Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove
4.8
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discovery Cove is a one-of-a kind experience where you can interact with bottlenose dolphins, feed tropical birds, play inches from a family of otters and even walk on the Grand Reef floor-all in one day. Between adventures, recharge with unlimited island fare and refreshments. With this all-inclusive experience your family can unwind, explore, learn, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Does not meet animal welfare
guidelines
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4.8
17,806 reviews
Excellent
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1,839
Average
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Poor
207
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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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TRL
Dumfries, UK75 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We visit Orlando every 2nd year - sometimes more. When we have booked we always purchase the Discovery Cove ticket on or around Black Friday. For UK visitors this gives 14 day unlimited access to Seaworld/Auatica and Busch Gardens - so it really is best deal in Orlando.
Discovery Cove is always a wonderful start to our Holiday - a peaceful Oasis. Numbers are restricted so never busy but if you visit mid/week in September it is so quiet as nowhere near reaches capacity. The Food is good quality and oh so plentiful.
P.S if using Black Friday offer consider downloading the Seaworld:Busch apps and get the all day dining packages half price at this time.
Discovery Cove is always a wonderful start to our Holiday - a peaceful Oasis. Numbers are restricted so never busy but if you visit mid/week in September it is so quiet as nowhere near reaches capacity. The Food is good quality and oh so plentiful.
P.S if using Black Friday offer consider downloading the Seaworld:Busch apps and get the all day dining packages half price at this time.
Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M123
11 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We visited discovery cove as a family of 4 in September and had the best day of our 14 day trip.
The experience was excellent from start to finish, good food options for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Excellent set up. Snorkelling with the fish and rays was magical, staff were all excellent, plenty of lifeguards and felt very safe. The staff were good at telling us about the marine life and enhancing our experience but also at making sure that guests didn’t overstep the mark and respected the animals too.
The lazy river is amazing, lots of areas to enjoy, plenty of Sun loungers available.
Absolutely wonderful day that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting Florida.
The experience was excellent from start to finish, good food options for breakfast, lunch and snacks. Excellent set up. Snorkelling with the fish and rays was magical, staff were all excellent, plenty of lifeguards and felt very safe. The staff were good at telling us about the marine life and enhancing our experience but also at making sure that guests didn’t overstep the mark and respected the animals too.
The lazy river is amazing, lots of areas to enjoy, plenty of Sun loungers available.
Absolutely wonderful day that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting Florida.
Written 14 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John G
1 contribution
May 2024 • Family
What an incredible experience. My wife and I had visited discovery cove years ago before we had kids and had a good experience so now that we have 3 children we decided to bring them so they could experience the joy we did years ago.
We opted for a dolphin swim, animal trek, and VIP cabana. I highly recommend the cabana as the convenience and package are well worth the cost. Especially when you have a host as incredible as Tyler.
As amazing as discovery cove was, Tyler was the highlight of our day right up there with the dolphin swim. I don’t even know where to begin. Tyler is insightful, thoughtful, accommodating, and just an overall joy to have as our host. This man is incredible. He had our entire day planned when we arrived, he gave us a tour of the grounds, gave us some helpful tips, and his service is unmatched. When I say unmatched, I don’t just mean at discovery cove. In all my years I’ve never had a host go so above and beyond for my family ever. He made sure we stayed on track and were on time for all of our activities for the day. When he saw my wife was getting overwhelmed while I was taking care of our 3 year old, Tyler went out of his way to get my wife a drink, came back, gave her the drink, told her to relax he’s got it, asked what the kids wanted to eat and got everything together for them allowing her some time to calm her nerves. He brought the trays of food to our table and made sure my family had everything they needed. He kept our cabana fully stocked, cleaned the mess of sand my kids made on the cabana floor, brought us wet suits and snorkel gear so we wouldn’t have to wait on the long line, and made sure we knew when to be back. He also took tons of photos for my wife and I.
At one point toward the end of our day it started to thunderstorm and we were ordered out of the water for safety. What was Tyler doing? He was busy getting warm chocolate chip cookies prepared for my kids and towels to make sure they were comfortable and happy without asking. We had a stroller that had gotten sandy and wet during the storm. When he realized we would be leaving soon, he cleaned the stroller and dried it out. We did not ask him to do this. He took it upon himself to make sure every detail of our day was as perfect as it could possibly be. His service is beyond exceptional and he is truly one of the best assets discovery cove has. He is the best of the best. I will ask for him next time as the kids absolutely loved him and so did my wife and I. He made the day extra special! I highly recommend requesting him to be your host if you opt for the vip cabana. I could literally go on and on about his service. There’s so much more he did that I haven’t written but I’m sure my wife will be leaving a review (which we never do) because his service is so incredible.
We opted for a dolphin swim, animal trek, and VIP cabana. I highly recommend the cabana as the convenience and package are well worth the cost. Especially when you have a host as incredible as Tyler.
As amazing as discovery cove was, Tyler was the highlight of our day right up there with the dolphin swim. I don’t even know where to begin. Tyler is insightful, thoughtful, accommodating, and just an overall joy to have as our host. This man is incredible. He had our entire day planned when we arrived, he gave us a tour of the grounds, gave us some helpful tips, and his service is unmatched. When I say unmatched, I don’t just mean at discovery cove. In all my years I’ve never had a host go so above and beyond for my family ever. He made sure we stayed on track and were on time for all of our activities for the day. When he saw my wife was getting overwhelmed while I was taking care of our 3 year old, Tyler went out of his way to get my wife a drink, came back, gave her the drink, told her to relax he’s got it, asked what the kids wanted to eat and got everything together for them allowing her some time to calm her nerves. He brought the trays of food to our table and made sure my family had everything they needed. He kept our cabana fully stocked, cleaned the mess of sand my kids made on the cabana floor, brought us wet suits and snorkel gear so we wouldn’t have to wait on the long line, and made sure we knew when to be back. He also took tons of photos for my wife and I.
At one point toward the end of our day it started to thunderstorm and we were ordered out of the water for safety. What was Tyler doing? He was busy getting warm chocolate chip cookies prepared for my kids and towels to make sure they were comfortable and happy without asking. We had a stroller that had gotten sandy and wet during the storm. When he realized we would be leaving soon, he cleaned the stroller and dried it out. We did not ask him to do this. He took it upon himself to make sure every detail of our day was as perfect as it could possibly be. His service is beyond exceptional and he is truly one of the best assets discovery cove has. He is the best of the best. I will ask for him next time as the kids absolutely loved him and so did my wife and I. He made the day extra special! I highly recommend requesting him to be your host if you opt for the vip cabana. I could literally go on and on about his service. There’s so much more he did that I haven’t written but I’m sure my wife will be leaving a review (which we never do) because his service is so incredible.
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy P
Paris, IL275 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This place is awesome. This was our second trip and it was everything the first trip was and more. The dolphin encounter was terrific. The food was wonderful. The fact that they only let so many people in a day means it is never overcrowded. Yes it does cost a lot, but they are almost always running specials and really isn't much more than going to Disney World. I really only have two complaints and they are minor petty complaints. I don't like that they make you wear a life jacket for the grand reef, if a person is a good swimmer they shouldn't have to wear it. The cost of purchasing photos is a bit steep, this is the case with most places. Outside of the dolphins the lazy river is probably my favorite thing to do, just wish they had tubes to float down on. You won't regret spending a day here. Also if you are planning on going to SeaWorld or Aquatica, go here. There are ticket options that will give you unlimited visits to both these parks for 7 days, you will more than make up the cost.
Written 18 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andre_Bea
Dortmund, Germany19 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Our visit to Discovery Cove was an absolute highlight of our vacation in Orlando. The experience is really special and especially memorable for our children. We booked the dolphin experience, and it was just magical – a unique moment we will never forget. However, you have to be prepared for the prices being quite high. Especially the photos of the dolphin experience cost an additional 200 €, which is really not cheap.
Apart from the price, the day was absolutely great. The all-inclusive offer of food and drinks was surprisingly good, and it provided us well throughout the day. The real highlight, however, was swimming with the fish and rays as well as the relaxing river channel that winds through the park. Our children loved being able to experience the animals so close, and didn't want to go home at all!
Even if the price is high, we would definitely come back because the experiences and memories made the day absolutely unforgettable. Discovery Cove is a unique place that is highly recommended especially for families with children!
Apart from the price, the day was absolutely great. The all-inclusive offer of food and drinks was surprisingly good, and it provided us well throughout the day. The real highlight, however, was swimming with the fish and rays as well as the relaxing river channel that winds through the park. Our children loved being able to experience the animals so close, and didn't want to go home at all!
Even if the price is high, we would definitely come back because the experiences and memories made the day absolutely unforgettable. Discovery Cove is a unique place that is highly recommended especially for families with children!
Automatically translated
Written 20 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Worry911
Portsmouth, UK228 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
From arrival the site itself is beautiful to look at.
On arrival everyone has breakfast before getting in the water, the initial welcome at reception is polite and friendly. The breakfast is absolutely delightful for food that is produced in such high volume this really is good quality.
There are always those people who run off to secure their sunbeds for the day, you really don't need to do this, there are more than enough sunbeds around all the different pools for everyone and honestly you probably wont spend anytime on it at all.
It is fabulous that when you get in the pool to snorkel around the reed their are staff standing around in the pool ready to explain to you about the coral/fish and for a man made site the coral is absolutely stunning.
we had booked a dolphin swim as this has been a life long dream off mine. Whilst all the staff were fabulous and the experience was just incredible " swimming with dolphins" is a stretch of the description
You spend approximately 30 mins stood in the water with a group of other people whilst the dolphins are brought to you and you smile at the camera
YES you get to touch them, YES you get to kiss them but all while smiling at the camera
The swimming is actually the dolphin pulling you 30 meters across the shallow water from one end of the queue to the other
The focus does appear to be on the photos and then selling them to you for a bargain price of $100 for 4 photos.
I did enjoy the experience of just being so close to them but was it worth the money??
I cannot fault any other part of the day there is food and drink on offer all day , Lunch again was really good considering the volume they are producing. All staff are friendly and polite.
It was a fabulous day out and I would recommend it just maybe think carefully about the dolphin swim
On arrival everyone has breakfast before getting in the water, the initial welcome at reception is polite and friendly. The breakfast is absolutely delightful for food that is produced in such high volume this really is good quality.
There are always those people who run off to secure their sunbeds for the day, you really don't need to do this, there are more than enough sunbeds around all the different pools for everyone and honestly you probably wont spend anytime on it at all.
It is fabulous that when you get in the pool to snorkel around the reed their are staff standing around in the pool ready to explain to you about the coral/fish and for a man made site the coral is absolutely stunning.
we had booked a dolphin swim as this has been a life long dream off mine. Whilst all the staff were fabulous and the experience was just incredible " swimming with dolphins" is a stretch of the description
You spend approximately 30 mins stood in the water with a group of other people whilst the dolphins are brought to you and you smile at the camera
YES you get to touch them, YES you get to kiss them but all while smiling at the camera
The swimming is actually the dolphin pulling you 30 meters across the shallow water from one end of the queue to the other
The focus does appear to be on the photos and then selling them to you for a bargain price of $100 for 4 photos.
I did enjoy the experience of just being so close to them but was it worth the money??
I cannot fault any other part of the day there is food and drink on offer all day , Lunch again was really good considering the volume they are producing. All staff are friendly and polite.
It was a fabulous day out and I would recommend it just maybe think carefully about the dolphin swim
Written 24 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Longalion
London, UK173 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Favourite day and probably best to do at the end of the holiday as it is relaxing. Arrived on opening and it was well organised, got the 8am dolphin swim, but he wasn’t playing ball today so the tricks were limited, but we still got the photos for $120. The rest of the day was ours to relax have breakfast, chill on the lazy river, snorkel, chill, lunch, chill plus the drinks are free too. At the end we grabbed loads of freebies left and a slice of pizza.
Would definitely return but no dolphin swim next time.
Would definitely return but no dolphin swim next time.
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer Hendriks
Wakefield, UK124 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We had a fantastic day at discovery cove. We have been a few times to Orlando and discovery cove is always my favourite day.
We were lucky with the weather this time which has not always been the case.
Everything is included, so you don’t need to bring anything with you (drinks, breakfast, lunch, snacks, towels and sunscreen) .
Food is plenty and lots of choice (pizza, chicken, burgers, rice, salads, cakes and plenty more)
The river is fantastic and you feel as if you are on a tropical paradise.
I personally do not like to swim with big stingrays and fishes, but my family had a fantastic time swimming in the reef and snorkelling while I watched.
Everything is very safe and there are a lot of lifeguards.
Staff very friendly as well.
Overall a fantastic day, and hope to visit soon again.
We were lucky with the weather this time which has not always been the case.
Everything is included, so you don’t need to bring anything with you (drinks, breakfast, lunch, snacks, towels and sunscreen) .
Food is plenty and lots of choice (pizza, chicken, burgers, rice, salads, cakes and plenty more)
The river is fantastic and you feel as if you are on a tropical paradise.
I personally do not like to swim with big stingrays and fishes, but my family had a fantastic time swimming in the reef and snorkelling while I watched.
Everything is very safe and there are a lot of lifeguards.
Staff very friendly as well.
Overall a fantastic day, and hope to visit soon again.
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda R
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
We had the most amazing day at Discovery Cove. The entire park is immaculate and full of lush, beautiful plants that are clearly well maintained. The highlights of the day were snorkeling with gigantic rays and colorful fish, and floating along the lazy river. The otter encounter was my absolute favorite and something I will never forget! I also wanted to thank Discovery Cove employee, Franklin, for going above and beyond to accommodate my family. We had to reschedule due to a hurricane and he was so kind and patient, making multiple calls and going out of his way to make sure we were set up for success. Thank you, Franklin! Someone give this man a raise.
Written 18 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good News Club B
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I have waited over 10 years for an opportunity to go to discovery cove. Anytime I was in Orlando before, the rest of the group I stayed with wanted to do other things and I had to stick with them. This time, I was traveling solo.
I went to discovery cove on a Saturday which probably is why I felt it was a bit too crowded for my liking. Max capacity so I learned during my day there is 1,700 people. On the day I went, there was said to be about 1,200 guests. Even so, I felt like it was a bit crowded. I think they should cap the capacity at 1,000 per day if they are truly trying to make a luxurious experience for all. The amount of people and feeling crowded is the only reason I give it four stars.
I did an early morning dolphin swim. I went back to the lagoon later in the day to view the dolphins from the beach, and to me, it did not seem like the dolphins in the afternoon swims were as interactive and energized as they were in the morning. I'm glad I took the advice of a review I read online before I went saying to get there early for check in so you get an early morning dolphin swim. I arrived just about 7am and was assigned an 8:30 dolphin swim.
The staff are generally friendly, however there were I found that were not as willing to help, answer questions, or take the initiative if someone looked confused, I do realize that it's hard to always be friendly and answer probably the same questions over and over, but then again it is part of their job.
The aviary is so fun! You get a little cup of food and if the birds want some, they can fly on you and take some or you can lift your cup up to them. There are three different sections to the aviary.
The otters and marmosets and sharks are also great and I recommend going to the animal talks throughout the day. The keepers know alot and answered all my questions.
All in all, a wonderful day even if you're solo!
I went to discovery cove on a Saturday which probably is why I felt it was a bit too crowded for my liking. Max capacity so I learned during my day there is 1,700 people. On the day I went, there was said to be about 1,200 guests. Even so, I felt like it was a bit crowded. I think they should cap the capacity at 1,000 per day if they are truly trying to make a luxurious experience for all. The amount of people and feeling crowded is the only reason I give it four stars.
I did an early morning dolphin swim. I went back to the lagoon later in the day to view the dolphins from the beach, and to me, it did not seem like the dolphins in the afternoon swims were as interactive and energized as they were in the morning. I'm glad I took the advice of a review I read online before I went saying to get there early for check in so you get an early morning dolphin swim. I arrived just about 7am and was assigned an 8:30 dolphin swim.
The staff are generally friendly, however there were I found that were not as willing to help, answer questions, or take the initiative if someone looked confused, I do realize that it's hard to always be friendly and answer probably the same questions over and over, but then again it is part of their job.
The aviary is so fun! You get a little cup of food and if the birds want some, they can fly on you and take some or you can lift your cup up to them. There are three different sections to the aviary.
The otters and marmosets and sharks are also great and I recommend going to the animal talks throughout the day. The keepers know alot and answered all my questions.
All in all, a wonderful day even if you're solo!
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
i have booked for my self and wife to be an experience at the cove with sea venture and dolphin swim, does the premier package include pictures in sea venture excursion?
and how do you collect the prints in the pack? are they posted when complete?
Written 26 March 2025
T H
London, United Kingdom
Daughter is a big 5.
She would love to swim with the Dolphins
Do they actually check ages via passport?
Written 16 March 2025
We do not drink alcohol - I can see why the high price tag makes it worthwhile if you are drinking beers/cocktails all day - but do they have good mocktails? Do they have root beer? Will it still be worth it? ÂŁ800 for a day of fun on my family seems a bit steep to justify but I'm happy to be told otherwise.
Written 9 March 2025
We have always had a wonderful time at Discovery Cove, every time we go to Florida we spend at least 1 day at Discovery Cove, and it’s always been well worth the money.
Written 13 March 2025
cual es el precio para un nino de 5 anos??? y si puedo ir a los parques Seaworld antes de ir al discovery cove?
Written 5 January 2025
Can ypu use the 14 day pass and do two parks in one day ?
Written 31 December 2024
The short answer is yes you can use the pass at both Discovery Cove and SeaWorld in one day.
Written 7 January 2025
I have seen reviews that say the lazy River is no longer heated. Is this true?
Written 27 December 2024
The lazy river was the warmest water in the park. I would definitely say it is heated.
Written 18 February 2025
What if it's raining do you still get in with the dolphin
Written 4 October 2024
Yes you can still swim with the Dolphins if it is raining. The only time you cannot is when there is thunder and lightning in the area. All theme parks here in Florida must temporarily shut down rides outside if there is thunder and lightning. BUT it is Florida where it can rain and be sunny at the same time. About 90% of the time it rains for short periods and usually in the afternoon. I hope this helps.
Written 13 November 2024
Could you tell me if the park is open in January and if it is possible to swim with the dolphins and other animals in that season?
Thank you.
Written 2 August 2024
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