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Discovery Cove is SeaWorld’s reservation-only day resort in Orlando, where one admission covers breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, snorkel gear and a day of lagoons, a lazy river and aviaries, with a dolphin swim if you book that package. It sits on Central Florida Parkway, next to SeaWorld Orlando and a short drive from International Drive.
Attendance is capped and nearly everything is prepaid, so there are no ride lines and no food budget, but strict rules on jewelry, sunscreen and outside food.
Quick answer: Book the Day Resort package if you want snorkeling, beaches and the aviary, or the Signature Dolphin Swim package if everyone swimming with dolphins is at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall. Reserve early (Discovery Cove suggests at least two months ahead for summer and holidays), arrive between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m., and use the free animal-safe sunscreen provided in the park.
Beaches, lagoons and lounge chairs are all included with admission.
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What is Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive “day resort” at 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, run by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Its own FAQ is clear that the name does not include an overnight stay: you check in in the morning, spend the day and leave at closing. Hotel nights are sold separately or through SeaWorld’s hotel packages.
Reservations are required and daily attendance is limited (no number is published). You check in at a reception lobby and get a personalized ID card. There are no rides: the day is swimming, snorkeling, animal encounters and lounging.
What’s included with Discovery Cove admission
Every package covers the same base day. According to Discovery Cove’s pricing and “before your visit” pages, that includes:
| Included | What you get | When or who |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Freshly prepared, at Laguna Grill | 7:30–10:30 a.m. |
| Lunch | Burgers, salmon, jerk chicken, salads, kids meals | 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. |
| Snacks and drinks | Pretzels, chips, Icees, sodas, coffee | All day |
| Beer and wine | Select beer and wine | Guests 21+ |
| Gear | Wetsuit or vest, mask, souvenir snorkel | Life vests too |
| Facilities | Lockers, towels, showers, Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi parkwide |
| Parking | Self-parking at Discovery Cove | All day |
Hibiscus Hideaway serves flatbread pizza from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and bars run 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cocktails cost extra unless you buy the Premium Drink Package ($50 per adult pre-ordered online at the time of writing). Guests with allergies should ask for a supervisor or chef at Laguna Grill.
Prices on the booking page are shown “plus taxes & fees”, and Discovery Cove’s pricing FAQ mentions a resort fee that covers Wi-Fi, lockers, towel service and parking. Check the final total at checkout before you pay.
Things to do at Discovery Cove
All of these areas are included with every reservation. Depths and water temperatures come from Discovery Cove’s FAQ:
| Area | What you do | Depth | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Grand Reef | Snorkel with fish and rays | Up to 12 ft | Saltwater, 76–77°F |
| Wind-Away River | Float 1,600 ft through caves and the aviary | 3–8 ft | Fresh, 85–86°F |
| Serenity Bay | Swim and relax by the beach | Up to 4 ft | Fresh, 85–86°F |
| Freshwater Oasis | Wade past otters and tamarins | Up to 7 ft | Fresh, 85–86°F |
The Grand Reef is a 1-million-gallon saltwater habitat with thousands of tropical fish and rays, plus a bridge where you can look down at sharks. Everyone must wear the complimentary life jacket here.
Explorer’s Aviary is a free-flight aviary where you can hand-feed hundreds of birds, and the Wind-Away River floats right through it. Freshwater Oasis has viewing windows onto Asian small-clawed otters, and Monkey Island, home to cotton-top tamarins, opens at 9 a.m. Flamingo Point, a newer habitat for Caribbean flamingos, is included too. Check the park app for animal enrichment times.
Water areas stay open in ordinary rain but can pause for thunder and lightning.
Swimming with dolphins at Discovery Cove
The dolphin swim is only included in the Signature Dolphin Swim packages, not in Day Resort. If you already bought Day Resort, Discovery Cove asks you to call 407-513-4600 to add it.
- Age and height: children must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall. Ages 6–12 need a paying adult who also does the swim.
- Length: a 10-minute orientation, then 30 minutes in the water, in small groups.
- Depth: the lagoon is about 3 feet deep where the swim happens, and life jackets can be worn.
- Timing: swim times are assigned first come, first served at check-in, which is one more reason to arrive early.
- Photos: personal cameras aren’t allowed in the dolphin lagoons. Park photographers cover the swim, and photo packages cost extra.
Minors in the dolphin experience need release forms signed by a parent or legal guardian. Discovery Cove’s FAQ also notes that the swim involves being towed by a dolphin weighing more than 500 pounds, so it asks expectant mothers to consult a doctor first.
Discovery Cove packages and prices
There’s no child rate: everyone 3 and older pays the adult price, and children 2 and under are free with a paying adult but still need a reservation. Prices are per person, vary by date and are shown before taxes and fees. Limited-time offers come and go, and even the regular “starting at” prices changed several times in 2026, so price your exact date on the pricing page. The six packages:
| Package | Dolphin swim | Other parks (14 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Day Resort | No | None |
| Day Resort + 2 Parks | No | SeaWorld, Aquatica |
| Day Resort + 3 Parks | No | Adds Busch Gardens |
| Signature Dolphin Swim | Yes | None |
| Dolphin Swim + 2 Parks | Yes | SeaWorld, Aquatica |
| Dolphin Swim + 3 Parks | Yes | Adds Busch Gardens |
Florida residents have their own rates, and military discounts are listed separately.
Upgrades worth knowing about
These add-ons require paid admission and have limited daily spots (“from” prices at the time of writing):
- SeaVenture (from $59): a 45-minute program with a helmeted underwater walk in The Grand Reef. Ages 10+.
- Flamingo Mingle (from $59): step into Flamingo Point with the aviculturists. Ages 6+.
- Ultimate Animal Experience (from $249): about 5 hours, with a pre-opening Grand Reef snorkel and a second dolphin interaction. Requires a Dolphin Swim package; ages 6+ and 42 inches.
- Shark Snorkel and Shark Interaction: swim with more than 20 sharks. Ages 10+.
- Day beds and cabanas: day beds from $129, and private cabanas for 6 to 8 guests from $299.
- Ultimate VIP Experience (from $2,499 for up to 8 guests, admission extra): concierge, cabana, valet parking and a photographer.
Reservations, check-in and hours
Discovery Cove’s FAQ recommends booking at least two months ahead for summer and holiday dates. At check-in, bring your confirmation number and a photo ID for everyone 18 or older.
The official pages don’t agree exactly on hours. The FAQ lists 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with check-in from 7:15 a.m., while the “before your visit” page says the waterways open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and asks you to arrive between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m. With three or more add-ons, the FAQ says arrive by 7:00 a.m. (the SeaVenture page says 7:30). Aim for about 7:30 a.m. and confirm times in your booking email.
The booking policy, at the time of writing, allows one free date change up to 48 hours before your visit, with later changes costing $50 each. Cancel more than 30 days ahead and you get a full refund. Within 30 days, there’s no refund. If a named storm threatens Orlando, Tampa or your hometown, bookings made directly with the parks can be rescheduled or refunded without fees. Resellers set their own rules.
What to bring (and what to leave at home)
- Bring: a swimsuit, a set of dry clothes, a photo ID, a credit card for the optional charge account, and if you like, water shoes, a hat, sunglasses and a cover-up. Children in diapers need swim diapers.
- Sunscreen: use the animal-safe sunscreen Discovery Cove provides at pumps around the park and at the restrooms. The park also asks you to shower before entering any animal habitat (its visit page calls this both recommended and required); private and outdoor showers are provided.
- Jewelry: leave it at the hotel. Only wedding bands and watches are allowed, for the animals’ safety.
- Food and drink: no outside food, alcohol or coolers. The accessibility page allows bottled or refillable water and makes exceptions for medical diets and baby food. Email Guest Relations before your visit.
- Swim gear: you may bring your own mask and snorkel, but not noodles, fins, flippers, sand toys, rafts or scuba equipment. Personal life vests must be USCG Type II, III or V and approved by staff.
Getting to Discovery Cove and parking
Self-parking is free all day. Discovery Cove’s directions page covers driving only, so plan on a car, a rideshare or an Official Hotel shuttle. From the airport, take SR 528 (Beachline) west to International Drive, turn left, then right onto Central Florida Parkway; the entrance is on the left.
We measured road routes with OSRM (OpenStreetMap routing) to the Discovery Cove parking lot off Discovery Cove Drive. Ranges cover both directions, and times assume no traffic:
| From | Road distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| SeaWorld Orlando parking | About 1.2 to 1.5 miles | About 5 to 7 min |
| Aquatica | About 1.4 to 1.6 miles | About 5 to 7 min |
| ICON Park (I-Drive) | About 3.5 miles | About 8 to 9 min |
| Universal (CityWalk garages) | About 6.5 miles | About 11 to 16 min |
| Disney Springs | About 6 to 6.5 miles | About 12 to 14 min |
| Orlando International Airport | About 13.5 to 15 miles | About 25 to 27 min |
Combining Discovery Cove with SeaWorld and Aquatica
The “+ 2 Parks” packages add unlimited visits to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, and the “+ 3 Parks” packages add Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, free parking at all three parks and the free Busch Gardens shuttle. All visits must fall within 14 consecutive days around your Discovery Cove date. No separate park reservations are needed. One FAQ says to go straight to the turnstiles with your confirmation or lanyard barcode; another says to show your confirmation and photo ID at Guest Relations if you visit the other parks first. Bring both.
Parking at SeaWorld and Aquatica isn’t included with the 2-park add-on, so budget for it or stay at a hotel with a shuttle. Our SeaWorld Orlando guide covers parking, Quick Queue and ride heights, and our Orlando water parks guide compares Aquatica with the other parks by season.
Where to stay near Discovery Cove
SeaWorld lists two kinds of partner hotels. Official Hotels get a shuttle to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove (schedules vary by hotel), a free SeaWorld Rescue Tour, Priority Entry to SeaWorld and in-park discounts. Hotel Partners get Priority Entry and the discounts, but no shuttle. Ask the hotel whether these perks apply to a Booking.com reservation. For a longer shortlist, see our best hotels near SeaWorld Orlando. Rates vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book.
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
This Official Hotel at 6677 Sea Harbor Drive is about 1.2 miles by road from the Discovery Cove lot. SeaWorld’s listing highlights oversized rooms, the R Aqua Zone water play area, a spa and several restaurants. Marriott’s page says the resort fee includes a theme park shuttle. Self-parking was $44 and valet $56 per day when we checked in October 2026. See our Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld review.
See prices and availability at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
This all-suite Official Hotel at 6985 Sea Harbor Drive is the closest of the four, about 1 mile by road and roughly a 20-minute walk to the Discovery Cove lot. Studio, one- and two-bedroom suites have full kitchens, hot breakfast is included (6:30 to 9:30 a.m. weekdays and 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. weekends on IHG’s page), and there’s an outdoor pool with grills. Parking is listed as complimentary on SeaWorld’s page, but IHG’s FAQ shows self-parking at $12 a day, so confirm with the hotel.
Check your dates for Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld on Booking.com
Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld
This Official Hotel at 11000 Westwood Boulevard is about 1.4 miles by road from Discovery Cove. SeaWorld’s listing mentions a free scheduled shuttle to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove, plus a free hot breakfast, full kitchens, an outdoor pool and whirlpool, a game room and a SportCourt. Marriott listed self-parking at $27 a day and complimentary 3-Ride Quick Queue at SeaWorld for registered guests on stays through December 31, 2026. Marriott doesn’t say whether Booking.com reservations qualify, so ask the hotel.
See available rooms at Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort
Formerly DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld, this 28-acre resort at 10100 International Drive is about 1.5 to 1.6 miles by road from Discovery Cove. SeaWorld lists it as a Hotel Partner, so you get Priority Entry and discounts but no SeaWorld shuttle perk. It has two pools and mini golf. In a June 2026 archived capture of Hilton’s page, the daily resort charge included a $10 food and beverage credit, a Universal shuttle and two daily I-Ride Trolley tickets, and self-parking was $38 a night plus tax. Details are in our DoubleTree Orlando Theme Park Resort review.
Compare rates for DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Theme Park Resort
Splitting your trip between parks? Our guide to the best areas to stay in Orlando shows which base fits each mix of parks, and our family-friendly Orlando hotels list covers suites and pools for every budget.
Is Discovery Cove worth it?
It’s worth it if a dolphin swim is a bucket-list item, or if your group would rather snorkel and float than ride coasters. With meals, drinks, gear and parking included, the cost is predictable. It’s less of a fit for families with children under 6, non-swimmers who won’t wear a vest, or anyone who wants rides and shows.
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove?
Children must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to do the Signature Dolphin Swim, and kids aged 6 to 12 need a paying adult who also takes part. Younger children can still enjoy the beaches, the aviary, Serenity Bay and the Wind-Away River, and those 2 and under get in free with a reservation.
What is included at Discovery Cove?
Every package includes breakfast and lunch at Laguna Grill, unlimited snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, select beer and wine for guests 21+, a wetsuit or vest, a mask and souvenir snorkel, lockers, towels, showers, animal-safe sunscreen and free parking. You also get access to The Grand Reef, Wind-Away River, Serenity Bay, Freshwater Oasis, Explorer’s Aviary and Flamingo Point. The dolphin swim requires a Dolphin Swim package.
Can you bring your own sunscreen to Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove provides a specially formulated, animal-safe sunscreen at pumps around the park and in the restrooms, and its pages ask guests to use it to protect the animals. The park also asks you to shower before entering any animal habitat. The pages we checked don’t spell out a ban on personal sunscreen, so the simplest approach is to use the park’s sunscreen and ask Guest Relations if you have sensitive skin.
Does Discovery Cove include SeaWorld?
Only with a multi-park package. The “+ 2 Parks” packages add unlimited SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica visits, and “+ 3 Parks” adds Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, parking at all three parks and the free Busch Gardens shuttle. All visits must fall within 14 consecutive days of your Discovery Cove visit. The basic Day Resort and Dolphin Swim packages cover Discovery Cove only.
How far in advance should you book Discovery Cove?
Discovery Cove limits daily attendance and recommends booking at least two months ahead for summer and holiday dates. Dolphin swim days can sell out before Day Resort does. Its booking policy allows one free date change up to 48 hours before your visit and a full refund if you cancel more than 30 days ahead, at the time of writing.
Bottom line
Discovery Cove is a pricey but easy day: pick Day Resort or the Dolphin Swim package based on your kids’ ages, book early, arrive by about 7:30 a.m. and pack light. For the shortest trip, stay at a nearby Official Hotel such as Staybridge Suites, Renaissance or Residence Inn, and use its shuttle or Discovery Cove’s free parking. See current rates at Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld.
Sources checked in October 2026: Discovery Cove FAQ, Discovery Cove packages and pricing, Discovery Cove: things to know before your visit, Discovery Cove Dolphin Lagoon, SeaWorld Official Hotels and Hotel Partners