Overview
Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort by SeaWorld Parks, limited to roughly 1,000 guests per day to preserve a quiet, luxury-island atmosphere. Snorkelling lagoons, freshwater pools, white-sand beaches and optional dolphin interactions are included.
It's the antithesis of a busy theme park day — and a popular mid-trip reset for UK families spending two weeks in Orlando.
Why visit
- Genuinely all-inclusive: lunch, drinks (including alcohol), snorkel gear, wetsuit, towels and parking are included.
- Optional 30-minute dolphin swim experience that's been refined over more than two decades.
- Limited daily admission means no queues — a complete contrast to Disney or Universal.
- Includes a 14-day pass to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as part of every Discovery Cove ticket.
Key attractions & rides
Snorkel with tropical fish and rays.
Optional in-water dolphin interaction (Dolphin Swim ticket only).
Warm-water lagoon with marmosets and otters.
Walk-through bird sanctuary with over 250 free-flying birds.
- Book several months ahead — daily capacity is strictly capped.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen only; standard sun cream isn't permitted in the lagoons.
- The Dolphin Swim is bookable in 30-minute slots — your time is assigned when you check in.
- Take advantage of the included 14-day SeaWorld / Aquatica / Busch Gardens pass — it pays for itself.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) for the best balance of warmth and lower demand.
Excellent for families with children comfortable around water. Dolphin Swim has a minimum age of 6.
Typically 08:00 check-in, day ends around 17:30.
Live ticket pricing comparison coming soon. Standard Day and Dolphin Swim packages via trusted partners will appear here as they become available.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dolphin Swim included?
Only on the Dolphin Swim ticket. Standard Day Resort tickets include everything except the in-water dolphin experience.
How far in advance should I book?
Three to six months in peak periods. Daily capacity is capped and the park regularly sells out.
Is it worth the extra cost vs SeaWorld?
Yes if you want a low-crowd, all-inclusive day. The included 14-day SeaWorld + Aquatica + Busch Gardens pass adds significant value.
