cove Orlando

What time does Discovery Cove Orlando open?

Discovery Cove is a full day adventure with operating hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. Check-in begins as early as 7:15am to 8:30am If you’re participating in 3 or more add-on experiences during your visit to Discovery Cove, please plan to arrive by 7:00 a.m. for check-in and proper scheduling of your day.

When should I arrive?

You can arrive anytime, but we suggest arriving early to take full advantage of the park. Discovery Cove is a full day adventure. Please plan to arrive between 7:15 am and 8:30 am. Dolphin interactions begin as early as 8:00 a.m. and will fluctuate seasonally. Breakfast is from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm.

How will I know my Swim with the Dolphin time or SeaVenture Dive time?

At check-in, they will assign you a time for your dolphin experience and SeaVenture. Times are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the age requirement to swim with the dolphins?

Children must be 6 years or older to swim with the dolphins. They also must be at least 42 inches or taller to swim with the dolphins, Ages 6-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult (18+) who also is participating in the dolphin swim experience. All children under 18 years old must have a liability waiver signed by an adult.

What is the age requirement for SeaVenture?

Children must be 10 years or older to participate in SeaVenture. Ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a paying adult who also is participating in the SeaVenture experience. All children under 18 years old must have a liability waiver signed by an adult.

Does my child 2 years and younger need an admission ticket?

They are free, but an infant ticket will need to be added to the order.

How long is the dolphin swim experience?

The in-water dolphin experience is approximately 30 minutes. Beforehand, there is a short orientation session (10 minutes) led by Discovery Cove's expert Dolphin trainers to discuss safety and offer an opportunity for participants to ask questions. Next, small groups wade into the shallow water of the Dolphin Lagoon for the in-water experience with the dolphins. Afterwards, you can view photographs and video of your interactions and talk about your experience with trainers and other participants.

How long is the SeaVenture experience?

SeaVenture lasts about 45 minutes total, including a brief orientation session and 20-minute underwater walking tour.

How much is parking?

Self-parking at Discovery Cove is complimentary. However, parking admission for Discovery Cove's sister parks is not included.

Can my child enter the park without an adult?

You must be 15 years old to enter the park without parental supervision. Parent or Legal Guardian must sign "Authorization to Treat" forms before allowing park entry.

What should I wear to the park on the day of my program?

Guests should bring their own swimsuits, and, if they choose, water socks or rubber pool shoes, hat, sunglasses and cover-up or dry clothes. Discovery Cove provides all guests with swim vests and/or wetsuits. They will also provide you a locker. With the exception of watches and wedding bands, Discovery Cove guests may not wear jewelry, for the safety of the animals.

What is the parks maximum occupancy?

The park restricts attendance to about 1,300 guests per day and so is able to provide a more intimate, resort-like experience.

What do I need to bring with me to Discovery Cove?

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.

Are cameras allowed?

Guests may use their personal cameras and recording devices throughout the park, with the exception of the dolphin lagoons (for the safety of our animals and your photo equipment). We do, however, allow other party members to take photos and record video of the interaction from our beach areas. In addition, we provide photographers and videographers to capture your memories.

Are prescription masks available at Discovery Cove?

Discovery Cove offers special prescription masks in various strengths (near-sighted: -1 through -8 and far-sighted: 1 through 8) on a first come, first serve basis.

Are wet suits provided?

Yes. While in the water, we do require guests to wear either a wetsuit (short or long depending on the season and guests preference) or a swim vest. This ensures our lifeguards are able to see guests as they swim underwater, thus, enhancing safety. *Sizing ranges from toddlers through 18XL.

Is the park accessible to disabled guests?

Discovery Cove can accommodate guests with disabilities who are able to maneuver themselves with limited assistance (or with the aid of a personal assistant) during their dolphin experience and in the various wading locations. Discovery Cove also offers specially-designed outdoor wheelchairs with oversized tires for easy maneuvering on the beach. The wheelchairs are not self-maneuverable and guests will need assistance operating them. Wheelchairs can be reserved by calling the park in advance.

Are pets allowed?

Only service animals are allowed.

Can I visit SeaWorld or Aquatica before I visit Discovery Cove?

If you have purchased the ticket that includes the sister parks, your reservation includes a 14-day pass to SeaWorld and Aquatica, SeaWorld's Waterpark in Orlando. You must use it consecutively with your visit to Discovery Cove, either before, after, or a combination of both. Your personalized ID card issued at Discovery Cove will serve as your ticket if you decide to visit your selected sister parks after your reservation date. However, if you plan on visiting SeaWorld or Aquatica prior to your Discovery Cove date, simply present your voucher and photo ID for each member in your party at the front gate guest relations.

What happens if it rains?

Afternoon showers are common during the summer months in Orlando. Water Activities will still continue during rain storms and the park does not offer refunds for weather. You may reschedule if offered by the park directly due to a closure, but refunds will not be offered.

What happens if I need to cancel?

The park has a very strict cancellation/change policy that must be done 30+ days in advance. No changes or cancellations can be made after the date has passed, no exceptions.

If Discovery Cove is a Day Resort, does that mean this includes an overnight stay?

Discovery Cove is a day resort as it is an all-inclusive day where meals, drinks, gear, and activities are included once you check in for your day of discovery. This does not include an overnight stay.

What is the temperture of the water in the pools?

The temperature of our pools remains constant throughout the year. The fresh water Serenity Bay, Freshwater Oasis and Wind-Away River are maintained around 85-86 F (30 C). The salt water Dolphin Lagoon and The Grand Reef® is maintained around 76-77 F (25 C).

Do I need to be a good swimmer to participate in the various experiences at Discovery Cove?

Even for non-swimmers, Discovery Cove has plenty to offer. Not only can you relax on the white sand beaches or one of our many hammocks, but we have an Aviary full of exotic birds to hand feed. More importantly, however, we do provide life jackets so you can enjoy the waterways as well. The devices are designed to keep you afloat, so you would still be able to snorkel with the fish in The Grand Reef® or take a journey down our Wind-Away River. The lifejackets can even be worn in the dolphin lagoons!

Are there any restrictions for expectant mothers?

We do not place restrictions for expectant mothers; the decision is left up to each individual. However, guests should take the following into consideration: the day will involve swimming with water depths ranging from 3 feet to 15 feet. In addition, if you have chosen to participate in the Dolphin swim experience it will be with a live animal weighing in excess of 500 pounds. The experience will involve up-close activities such as kissing and touching of the dolphin, along with being towed 12 feet through the water while holding onto the dorsal fin of the dolphin. Therefore, we do ask that you consult a doctor prior to your visit. Please ensure that you explain the nature of the interaction and activities to receive a proper assessment.