Discovery Cove: Tips Guide!

Discovery Cove: It is like a day at a Five Star resort with all the Adventure of SeaWorld parks! Imagine you walk into what is seemingly a beautiful Hotel Lobby and you check-in to your all-inclusive reservation! Get your pass into the park and venture out to what is going to be an unforgettable day at Discovery Cove. Although at first glance it may not seem like there is a lot to do at this park you will have a day full of adventure if you make sure to see everything and follow these tips for maximizing your time and experience at Discovery Cove. 

  

Discovery Cove has truly thought about everything for their guests from offering sunblock, a mask and snorkel, as well as towels for your use during your visit to Discovery Cove. Knowing this it seems hard to believe that there could be more things to know in order to maximize your time but there are a few things to keep in mind! Here is a list spanning through all the amazing things for you to enjoy during your day:

General Tips:

My first tip will be beneficial while you are still in the planning stages of your trip. Be sure to ask about whether your reservation for Discovery Cove is eligible for an “upgrade” to having 14 days to visit SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, or Aquatica either before or after your visit to Discovery Cove. If so be sure to choose either SeaWorld or Busch Gardens since those tickets are more expensive than an Aquatica ticket.

Also, if you are celebrating a special occasion you can always opt for having a Dolphin bring someone a special message! (“Happy Birthday” etc…)

Don’t miss your chance to take your Complimentary photo. When you enter the park the first photographer that you see can take your complimentary photo for you. Be sure to get the whole family together and snap the picture!

If you wear glasses bring them to the Guest Service desk. They will be able to match them up to a prescription mask so that you can see clearly while you are snorkeling!

 

Before venturing out and starting your adventure for the day check out the Times board for the Conservation Cabana and see what animals may be making an appearance. You might even be able to get some awesome pictures while the animal is out visiting!

 

Pick up your wetsuit or wetsuit vest before heading into the water! You will be required to wear this in MOST water ways so it will be helpful to have it with you.

 Dolphin Interactions:

Be sure to arrive to your Dolphin interaction about 15 minutes early. You will have to fill out a Waiver and watch a “Dolphin Safety” Video.

If not everyone in your party is participating in the Dolphin Interaction ask the Dolphin trainer about getting a family photo with the dolphin. As long as everyone is wearing at least a wetsuit vest they should be able to get a picture of the whole family with the Dolphin. Be aware that this would be for a photo op only and will in no way get anyone extra into the interaction. 

The Grand Reef:

 

Make sure to grab an animal guide to see how many of the different kinds of fish you can see while you snorkel.

Keep an eye out for the Eel tank as well as the Lobster tank that is in the reef. A lot of people miss these things and they are cool to see.

Generally the Stingray feeding times are around 12 PM and again around 5 PM. 

Freshwater Oasis and Windaway River:

The water in the Windaway River is the warmest in the park! It is a nice change from the chilly water in the Dolphin pool and in the Grand Reef!

Be aware of the water depth in the Windaway River. It varies from deep to shallow often. It is also quite a long river so be sure to bring a Noodle or lifejacket if you aren’t a very confident swimmer.

Near the Freshwater Oasis there is a spot that you can eat and drink while relaxing on a chair in the water this is called the Flooded Terrace! This is the only area that you are allowed to eat in the water and it is right across from a snack stand! Grab a beer or a Pina Colada and a soft pretzel and enjoy yourself!

The Freshwater Oasis is where you can catch a glimpse of a Marmoset monkey and Otters!

The Aviary: 

In the Aviary you can ask the Aviculture staff if they have any meal worms for you to feed the birds! If they still have some they will let you have some to attract even more birds than ever!

Grab an Animal Guide while you are visiting the Aviary in order to identify the birds that you will see (some you will get to feed)!

If you go through the “River entrance” into or out of the Aviary and look up you might just see some Quartz in the ceiling of the cave you are in!

Have a fantastic time and be sure to let me know if any of these tips helped during your Discovery Cove visit!!