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Take your Discovery Cove day to the next level with the Ultimate Animal Experience, a premium half-day upgrade created for guests who want more animal interaction, more exclusive access, and a much more personal experience than the standard dolphin swim alone. This approximately five-hour, small-group experience is limited to no more than eight guests and includes a private guided snorkel, an enhanced Signature Dolphin Swim with an additional interaction featuring two (2) dolphins, special animal meet-and-greets, a behind-the-scenes look at Discovery Cove’s animal exhibits. It is an excellent upgrade for animal lovers, families celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who wants more time with Discovery Cove’s zoological team and animals while enjoying experiences that most park guests never receive.
Not sure which Discovery Cove experience is right for your family or friends? Compare Orlando dolphin programs, including the Signature Dolphin Swim and Day Resort options, before choosing your upgrades.
| Animal Experience Upgrade | Price Per Guest | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 🐬 Ultimate Animal Experience | From $249 | A premium half-day animal adventure featuring an enhanced dolphin experience, private animal encounters, behind-the-scenes access, guided snorkeling, exotic birds and an exclusive otter enrichment experience. |
| ⭐ Ultimate VIP Experience | From $2,499 | The most exclusive Discovery Cove experience with premium services, private animal encounters, a personal zoological expert, private cabana, photography and other VIP benefits. |
| 🦥 Animal Trek | From $59 | Take a guided behind-the-scenes animal tour and meet fascinating small mammals and exotic birds while learning from Discovery Cove’s animal specialists. |
| 🦩 Flamingo Mingle | From $59 | Enjoy an interactive experience with beautiful Caribbean flamingos while learning about their behavior, care and unique characteristics. |
| 🐟 Ray Feeding | From $59 | Enter The Grand Reef during a special morning session and help feed cownose and southern stingrays while learning more about these incredible animals. |
| 🤿 SeaVenture | From $59 | Walk underwater through The Grand Reef wearing a special dive helmet and get an up-close view of tropical fish, rays and other marine life. |
| 🦈 Shark Interaction Program | From $119 | Learn about shark behavior and care before entering the water for an unforgettable snorkeling experience near several shark species. |
Affiliate Disclosure: Dolphin World may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Prices shown are starting prices and may vary by date, season, availability and current promotions. All the Add On experiences require Day Resort admission or a qualifying Dolphin Swim package.
Upgrade your Signature Dolphin Swim Package with this exclusive half-day adventure for guests who want more animal interactions, more behind-the-scenes access, and a more personalized Discovery Cove experience.
Before selecting one of these premium add-on activities, you will first need to purchase a qualifying Discovery Cove admission package. Review the Discovery Cove dolphin swim packages to compare the Signature Dolphin Swim and Day Resort options.
Upgrade your day with the Ultimate VIP Experience for personalized service, luxury amenities, exclusive animal encounters, premium dining, and a dedicated VIP team helping your party make the most of Discovery Cove from arrival to departure.
Add SeaVenture to your Discovery Cove day for a truly unique underwater adventure where you can walk along the reef floor, come face-to-face with marine life, and explore The Grand Reef in a way few guests ever experience.
Add Animal Trek to your Discovery Cove day for a more personal, behind-the-scenes animal experience where you can meet fascinating birds and small mammals up close with the guidance of Discovery Cove’s animal experts.
Add the Flamingo Mingle to your Discovery Cove day for a fun and memorable animal encounter where you can step inside Flamingo Point, meet the park’s beautiful Caribbean flamingos, and learn directly from the experts who care for them.
Add the Ray Feeding experience to your Discovery Cove day for a memorable early-morning adventure where you can help feed rays and tropical fish while learning directly from the expert aquarists who care for the animals in The Grand Reef.
Add the Shark Interaction program to your Discovery Cove day for a thrilling, educational experience that combines a close-up shark training session with the unforgettable opportunity to snorkel in deep water alongside several species of sharks.
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Yes. Before adding experiences such as SeaVenture, Shark Interaction, Ray Feeding, Animal Trek, Flamingo Mingle, or other upgrades, you must first purchase either the Signature Dolphin Swim Package or Day Resort Package. You can compare Orlando dolphin experiences to see which admission package is the best starting point for your day.
No. Discovery Cove add-on experiences are designed to enhance an existing park visit, so you must have a qualifying Discovery Cove admission package for the same date before adding one of these activities.
The best choice depends on the type of animal experience you want. The Ultimate Animal Experience offers a broad mix of dolphin interaction, snorkeling, birds, otters, and behind-the-scenes access, while Animal Trek focuses more on small mammals and birds. Flamingo Mingle is ideal for bird lovers, and Ray Feeding is a great choice for guests who enjoy marine life.
SeaVenture and Shark Interaction are two of the most adventurous options. SeaVenture allows guests to walk underwater in The Grand Reef while wearing a dive helmet, while Shark Interaction includes a deep-water snorkeling experience alongside several shark species.
Yes. Age requirements vary by experience. Many activities begin at age 6, while Shark Interaction requires guests to be at least 10 years old. Some programs also require younger children to participate with a paying adult, so it is important to review the rules for the specific experience you want to book.
Yes. Certain experiences have additional requirements. For example, the Ultimate Animal Experience has a minimum height requirement, while Shark Interaction requires participants to be confident swimmers and comfortable snorkeling in deep water.
Yes. Many of these experiences have very limited capacity and small group sizes, so advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during weekends, school breaks, holidays, and other popular Orlando travel periods.
In many cases, yes, but timing is very important. Some experiences take place early in the morning or have fixed schedules, and certain premium programs cannot be combined with specific add-ons. It is best to plan your day carefully before purchasing multiple upgrades.
Photography varies by experience. Professional photographers may be present during certain animal encounters and dolphin programs, but photo packages are often sold separately unless specifically included with the experience you purchased.
For guests who want a more personal, educational, or adventurous experience, the upgrades can add a lot to the day. Smaller group sizes, behind-the-scenes access, special animal encounters, and activities that are not included with standard admission can make the visit feel much more memorable.
The Signature Dolphin Swim Package includes the Discovery Cove resort experience plus the dolphin swim, while the Day Resort Package gives you access to the park’s main attractions and amenities without the dolphin swim. Both can serve as the base package for many Discovery Cove add-on experiences, although some premium programs specifically require the Signature Dolphin Swim Package.
Dolphin World has been helping families plan dolphin experiences for more than 30 years, so we understand the questions travelers often have about age requirements, package differences, add-on activities, availability, and which option works best for their vacation. We are an affiliate and booking agent for Discovery Cove Orlando. If you click through our website and complete your reservation on the official Discovery Cove website, you are booking directly with Discovery Cove, and Dolphin World may earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. If you prefer to speak with someone, we can also assist by phone through an authorized travel-agent booking portal. Whether you book online or call us, our goal is to help you choose the Orlando dolphin experience and add-on activities that best fit your family, travel dates, budget, and vacation plans.
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Some of the best Discovery Cove rates are often available during the fall months. Use the online booking calendar to compare available dates and look for the lowest current price for your visit.
When you arrive at Discovery Cove, proceed to the check-in area and provide the reservation confirmation number or the last name associated with your booking.
Important: Cancellation, refund, and rescheduling terms may vary depending on the package purchased, promotional rate, and how the reservation was booked. Always review the specific terms listed on your reservation confirmation before requesting a cancellation or date change.
Discovery Cove provides most of the basic gear you will need for the day, including a wetsuit or swim vest, snorkel equipment, towels, and locker access. This makes it easier to enjoy the water attractions without bringing a large amount of equipment from home.
Yes. Locker access and towels are included with admission. You can store your personal belongings while you enjoy the resort and pick up towels as needed throughout the day.
Yes. Discovery Cove offers changing areas, restrooms, and shower facilities so you can get ready for your water activities and change comfortably before leaving the park.
Yes. Animal-safe sunscreen is available for guests. Because Discovery Cove is home to dolphins, rays, tropical fish, and other marine animals, guests are encouraged to use the approved sunscreen provided by the resort.
Outside food, alcoholic beverages, and coolers are generally not allowed inside the resort. Exceptions may be available for bottled water, infant needs, medically necessary items, or certain dietary requirements. Guests with special food needs should review the current policy before arrival.
Breakfast and lunch are included with many Discovery Cove admission packages, and snack and beverage locations are available throughout the resort. This makes it easy to grab something to eat or drink without leaving the park.
Yes. Complimentary self-parking is included for ticketed guests, so you can drive to Discovery Cove and park on-site without paying a separate daily parking fee.
The primary guest areas are non-smoking and non-vaping. Guests who wish to smoke or vape should use the designated area provided by the facility and follow the current park policy.
Yes. Private cabanas may be available as an optional upgrade for guests who want more privacy, extra shade, and a dedicated place to relax. Cabana features can vary and may include upgraded seating, refreshments, and other premium amenities.
Yes. Discovery Cove offers accessibility accommodations that may include accessible pathways, entry areas, and assistance from guest services. If someone in your group has specific mobility or accessibility needs, it is a good idea to contact the facility in advance so the staff can help you plan the most comfortable visit possible.
Looking for a fun gift for someone who loves dolphins, animals and Orlando theme parks?
An Orlando dolphin swim gift card can be a great choice for Christmas, the holidays, a birthday, anniversary, graduation or just about any special occasion.
Give someone the chance to enjoy an unforgettable Orlando vacation experience with dolphins, animal encounters and some of the best theme parks in Florida.
Click the gift card image below or use the link to see current gift card options and pricing.
Includes: The All-Inclusive Ultimate Animal Experience is a premium choice for families & couples interested in swimming with dolphins Orlando. Enjoy two 30-minute shallow and deep-water experiences where you’ll learn about dolphin behavior and communication while participating in hands-on interactions in a crystal-clear swimming area. Upgrades can include exciting additional experiences such as SeaVenture, Flamingo Mingle, Shark Snorkel, or a private Cabana. Guests must be 6 years old and up.
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