Discovery Cove is a separate ticketed park where you swim with dolphins and rays

Discovery Cove is not included in a standard SeaWorld or Busch Gardens pass. It is a dedicated marine park in Orlando, Florida, where the main activity is swimming in lagoons with bottlenose dolphins, manta rays, and tropical fish. Entry is by day pass only — there is no annual pass option — and each ticket includes a wetsuit, locker, breakfast, lunch, and snacks. The park holds roughly 1,200 guests per day, which is far smaller than SeaWorld's capacity, so the experience feels less crowded.

Discovery Cove operates year-round but closes some days for maintenance and training. Tickets are not sold at the gate; you must purchase in advance online or by phone. The park is located at 6000 Central Florida Parkway in the same general area as SeaWorld, about 20 minutes from the Orlando airport.

Key Takeaways

  • Discovery Cove requires advance ticket purchase and holds only about 1,200 guests daily, so it books up weeks ahead during peak season.
  • The dolphin swim experience is the centerpiece, but you also get access to the Grand Reef lagoon with rays, sharks, and tropical fish for the full day.
  • Your ticket includes a wetsuit, meals, snacks, and a locker, so there are few additional costs once you arrive.
  • Swimmers must be at least 6 years old to enter the water, though younger children can visit the park and participate in some activities.
  • The park operates on a reservation system with limited daily capacity, so availability varies by season and how far in advance you book.

What the dolphin swim experience actually includes

The dolphin encounter is a structured 30-minute session in a designated lagoon with a small group (usually 6 to 8 people plus trainers). You do not choose the dolphin or direct the interaction — trainers pair you with an animal and guide the session. A typical encounter includes a close-up introduction, a chance to touch and feed the dolphin, and a "dorsal pull" where the dolphin tows you through the water by its fin.

The experience is designed for safety and the animal's welfare, so trainers control the pace and duration. You will spend time in the water before and after the encounter in the Grand Reef lagoon, where you can swim freely with rays, nurse sharks, and fish. This open-water time is not guided and makes up a large part of your day at the park.

Children as young as 6 can participate in the dolphin swim if they meet the height and swimming ability requirements (usually 48 inches tall and able to swim). Younger children can enter the park and use the Grand Reef lagoon but cannot join the dolphin encounter.

Ticket pricing and what is included

Discovery Cove ticket prices vary by date and how far in advance you book. Peak season dates (summer, holidays, weekends) cost more than off-peak dates (weekday visits in fall or spring). Prices are typically in the range of $200 to $400 per person, though exact pricing changes throughout the year and is only visible when you select a specific date on their website.

Your ticket includes a standard wetsuit, a locker for your belongings, breakfast, lunch, a snack, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. You do not need to bring your own towel, sunscreen, or change of clothes — the park provides these. Parking is also included. Optional add-ons like a photo package, premium wetsuit, or dolphin trainer-for-a-day experience cost extra.

If you hold a SeaWorld or Busch Gardens annual pass, you may receive a discount on Discovery Cove tickets, but the discount does not waive the full price. Check the terms of your specific pass level when you book.

How to book and what to expect on arrival day

Tickets are sold only through Discovery Cove's website or by calling their reservations line. You select your date, number of guests, and any add-ons, then pay in full at booking. Cancellations made 14 days or more before your visit receive a full refund; cancellations within 14 days are forfeited. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation details and a list of what to bring (photo ID, swimsuit, medications if needed).

Arrive 15 minutes before your assigned check-in time. You will receive your locker assignment, wetsuit fitting, and a wristband that tracks your meals and activities. Breakfast is served from your arrival until 10:30 a.m., so arriving early gives you more time to eat before your dolphin encounter. Your specific encounter time is assigned at check-in based on the day's schedule.

The park closes at sunset, and most guests depart by early evening. Plan to spend 6 to 8 hours at the park to make full use of your ticket.

Physical requirements and health considerations

You must be able to swim to enter the water at Discovery Cove. The park does not offer swimming lessons or flotation devices for adults, though children can wear a life jacket if needed. The water depth in the Grand Reef lagoon ranges from 3 to 12 feet, so you need to be comfortable in deep water.

Pregnant people, people with certain heart conditions, and people with open wounds or infections cannot participate in the dolphin swim. The park requires you to disclose any medical conditions when you book. If you have questions about whether a specific condition affects your visit, contact Discovery Cove directly before purchasing your ticket.

The sun exposure is significant — you will spend most of your day outdoors in a wetsuit. Sunscreen is provided, but reapplication is your responsibility. The park is not shaded, so bring a hat or plan to spend time in the water to stay cool.

How Discovery Cove differs from SeaWorld's marine animal encounters

SeaWorld includes shows and encounters with killer whales, sea lions, and other animals as part of your general admission ticket. Discovery Cove focuses on hands-on interaction with dolphins and rays in a smaller, more intimate setting. You do not watch performances; you participate directly in the water.

Discovery Cove is also significantly more expensive per person than a SeaWorld day pass, but the experience is more personalized and the park is much less crowded. If you want to see a wide variety of marine animals and shows, SeaWorld is the better choice. If you specifically want to swim with dolphins and spend a full day in the water, Discovery Cove is designed for that purpose.

The two parks are separate facilities with separate tickets, though they are owned by the same company and located near each other. You cannot visit both on the same day with a single ticket.

Booking during peak season and planning ahead

Discovery Cove operates on a reservation system with limited daily capacity. During summer (June through August), spring break, and winter holidays, the park books up 4 to 8 weeks in advance. If you want to visit during these periods, book as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Off-peak dates (September through November, January through May, excluding holidays) typically have more availability and lower prices. Weekday visits are usually cheaper and less crowded than weekends year-round. If your schedule is flexible, visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday in October or April will give you a better price and a more relaxed experience.

Check the Discovery Cove website directly for current availability and pricing for your preferred dates. Prices and availability change frequently, and third-party resellers often charge higher prices than the official site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own camera or phone into the water?

Personal cameras and phones are not allowed in the water. Discovery Cove offers a photo package that includes professional photos taken during your dolphin encounter and throughout the day. You can purchase digital copies or prints. Waterproof cameras are not permitted in the dolphin lagoon but may be allowed in the Grand Reef area — check with staff when you arrive.

What if I am not a strong swimmer?

You must be able to swim to participate. The park does not offer flotation devices for adults or swimming lessons. If you are not confident in deep water, Discovery Cove may not be the right experience for you. Consider visiting SeaWorld instead, where you can view marine animals without entering the water.

Do I need to bring anything besides my ID and swimsuit?

Bring your photo ID, swimsuit, and any prescription medications you need. The park provides a wetsuit, towel, sunscreen, locker, meals, and snacks. Sunglasses and a hat are useful but not required. Leave valuables at your hotel — the locker is find but small.

Can I visit Discovery Cove if I have a SeaWorld annual pass?

A SeaWorld annual pass does not include Discovery Cove admission. However, annual pass holders receive a discount on Discovery Cove tickets. The discount amount depends on your pass level. Log into your SeaWorld account or call reservations to see your specific discount before booking.

What happens if the weather is bad on my visit day?

Discovery Cove operates in light rain and stays open unless lightning is present. If lightning closes the park during your visit, you can reschedule for another date at no additional cost. Check the cancellation policy on your confirmation email for specific weather-related refund terms.