Orlando, Florida – Discovery Cove

NIKON D300, Nikon 18-200 VR

This photo is from Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida.  I had an earlier post from here with all the details of this wonderful theme park.  We had just finished our time with the dolphins and this cute guy came up near shore and was eager to pose for a photo!  These animals are amazing!  If you have never had time with a dolphin….please make sure you try it once in your lifetime.  Something you will never forget.   There is tons to do in Florida during the summer…I would definately consider Discovery Cove!  Stay cool!!

Orlando, FL – Discovery Cove

NIKON D70S, Nikon 18-200 VR

When we lived in Orlando a few years back our family came into town and wanted to visit Discovery Cove.  I must admit I really never knew anything about it.  I logged onto the web site DiscoveryCove.com and read up on it.  Looked great!  If you are planning to take a vacation to Orlando and love the theme parks – this one is wonderful!  We went in mid summer (which is best) – bring your swimsuit!  One of the most amazing things to do here is to swim with the dolphins.  I had never done this before and was not sure what to expect.  You walk into the dolphin pool (6 people at a time) with a trainer and they teach you about dolphins and one comes up to you and you get to touch and see one up close.  Then after 30 minutes – each person takes a turn and you get to ride a dolphin!  Hold on tight to his dorsal fin and he gives you a ride for about 40 yards!   Unreal!!!   They have photographers and videographers there to document it all and you can purchase the pics/vids afterwards.  FUN!  (If I can recall its best to make a reservation for your visit – check the site for rates)

But that is not all…not only is the park not too full (they limit the park to only 1000 people per day) – its easy to grab food anytime and its delicious!  Then you can hit various other parts of the park;  the sting ray pool – you walk in waste deep into the pool with the rays swimming around your feet (very sureal), Explorer’s Aviary (some beautiful birds), tropical reef (grab a snorkel and swim with tons of fish all around), Wind-Away River (float through a winding river and enjoy the scenery) and Serenity Pool (a freshwater pool with a little beach).

It was a great experience that I will never forget!  I’ll post a few pics from here again in the future.  We arrived at 9 Am and left around 4 PM – a perfect day!  Hope you have a chance to visit one day!