Discovery Cove® Guide

Explorer’s Aviary

• Watch exotic birds of all shapes, sizes and colours fly freely around you in these beautiful gardens
• Feeding the birds is FREE – just pick up a pot of bird feed and they’ll be only too happy to perch on your shoulder or feed from your hand!
• Learn about the conservation work that goes on behind the scenes. Many of the birds at the aviary have been nursed back to health after being found injured
• Prefer not to hold the birds? No problem! The Explorer’s Aviary is still perfect for spending a little time out of the water and taking a walk through the lovely gardens.

 Top Tip 1

Try to visit the aviary early in the day; the birds are hungriest at this time so you’ll have the most fun feeding them!

 Top Tip 2

You may want to wear shoes in the Aviary, as the birds have been known to nibble at feet!

Freshwater Oasis®

• Wade, swim or float down this waist-deep tropical river as the rainforest canopy comes to life above you
• The water is mostly waist-height, so kids can safely have fun exploring the oasis too
• Keep a look-out for the cute marmosets and entertaining otters, whose antics you could easily spend hours watching, especially at feeding time!
• Head to the In-Water Relaxation Station, where you can relax in soothing warm waters and enjoy a cold drink in the comfy built-in chairs

Serenity Bay

• Serenity Bay is no ordinary swimming pool! Take a dip in this lovely freshwater pool that’s surrounded by white beaches
• Children can paddle and play safely in the shallows or underneath the waterfalls
•  Adults can relax in sun loungers or take a rejuvenating swim in the deeper waters
• The water temperature at Serenity Bay is kept at 85-88°F (30°C) so it’s comfortable to swim all year round!

Breakfast

• Breakfast is served from 7.30 – 10.30am
• Choose from a yummy cooked breakfast, pastries, fruits and yoghurts

Lunch

• All-you-can-eat buffet lunch is served from 11am – 3/3.30pm
• Cooked options include chicken, pasta, noodles, chips and lots more!

Snacks and Extras

• Snack cabanas are located around the park
• Help yourself to as many snacks and drinks as you like throughout the day!
• Alcoholic drinks are available for over 21s, so don’t forget your ID

All Discovery Cove tickets include

  All-inclusive food, drinks and snacks the whole day

  Use of lockers, wetsuit, towels & shower amenities

  Souvenir snorkel

  A full day’s free parking

SeaWorld & Aquatica

As well as a full, all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove, your tickets also include 14 days’ unlimited admission to these Orlando theme parks:

• SeaWorld^®
• Aquatica^® - SeaWorld's waterpark

Busch Gardens®

The Discovery Cove Ultimate Package also includes 14 days’ admission to Busch Gardens

 Important

• Children under 3 get FREE entry to Discovery Cove
• However, once you’ve made your booking you MUST phone us to let us know you're bringing a little one. Call us free on 0300 100 3130 with your booking reference

Discovery Cove Opening Hours

 Opens: 9am
Closes: 5pm

Check-in starts at 7:15am, so try to arrive early to make the most of your day!

Park Capacity

• Attendance is limited to about 1,300 guests a day, to ensure no overcrowding and extraordinary service
• So book well in advance to make sure you get to visit on the date you want!

Discovery Cove Parking

Parking Prices:

 Parking Tip 1

Free parking is only at Discovery Cove – you may have to pay for parking at any other theme parks that are included with your Discovery Cove tickets

Disabled Access

• Discovery Cove can accommodate guests with disabilities who are able to manoeuvre themselves with limited assistance (or with the aid of a personal assistant) during their dolphin experience and in the various wading areas.
• Specially-designed outdoor wheelchairs are available to use on the beach. Please note that these wheelchairs are not self-manoeuvrable so guests will need assistance to use them. 
• Wheelchairs can be reserved by calling ahead on 001-877-557-7404

Other Restrictions

Children:

• Children must be at least 15 years of age to visit Discovery Cove without an adult
• Dolphin swim experience: Children must be at least 6 years old to swim with dolphins. Children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult who also is participating in the dolphin swim experience
• SeaVenture: Any guest under the age of 18 must have liability waiver signed by parent or legal guardian after watching the instructional video
• Trainer for a Day: Children must be at least 6 years old, and under-13s must be accompanied by a paid "Trainer for a Day" adult

Expectant Mothers:

There are no restrictions for expectant mothers. However please take into account the following:

• The day will involve swimming in water depths ranging from 3 feet to 15 feet
• The Dolphin swim experience involves a live animal weighing over 500lbs
• The Dolphin swim experience also involves up-close activities such as kissing and touching of the dolphin, as well as being towed through the water
• We therefore advise to consult a doctor before your visit

Don’t Forget:

• Smoking is not permitted at Discovery Cove
• If you want to enjoy the all-inclusive alcoholic drinks, you will need photo ID to prove that you are over 21.
• Wheelchairs can be reserved by calling ahead on 001-877-557-7404

Cameras and recording devices

• You are welcome to use your own camera or video-camera throughout the park
• The only exception is the Dolphin Lagoon. For the safety of the animals and your photo equipment – personal cameras are not allowed!
• Photographers and videographers will be present during your dolphin interaction and you can purchase the photos later in the day
• If you don’t already own one, consider purchasing a disposable underwater camera – it will be worth it!

Will I need to bring any money?

Your Discovery Cove tickets are all-inclusive, meaning you won’t need to pay for anything once you’re there, with the exception of:

• Buying eco-friendly sunscreen: You will be given a sample of this when you arrive but it’s worth budgeting for some more to use throughout the day (you are not permitted to use normal sunscreen in the park as it can be harmful to the wildlife)
• Buying photos of your dolphin swim, which are taken by Discovery Cove’s own photographers
• Renting a cabana - these can accommodate up to eight people and are a great place to relax when you’re not exploring the park
• If you would like to buy anything from the gift shop

Where is Discovery Cove?

 Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821

How to get to Discovery Cove:

From the West (Lake Buena Vista/Tampa):

• Take I-4 East (toward Orlando) to exit 71 (the SeaWorld exit)
• Bear right onto Central Florida Parkway when exiting the ramp
• The entrance to Discovery Cove is on the right hand side of Central Florida Parkway (past the sign for SeaWorld Orlando)

From the North (Downtown Orlando, Universal Studios, Sanford, Deland):

• Take I-4 West to exit 72 (Beachline Expressway/FL-528/Airport)
• Once on the Beachline, take the first exit (International Drive)
• Turn left onto International Drive
• Turn right onto Central Florida Parkway at the third traffic light
• The entrance to Discovery Cove is on the left hand side of Central Florida Parkway

From the East (Cocoa, Cape Canaveral, Titusville Area):

• Take FL-528 (Beachline Expressway) west to the International Drive exit
• Turn left onto International Drive
• Turn right onto Central Florida Parkway at the third traffic light
• The entrance to Discovery Cove is on the left hand side of Central Florida Parkway

What to wear for a day at Discovery Cove

• The single most important thing to wear for a day at Discovery Cove? Your swimsuit!
• You can also wear water socks or rubber pool shoes if you like
• We also recommend a hat and sunglasses to keep you safe from the strong Florida sun
• Plus don’t forget some dry clothes for when you leave – but we won’t think about that just yet!

…and just as important - what NOT to wear:

• No jewellery is allowed at Discovery Cove (except for watches and wedding rings) as it can be dangerous for the animals
• Don’t worry about wetsuits, you’ll be given one when you arrive
• Whatever you do, DO NOT apply any sun-cream before you arrive! “Normal” sun creams can be harmful to the marine life, so you’ll need to use a specially formulated, animal-friendly sunscreen
• You’ll be given a sample of the animal-friendly sunscreen when you arrive, but it’s worth budgeting in the cost of this “safe” sun-cream to your day (about $20 should cover it)

Facilities at Discovery Cove

Your all-inclusive day at Discovery Cove also includes these facilities free of charge:

• Lockers
• Wetsuits
• Towels
• Swim mask and snorkel
• Parking
• Showers & changing rooms
• Beach chairs
• Breakfast, lunch, drinks & snacks

What can I bring into Discovery Cove?

• You may bring your own masks and snorkels if you prefer, but no other diving or swimming equipment is permitted in the park
• Feel free to bring books, magazines, and headphones 

and what can’t I bring?

• Bringing your own food and drink into the park is not permitted. All food and drink is free so you won’t need to!
• No diving or swimming equipment is allowed except for own mask and snorkel.
• No weapons, including knives, are allowed into the park

Water Temperature

The water temperature at Discovery Cove is kept constant throughout the year:

• Serenity Bay: 85-86°F (30°C)
• Freshwater Oasis: 85-86°F (30°C)
• Wind-away River: 85-86°F (30°C)
• Dolphin Lagoon: 76-77°F (25°C)
• Grand Reef: 76-77°F (25°C)