#Discovery cove upgrade
#Discovery cove free

For the dolphin swim, you are put into a group of no more than 10 people. Swimming, touching, talking to, and taking pictures with these beautiful mammals is simply surreal. I would highly recommend wearing a wetsuit (especially for kids), as the wetsuit helps you float easily on top of the water, allowing rays and fish to pass under without being touched by them! The outside edges of the reef are shallow which is great for kids, and there is a deeper (about 12 feet) center channel that you can swim over or down into. My daughter went from very nervous to brave and excited in the span of about 15 minutes. Rays of all sizes swim by, so close you are allowed to touch them (if they are on the bottom of the reef you don’t touch), in addition to colorful, tropical fish. Swimming and snorkeling in the Grand Reef allows you to get up close and personal with some amazing creatures. This was a great experience one I won’t soon forget. There is plenty of space to swim to your heart’s content, and the deepest point is only 4-feet deep, which was great for my 8-year-old! This warm water oasis has a beach-type entrance without the waves. Serenity Bay and the Wind Away River are where I’d spend most of my time if I had tiny kids coming along.

You go through an aviary which is beautiful, but there is a rather strong waterfall at the entrance and exit of the aviary to keep the birds inside! Note: You will not be able to get through the river without getting your hair/head wet. No tubes or rafts are allowed, but Discovery Cove provides “noodles” you can use to lean on. You have to wear a yellow Discovery Cove vest, wet suit, or life vest in the river, so the lifeguards can spot you easily. Lifeguards are aplenty, and they give you a heads up when the river will get deeper (in addition to posted signs). The floor of the river does change often, with large rocks that come up under you and some drop-offs, too. We found the Wind Away River to be very relaxing and fun with a slow and gentle current. Then you are on your way to your day of fun in the sun! Adults have their pictures taken for purposes of helping bartenders know who is over 21. Everyone gets a lanyard with a badge that has your encounters on it. The process is simple and streamlined - after a quick bag check, you are ushered to a kiosk with a staff member waiting to schedule your day. The more animal encounters you have selected, the earlier you check-in, for the purpose of getting all the experiences scheduled without overlapping each other. The morning does start a bit early: Check-in is between 7–8:30 a.m. You can enjoy Discovery Cove as a day trip or make it into a package and enjoy Sea World, Busch Gardens, and/or Aquatica! Want help scheduling and figuring out what combination is right for you? A travel agent (like me!) can help you plan it all out to fit your family perfectly! Check-In You can also be a VIP trainer for the day, take an underwater walking tour called SeaVenture, swim with sharks, feed stingrays, add a 30-minute tour to meet some of the smaller animals, rent a cabana/day bed, or even do the flamingo mingle. We added the dolphin swim, which is a 30-minute interaction (you must be at least 6 years old). In addition to all that’s listed above, you can add on animal encounters.

#Discovery cove free

Kids under 3 are free they just need to be included in the reservation.

Feed and view colorful birds in the Explorer’s Aviary.Swimming in Serenity Bay (It’s 85 degrees year-round!).Ability to snorkel in the Grand Reef (It’s amazing.).Access to the Wind Away River (It’s a fairly long lazy river!).Lockers to store all the things you brought from home.Locker rooms with changing rooms and showers including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.Equipment for swimming such as snorkels/goggles (you keep the snorkel at the end of the day), wet suits, and life vests.

#Discovery cove upgrade

Unlimited drinks (including icees for the kids or the kid in you, beer, wine, and fountain drinks, though there is an option to upgrade to a premium alcohol package).Unlimited snacks (chips, soft pretzels, etc.).(Okay, mine too.) What is Discovery Cove?ĭiscovery Cove is “a unique all-inclusive day resort where you and your family will experience exciting animal encounters in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere.” Included in the price of admission is: My husband, daughter, and I recently had an absolute blast hanging out together, eating, drinking, and enjoying an encounter with dolphins.