Discovery Cove:
Swim With Dolphins
All-Inclusive.
Not a park. A private tropical resort for one day.
No roller coasters. No crowds. No lines. Just 1,300 guests a day, dolphins, snorkeling, and unlimited food and drinks in a Caribbean-style oasis 15 minutes from the parks.
The Concept
Not a park. A private tropical resort for one day.
Discovery Cove is unlike anything else in Orlando. It's not a theme park. There are no roller coasters, no crowds, and no lines. It's an exclusive tropical resort that caps attendance at just 1,300 guests per day — where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel alongside protected sharks, and spend the entire day relaxing in a paradise setting.
Everything is included in one price: all-day access, unlimited food and drinks (including alcohol for adults), snorkeling with tropical fish and protected sharks, a locker, towels, snorkel gear and a wetsuit, free parking, and access to SeaWorld plus Aquatica for 14 days before or after your visit.
Expect to pay roughly $200-$400 per adult, depending on the season and whether you add the dolphin swim. In this guide we'll cover exactly what you do at Discovery Cove, how the dolphin interaction works, who it's perfect for, and how to get the most out of the day.
Dolphin Lagoon, the Grand Reef, and Freshwater Oasis — all in one resort.
What You Get
Everything included at Discovery Cove
Dolphin Encounter
The headline experience (about $100 extra). Spend 30-40 minutes in the lagoon with a specific dolphin and a trained guide — feed it, hug it, dance, and get towed across the water by its dorsal fin.
The Grand Reef
An artificial reef with 4,000+ colorful tropical fish, rays, and small sharks safely behind a clear barrier. Unlimited snorkeling with all gear included.
Freshwater Oasis
A relaxing freshwater lagoon with real marmoset monkeys, otters, and calm water perfect for unwinding between activities.
Explorer's Aviary
A tropical aviary where exotic birds fly free and you can feed them right out of your hand.
Wind-Away River
A calm tropical river that loops the resort, with small waterfalls and tropical trees. Float in wherever you like.
Laguna Grill
A full breakfast and lunch buffet, unlimited snacks all day, and unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails for adults — all included.
Is It For You?
Who should do Discovery Cove?
Perfect for you if
- You're on a honeymoon or celebrating an anniversary
- A birthday (kid or adult) deserves an unforgettable day
- You're marking a special milestone
- You've done the theme parks and want something different
- You're a couple, or a family with teens (10+)
- You love marine life and want an exclusive, crowd-free day
Maybe not if
- You're chasing adrenaline — there's nothing thrill-ride here
- You're traveling with babies or very young children (0-5); dolphins can be intimidating
- You're on a tight budget — Discovery Cove is premium-priced
- You don't swim or snorkel — the core activities are water-based
The Main Event
The Dolphin Encounter.
A close encounter with a dolphin — the highlight of the day.
The minimum age to take part is 6 years old. Younger kids can't enter the lagoon, but they can watch from the side. The interaction itself runs 30 to 40 minutes of direct time with your dolphin.
Part 1 — The beach (10 min)
Meet your guide, learn about your specific dolphin (name, age, behavior), and go over the safety rules.
Part 2 — Shallow lagoon (10 min)
Stand in chest-deep water as the dolphin approaches. Touch it, feed it, hug it, and get your photo.
Part 3 — Deep lagoon (15 min)
Swim out into the lagoon while the dolphin tows you by its dorsal fin — an incredible sensation — with dances, a kiss, and a high-five.
The Dolphin Encounter adds about $100 to the base Discovery Cove ticket — bringing the day to roughly $300-$400 per person versus $200-$300 without it. Book 60-90 days in advance, especially in high season (summer, Christmas, and Easter), as dolphin slots sell out first.
Plan Your Day
A typical day at Discovery Cove
A relaxed, unhurried rhythm from arrival to sunset.
Snorkeling, a cabana, tropical drinks, and the sunset.
All-Inclusive
Unlimited food & drinks
Laguna Grill — unlimited all-inclusive food and drinks.
Laguna Grill serves a full breakfast until 11:30 — eggs benedict, pancakes, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, yogurt, juices, and coffee. Lunch (noon to 2:30) brings salads, grilled chicken, salmon and steak, pasta, pizza, vegetarian plates, and desserts. Snacks like sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, and cookies are available all day.
Drinks are unlimited and included: sodas, juices, water, coffee, and tea, plus beer, wine, and cocktails (margaritas, daiquiris, mojitos, and tropical drinks) for adults.
Drink in moderation. Sun + alcohol + water adds up to fast dehydration.
Insider Advice
Practical tips
Book way ahead
Discovery Cove caps attendance at 1,300 guests a day, and dolphin slots sell out 90 days out in high season.
Can you swim?
For the Grand Reef snorkel, being comfortable in deep water is essential. The wetsuit helps you float, but confidence in the water matters.
Reef-safe sunscreen only
Discovery Cove requires reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone or octinoxate). They sell it on site — don't bring regular sunscreen, it'll be confiscated.
Bring a GoPro
Underwater cameras are allowed and perfect for capturing the snorkel and your dolphin session.
Pro photos (optional)
A photo package runs $100-$200. Worth it for the dolphin moment — the photographers get angles you simply can't get yourself.
Bundle with SeaWorld
The Discovery Cove + SeaWorld + Aquatica package adds 14 days of access to all three parks and saves significantly.
Skip your own gear
Everything is included — mask, snorkel, wetsuit, vest. Leave yours at home; theirs is higher quality.
Arrive early
Even though it's exclusive, getting there before 9:00 AM maximizes your time in the water.
The GS Difference
Which car for Discovery Cove?
Honeymoon / Premium couple
A Cadillac Lyriq, Tesla Model Y, or a Mustang Convertible for an elegant arrival to a special day.
Family celebration
A Toyota Sienna or Chrysler Pacifica delivers comfort for the whole group.
VIP birthday
A Cadillac Escalade arrives with presence — the right car for a milestone day.
Discovery Cove sits at 6000 Discovery Cove Way, just 15-20 minutes from the Orlando theme-park corridor, and parking is completely free — a rarity among Orlando parks. With GS Car Rental you get personal service on WhatsApp, premium vehicle recommendations for your special day, maps and tips for the parks, and free airport delivery (MCO, MIA, FLL, SFB).
On a 10-day Orlando trip, you spend eight days rushing between parks, waiting in lines, eating on the run. One day at Discovery Cove changes everything — the day you slow down, eat your fill, sip a cocktail, swim with a real dolphin, and feel like you're at a Caribbean resort. For honeymooners, birthdays, special celebrations, and families with teens, it's one of the best experiences in Orlando, and worth every penny.
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