Swimming With Dolphins Orlando: Your Comprehensive Guide to Discovery Cove’s Dolphin Swim Experience
Ready to feel the silky, smooth texture of a bottlenose dolphin’s skin as it glides gracefully by your side? If you’re ready for an adventure that promises awe-inspiring moments, Discovery Cove in Orlando offers a dream-like dolphin swim experience you won’t soon forget!
As you dip into the crystal-clear waters, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey of dolphin encounters that combines discovery, education, and pure joy. But first, read through this comprehensive Discovery Cove guide that covers everything you need
From understanding Discovery Cove ticket info to learning Discovery Cove tips for making the most of your visit, dive deep into what makes swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove a must-do experience.
Whether you’re curious about Discovery Cove dolphin names or want to know the exact Discovery Cove age to swim with dolphins, we’ve got all the insider details to help you plan your ultimate Orlando dolphin swim adventure. Let’s dive in!
Day Resort with Dolphin Swim Package
Admission to Discovery Cove does not include the swim with dolphins experience by default. However, Tripster offers a fantastic discount on the Day Resort with a Dolphin Swim package, perfect for making the most of your day!
The package includes:
- All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, unlimited snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and select beer and wine
- Access to The Grand Reef, Freshwater Oasis, Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay, and the all-new Flamingo Point
- Free parking, lockers, towels, wetsuits, snorkel gear, and more
- Signature Discovery Cove swim with dolphins experience
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by exhilarating animal encounters at various Discovery Cove attractions. Swim through stunning marine environments, walk among exotic birds, and get up close with fascinating marine creatures. And of course, the highlight — swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove!
Whether you’re enjoying a face-to-face dolphin encounter Orlando or swimming among vibrant fish and rays, this package ensures a memorable experience from start to finish. Plus, with all your meals, snacks, and drinks covered, you can focus entirely on enjoying your ultimate Discovery Cove expedition!
Plan Your Discovery Cove Visit: Know Before You Go
Ready to swim with dolphins in Florida’s Discovery Cove? These essential details should help you experience a worry-free fin-tastic adventure!
Reservations: Thinking about a magical dolphin encounter at Discovery Cove? You’ll need to make a reservation for the best dolphin interactions Orlando offers.
The demand for the Discovery Cove swim with dolphins experience is high, so booking early is key to securing your slot. And remember, regular Discovery Cove tickets don’t include the dolphin swim experience.
Age and Height Requirements: Curious about who can participate? For the All-Inclusive Dolphin Swim experience, children must be at least six years old and stand at least 42 inches tall. Additionally, children between the ages of 6-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Discovery Cove takes safety seriously!
Dolphin Behaviors: Ever wondered what dolphins do up close? During the Discovery Cove swim with dolphins, you’ll be thrilled to witness and even interact with these intelligent creatures. Dolphins are incredibly playful and social animals.
From leaping gracefully through the air to demonstrating their echo-location abilities, each moment promises to be educational and captivating.
Restrictions: Before you jump into the sparkling waters with our finned friends, there are a few restrictions to keep everyone safe. Jewelry and loose items are not allowed, as they pose risks to both guests and dolphins.
Additionally, gadgets and food are a no-go. This ensures a safe and clean environment for all. So, leave those extras in the complimentary locker and focus on the incredible experience ahead.
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Rainy Day Policy: Florida weather can be quite the character, ranging from sunny skies to sudden showers. Discovery Cove’s dolphin swim experiences are designed to continue rain or shine, but in the case of extreme weather such as lightning, operations may temporarily halt for safety.
Don’t worry, though—your day won’t be ruined. The staff will ensure you are informed and assisted throughout any weather interruptions.
Safety First Guidelines: At Discovery Cove, safety is the top priority. Guests must shower before entering animal areas to maintain cleanliness and well-being. Always heed posted and verbal instructions from park employees.
Bag inspections are conducted upon entry to keep everyone safe. Any injuries should be promptly reported before leaving the park. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll help ensure everyone has a wonderful, safe day enjoying the dolphin swim experience.
What to Expect?
Want to know what to expect from dolphin encounters Discovery Cove? We’ve got you covered with this Discovery Cove visitor guide:
Face to Face with Dolphins: Swim up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Cove Orlando! Experience the magic of touching, feeding, and even communicating with these intelligent creatures. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter brings you right into their world, creating unforgettable memories. The connections made here are real and heartwarming, leaving you with a story to tell for years.
Types of Dolphins and Dolphin Names: At Discovery Cove Orlando Swim with Dolphins, you’ll mainly encounter bottlenose dolphins. These playful and friendly creatures are well-known for their acrobatics and intelligence. You might meet dolphins like Thelma and Madison, each with their unique personalities. The trainers are more than happy to share stories and fun facts about these amazing animals, making the interaction even more personal and meaningful.
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Educational Aspect: Like SeaWorld Dolphin Cove, the dolphin encounter at Discovery Cove is not just fun but also highly educational. You’ll learn about dolphin behaviors, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting marine environments.
Engaging with dolphins this way promotes a greater understanding and respect for marine life, making it a fulfilling experience for guests of all ages.
Duration: Your dolphin swim experience Orlando typically lasts around 30 minutes, which includes an educational briefing and time spent interacting with the dolphins. While the actual swim might feel brief, the memories and knowledge you gain will be long-lasting.
Wetsuit Required: For your comfort and safety, Discovery Cove provides wetsuits for all participants during the dolphin swim. These suits are specially designed to keep you comfortable in the water, ensuring that your encounter is enjoyable from start to finish.
Photo Packages: Capture the magic of your dolphin encounters forever with the purchase of a photo package. These packages offer professional photos taken during your experience, so you can relive the moment whenever you wish. While this is an additional cost, many visitors find it a worthwhile investment for preserving their swim with dolphins Orlando memories.
Discovery Cove Attractions
After your unforgettable swimming with dolphins Orlando experience, continue your adventure by exploring all the captivating attractions Discovery Cove has to offer! Here are the best Discovery Cove experiences:
Freshwater Oasis: Experience pure relaxation in the Freshwater Oasis! Designed to resemble a tropical rainforest, it features clear, warm waters perfect for a leisurely float. You’ll love winding through hidden groves and discovering new treasures around every bend.
The Grand Reef: If snorkeling with tropical fish is on your bucket list, then The Grand Reef at Discovery Cove is where you need to be. Slip on your snorkeling gear and dive into an underwater world filled with over 7,000 saltwater fish and graceful rays gliding alongside you.
The reef starts at a gentle shore and gradually deepens, offering both beginners and advanced snorkelers a thrilling experience.
Wind-Away River: The Wind-Away River is not your typical lazy river. This winding stream takes you on a serene journey through cascading waterfalls, hidden grottos, and serene lagoons. With warm, clear water, it’s the perfect place to unwind and let the current guide you through lush landscaping and tropical settings.
Other Animal Encounters: Enhance your visit with an array of Orlando marine life experiences. You can partake in the SeaVenture, an underwater walking tour that lets you get up close with fish and rays, or try the Shark Interaction for an adrenaline-pumping experience. Feed the rays in the Ray Feeding encounter or join the Flamingo Mingle for a colorful start to your day.
Discovery Cove Tips for First-Time Visitors
These dolphin swim tips Orlando are lifesavers, so don’t go just yet!
Book early: Book your Discovery Cove dolphin swim experience as early as possible. The availability is limited due to high demand and small group sizes, ensuring a personalized and memorable interaction.
Cashless: Discovery Cove only accepts cashless payments for all experiences, including food and souvenir purchases. This means you’ll need a credit card or your Discovery Cove ID card with the in-park charging option.
What to Bring: Besides the essentials, consider bringing marine animal-friendly sunscreen and an extra set of clothes. A waterproof camera case will help you capture underwater memories, and beach slippers can keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. Remember, don’t bring too much, as you might end up leaving many items in the lockers.
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What to Leave at Home: When heading to Discovery Cove, it’s best to leave certain items at home. Jewelry, outside food and beverages, and flotation devices such as noodles, swim fins, sand toys, flippers, and any scuba equipment are not permitted.
Respect for the Animals: As you prepare for your visit, remind your little ones to approach the experience with respect and care. Dolphins and other marine life at Discovery Cove are living creatures that deserve our kindness and understanding. By teaching your kids to follow the guidelines and listen to the trainers, you ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, including the animals themselves.
Still wondering where to go to swim with dolphins in Orlando? Discovery Cove offers the best dolphin swim Orlando has to offer, but feel free to check out our travel guide for more vacation inspo!
Discovery Cove Swim with Dolphins FAQs
Is Swimming With Dolphins Really a Safe Thing to Do?
Yes, swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove is considered safe, as the park follows strict safety guidelines and protocols. Trained professionals supervise all dolphin interactions to ensure the well-being of both guests and dolphins. Nevertheless, participants need to follow all rules and instructions for the safest experience.
Do You Have to Wear a Wetsuit to Swim With Dolphins?
Yes, Discovery Cove requires all guests to wear wetsuits provided by the park during their dolphin swim experience. These wetsuits ensure the safety and comfort of both the guests and the dolphins. However, those with sensitivities to neoprene can opt to wear a Discovery Cove tee shirt instead.
Where Else to Swim with Dolphins in Orlando
While the Discovery Cove dolphin swim is undeniably a bucket-list experience, Orlando offers a plethora of other attractions that you shouldn’t miss out on.
From exhilarating water parks (think Dolphin Cove SeaWorld!) to other spots where you can swim with dolphins, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Make sure to check out Tripster for discounted tickets and vacation packages that can make your Orlando adventure even more affordable and memorable!
PS: These are affiliate products, so if you choose to buy, Tripster might earn a commission.
