Discovery Cove, Florida

Yes I've been. Yes it was worth the money.

Great! FH asked how much it costs and laughed at me thinking I had to be joking! If I get enough positive answers on here I am going to show him... maybe it will help my cause lol

It is expensive so that narrows down the amount of people that can go. They only allow a certain number of people in the park each day so that also cuts down on the number of people that can go. Statistically speaking, compared to other parks a small amount of people have gone to Discovery Cove so you most likely won't get a ton of answers about it like you would Disney, Seaworld, Universal, or any of the other parks, but I do hope that you do get some feedback.

Please do not swim with dolphins. It is so bad for them. They belong in the ocean swimming free. Almost all caged dolphins have marks on them from fighting or being picked on by others. If they weren't caged, this wouldn't happen.

I appreciate your feedback!

@ItsBeardTime I was unaware that they fight in captivity!

I think a lot of animals fight in captivity. They're used to roaming free.

Discovery Cove does have more than the dolphins, but the dolphins are their biggest tourist attraction. I didn't swim with the dolphins while I was there, but if I remember correctly they limit the amount of time you're able to do so. We did a mini staycation kind of thing. My favorite thing was the snorkeling and that's why I'm saying it was worth it. If you're only going to swim with the dolphins then it probably isn't worth the price if the time is limited.

Yes, they aren't as bad as orcas or as big so it's not such a hot topic. Alot of places also keep way to many dolphins in really small and confined spaces. It's not good for them.

Belle the snorkeling looks like fun! Each group has 30 minutes with the dolphins, but I am rethinking it now.

ItsBeardTime thank you for bringing it to my attention! ETA: spelling

I didn't do it because I prefer to watch and observe animals. I do have family members that swam with them though and while I think they did truly enjoy it I think we've all always been in agreement that the snorkeling was our favorite part. I don't think anyone that I was there with had ever gone back so while I do believe it's worth the price to go one time, I wouldn't say it's worth it to go again. That money could be used to go explore somewhere else. Don't know if that will impact your decision at all.

It does! Thank you so much!

SoonToBeMrsP - please watch 'The Cove' before considering anything to do with Marine life in captivity. Taking aside the damage the chlorine water does to their bodies to facilitate people's entertainment (loss of vision being one) - they way they are brought into captivity is one of the most horrific things I've ever seen. You'll get the cove on either netflix or some TV providers have it on demand. It follows Ric O Barry who was the very first Dolphin trainer (flipper) and he did a full 180 on marine life for entertainment. Discovery Cove is owned by Seaworld who are being force to stop their whale shows in 2017 since a new law has been passed in California to try and protect the animals from what they've been put through over the years. If you are coming to FL - have a day at Clearwater beach and go on the Sea Screamer and you'll see Dolphins jumping along side the boat - it's so beautiful , there's nothing natural or majestic about a wild animal in a chlorine pool interacting with people so it will be feed.

Best of look planning your honeymoon - FL is fab

We have, and when we take DSD and her friend down to Disney in May, that's on our must-do list!

We had a blast, though we spent most of the day floating the lazy river. Soooo relaxing!!!

The food isn't the best, but it's free!!

ETA: Get there EARLY, like when they open early, if you want to feed the birds and have them actually come to you. If you don't go to the birds first thing, they get full and just kind of ignore you. If you feed them first, they'll even land on you and demand food!

Discovery Cove is awesome! AND so much more than just the dolphins with the warm lazy river, bird area, and the coral reef with a shark tank. It's all inclusive with wet suits, alcohol/drinks and food provided through the day. They only let a certain number of people in for the day, and the coral reef snorkling area is amazing! I would totally do it again and have actually thought about surprising FH and his son with it at some point in the future.

I want to add, I know some people are HUGELY anti-SeaWorld. Discovery Cove is owned and operated by Sea World.

Thank you, 2016beachwedding I mever thought about the water being chlorinated! I thought it was just sea water, like if everyone is swimming at the beach.

MNA thank you!! That is exactly the type of info I was looking for!

SailawaySomppi perfect! I am looking forward to the snorkeling!! It looks awesome!

Discovery Cove may be worth it as an extra vacation excursion, but please don't swim with the dolphins! I did it once and it was a very fun experience, but after doing my research after the fact...I would never ever do it again. If it means that much to you, just do it, but be prepared for some judgement. I got a lot of nasty comments on my facebook for having photos of myself and the dolphins I swam with.

I did and I did the dolphin swim. I vote to go but skip the swim I had more fun in the snorkeling pools.

@Katie: We don't do the dolphin swim either, but the reason why sounds so crazy until you look further into it, that I decided to just not mention that part.

A really good friend went last year and she says she had an amazing time!!

MNA would you mind sharing your reason? I have decided not to do the dolphin swim, but am curious what you think is crazy enough not to post lol