The Thrill of a Lifetime Awaits!
SeaWorld’s Discovery Point is a very special place. You might even call it magical. The facility boasts an expansive Dolphin Lagoon that is home to some incredibly playful bottlenose dolphins!
There are a variety of ways visitors can experience these awesome sea creatures. Near the lagoon are sand-swept shores where you and your family can sit and view dolphin antics. There is also an underwater viewing area where you can get a really cool perspective of dolphins swimming around their natural habitat.
But if you want a real thrill then we highly recommend you sign up for one of Discovery Point’s in-water dolphin programs:
In-Water Dolphin Interaction
Inside of the Dolphin Lagoon is a special shallow area used for the in-water program. This special and unique dolphin interaction offers visitors a chance to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for these wondrous creatures.
Program attendees will first change into their swimsuits as well as the wetsuits the park provides. You’ll then take part in a short orientation where you’ll learn all about dolphin behavior and communication. There will be a Q&A afterward to ask any questions you may have. Once you ask all your questions, you will be ready for your swim with dolphins near Austin Texas program.
And then comes the moment when you’ll slip into the water and finally meet your new dolphin pals. Having experienced this program ourselves, we can tell you that when you first meet the dolphins, you’ll want to laugh and cry at the same time. The moment is quite magical and you’ll find it hard to believe it’s actually happening!
You and your dolphin friend will have a chance to get to know one another and interact. You can hug and pet the dolphin and also feed them. But the best part of the interaction comes at the end when you get a chance to experience a dorsal fin tow. Hand on tight as your dolphin friend pulls you fast around the shallow end of the pool! It’s a completely exhilarating moment.
In-Water Dolphin Beach Interaction
If you’ll be traveling with small children or people who are not good swimmers or comfortable in the water, you may wonder if there is a dolphin program for you. Yes, there is! The In-Water Dolphin Beach Interaction takes place in water that is only 20 inches deep, so everyone in your party will feel comfortable and safe.
Now just because there is less water does NOT mean there will be less fun! You’ll still have a thrilling experience and will get to learn all about dolphin behavior and communication and ask whatever questions you may have. And you’ll also be able to feed and pet these magical animals. While the water is not deep enough for a dorsal fin tow, the trainers will be sure your dolphins entertain you with their antics!
At this point we should definitely recommend you plan on spending an entire day – if not two – at Discovery Point because there are a ton of awesome animal programs to enjoy. Here are a couple of other ones we think you and your family will love:
Beluga Whale In-Water Interaction
Beluga whales are awesome! They look and act a bit like dolphins but are entirely unique. And speaking of unique, this in-water beluga program is also unique, being one of the only immersive programs of its kind in the entire world!
For this program you will also be provided a wetsuit to wear over your bathing suit and partake in a short orientation to learn about these curious animals. After a Q&A where you can ask any questions you may have, you’ll hop on a shuttle and be taken over to Beluga Bay to meet the whales! You’ll get about 20 minutes to spend in the water feeding, rubbing and petting the whales as they splash about you. This is an incredibly memorable experience as you can imagine!
In-Water Sea Lion Interaction
Sea lions have been called the ‘puppies of the sea’ and when you meet one in-person, you’ll know exactly why: they’re charming, adorable and funny! Those sweet little brown eyes are so expressive and you’ll have a hard time not giggling your head off when one swims right up to you and bobs up and down, begging to be petted. This is really a special thing to experience and we highly encourage you to sign up.
During all of these programs, there will be a professional photographer snapping photos of your interaction. These photos will be available for purchase at the end of your program. What a great way to remember your time at Discovery Point!