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Discovery Cove: Complete Guide and Overview

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Overview

Step inside Central Florida’s slice of paradise! Enjoy this all-inclusive day resort by relaxing on the beach, delighting in the included food and beverages, meeting a variety of animals, and discovering the vast array of surprises in store. Purchase discounted Discovery Cove admission here and read on to learn more about this unique adventure!

What is Discovery Cove?

Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort that is owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. Just a stone’s throw away from SeaWorld Orlando is a tropical oasis offering guests included food and beverages included with admission, up-close and personal experiences with animals, breathtaking scenery, and so much more.

With its opening in 2000, Discovery Cove has had over 20 years of experience creating an unforgettable tropical paradise for its visitors. This unique property requires reservations that are at a limited quantity to ensure that you feel like a VIP while digging your feet in the sand and basking in the sun.

Tickets to Discovery Cove

How much are tickets to Discovery Cove?

The answer to this question depends on the ticket type you wish to purchase. To access this unique, all-inclusive paradise, you’ll need to purchase Discovery Cove Resort Package tickets. There is an additional ticket type that allows you entry to Discovery Cove with a Dolphin Swim Experience included. This ticket is known as the Discovery Cove Resort Package with Dolphin Swim. Additional admission options that grant you access to SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica are also available.

Save on your Discovery Cove getaway by purchasing your tickets from us here!

What is included with a ticket to Discovery Cove?

A Discovery Cove Resort Package, which is considered standard admission to this getaway, is considered “all-inclusive” and encompasses the following:

  • Free Parking
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Beer & Wine (Guests 21+)
  • Lockers
  • Animal Safe Sunscreen
  • Towels
  • Wet Suits
  • Snorkel Gear
  • Shower Facilities with Soap, Shampoo, & Conditioner
  • Access to Explorer’s Aviary, The Grand Reef, Freshwater Oasis, Serenity Bay, and Wind-Away River

When you choose to purchase the Dolphin Swim Package, you have access to all of the amenities above with the add-on to interact with the resident dolphins of Discovery Cove.

Discovery Cove Included Experiences

Explorer’s Aviary

Take flight and head to the Explorer’s Aviary to enter the habitat of our feathered friends. See them soar, sing their songs, and watch as they eat fruit from your hand.

Freshwater Oasis

Step into this spring to take a dip alongside Asian Clawed Otters and gaze upon Marmoset Island, where its namesake has staked its claim as their own playground.

The Grand Reef

Pop on your snorkel and gaze upon thousands of fish in this flagship environment. Breech the surface to find hidden grottos or cross bridges over shark-infested waters.

Serenity Bay

Looking for a break from all the adventure? Head over to the next two spots on our list! Serenity Bay is a relaxing, freshwater pool. Unwind in 85-degree waters or soak up the sun while you stick your toes in the sand.

Wind-Away River

Experience tranquility while floating on Discovery Cove’s lazy river. Its currents will take you past beaches and waterfalls as well as venture through the aviary and underwater cave. Grab a raft and laze as this babbling brook takes you away.

Add-On Discovery Cove Experiences

Animal Trek

This 30-minute tour will take you behind the scenes to interact with various bird species, such as a macaw and a rescued screech owl. Continue on to meet small mammals, like anteaters, armadillos, kinkajous, or sloths. Prices start at $89 per person.

Swim with Sharks

It’s always Shark Week at Discovery Cove! Swim alongside more than 20 sharks in their habitat while also learning more about this predator of the deep. Prices start at $169 per person.

Flamingo Mingle

Greet and feed a flamboyance of Caribbean flamingos with a photographer to capture these special moments and an expert on hand sharing facts about these pink avians. Prices start at $69 per person. 

Ray Feeding

While catching rays at Discovery Cove, take the opportunity to help feed Cownose and Southern Rays as you learn about caring for these wondrous creatures. Prices start at $69 per person.

Trainer for a Day

Want to know what it takes to be part of the Discovery Cove team? As an add-on to your Discovery Cove Dolphin Swim admission package, you will go behind the scenes at Discovery Cove for a second dolphin interaction, meet small mammals and tropical birds, feed the fish in The Grand Reef, and check out a romp of otters in the Freshwater Oasis. A photographer will be there to capture the picture-perfect moments that you’ll have with our bottlenosed friends. Prices start at $249 per person.

SeaVenture

Dive under the surface of The Grand Reef for this walking er– swimming tour while sporting a dive helmet. Get a whole new perspective of the fish, rays, and sharks that call Discovery Cove home. This unique adventure starts at $59 per person.

Discovery Cove Upgrades

Cabanas

Take your day of relaxation to the next level with a cabana rental! All three categories of this amenity include towel service, a snack basket, and a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary Coca-Cola products and water. The Elite and VIP cabanas come with a photo package and a personalized buoy delivery during your signature dolphin swim. The top tier of cabana encompasses all of the previously mentioned benefits while overlooking the picturesque Dolphin Lagoon, a cabana host, exclusive animal encounter, and reserved seating at Laguna Grill.

Private Cabana – Starting at $299 
Elite Cabana – Starting at $499
VIP Cabana – Starting at $899

Day Beds

Another way to enjoy this luscious oasis is by kicking your feet up on a tranquil day bed. Each amenity fits up to two adults, and prices start at $149 per bed.

Premium Drink Package

While beer and wine are included with admission, there is nothing like basking in the sun while holding a margarita in your hand. Starting at $40, enjoy a selection of signature cocktails and a fully stocked liquor bar.

Photo Packages

As they say – pics or it didn’t happen, right? Purchase a photo package to capture mementos from your dolphin swim as you go nose to nose with these majestic mammals. Each package includes its own set of perks, from digital downloads to photo frames.

Digital Photo Package – $229
Island Photo Package – $99
Adventure Photo Package – $169
Discovery Photo Package – $224.10
Premier Photo Package – $254.15

What are Discovery Cove’s park hours?

While waterways are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, it is suggested that you arrive between 7:00 am and 8:30 am. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for your day and enjoy your included breakfast.

Discovery Cove Unlimited Food & Beverages

A major perk to a day at Discovery Cove is the all-inclusive food and beverages. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, as well as wine and beer for guests older than 21, are served fresh and readily available throughout the day.

Laguna Grill

Laguna Grill at Discovery Cove
Laguna Grill at Discovery Cove

Breakfast hours: 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Lunch Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Breakfast Menu

Chicken & Belgian Waffles
Powdered sugar, maple syrup

Scrambled Eggs, Southwest-Style Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Links, Breakfast Potatoes, French Toast Sticks

Seasonal Fresh Fruits
Whole apples, oranges, bananas, mixed cubed melons, pineapple, and seasonal berries

Assorted Breakfast Pastries
Mini muffins, petite cheese and fruit danish, mini cinnamon buns

Yogurt Parfait and assorted yogurts

Assorted Dry Cereals

Orange Juice

Regular and Chocolate Milk

Brewed Regular & Decaffeinated Coffee, Tea, and Hot Chocolate

Lunch Signature Entrées

Laguna Beach Burger
Served with French Fries

Impossible Burger
Served with French Fries

Veggie Burger
Served with French Fries

Coconut Crusted Salmon
Served with French Fries

Mojo Pulled Pork
Sweet Plantains and Caribbean Cole Slaw

Jamaican Pepper Steak
Island Style Rice

Grilled Jerk Chicken
Island Style Rice, Fire Roasted Vegetables, Mango Salsa

Lunch Cold Wraps & Salads

Laguna Signature Salad
Mango Vinaigrette, Arcadian Blend, Tomato, Red Onion, Black Olives, Mandarin Orange, Feta Cheese

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Quinoa Salad
Quinoa, Tomato, Shaved Red Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Cilantro, Sweet Garlic Chili, Red Wine Vinegar

Grilled Jerk Chicken Wrap
Grilled Jerk Chicken, Lettuce, Peppers, Mango Salsa

Lagina Island Ceviche
Shrimp, Pico de Gallo, Lime Juice

Lunch Desserts

Assorted flavorful cakes and bars

Kids Lunch Menu

Chicken Tenders
Served with French Fries

Hot Dog
Served with French Fries

Macaroni & Cheese

Hibiscus Hideaway

Hours: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM

BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza

Margherita Flatbread Pizza

Soft Serve Ice Cream
Pineapple & vanilla

Assorted Chips

Icees

Whole Fresh Fruit

Full Bar Service Available
Including premium liquor offerings, custom cocktails, draft beer, wine, and more

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Assorted Coca-Cola Products, bottled water, coffee & tea

Blue Bamboo Bar

Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Assorted Chips

Fresh Warm Soft Pretzels

Icees

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Whole Fresh Foods

Full bar service available, including premium liquor offerings, custom cocktails, draft beer, wine and more
Premium alcohol offerings (cocktails, craft beer, select wines, and liquor drinks) are available at an upcharge or included with the Premium Drink Package

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Assorted Coca-Cola Products, bottled water, coffee & tea

Check out everything that Discovery Cove has to offer by purchasing your tickets here