My Favorite Fun Things to Do in Orlando -
Swim with the Dolphins

By John McNamara

The reservation process for the Swim with the Dolphins program in Orlando is different from most dolphin encounters I've experienced. Usually, you choose a specific time for your dolphin encounter when you make your reservation. Here at Discovery Cove, you get a general admission ticket but schedule your Dolphin Encounter upon arrival. So, the early bird gets the worm.

The doors open at 8 a.m. and we arrived by 8:10 a.m. The line was not long and we got in rather quickly. Discovery Cove is run by Sea World and Anheuser Bush, so they do a very nice job of welcoming everyone and moving the line along swiftly. We scheduled our Dolphin Swim for 9:45a.m. The time is printed on the personalized badge you wear within the facility

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As we entered the park, we were greeted with a friendly smile and pointed in the direction of our lockers and breakfast. Meals, both breakfast and lunch, plus beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), are included in your pass. We quickly checked into our lockers and put our belongings away. The staff gave us wet suit tops to wear, which are required for all in-water activities. After getting our gear on, we headed to the beach for our dolphin swim. Since we had a little time to kill, we grabbed a light breakfast on the way.

Discovery Cove Orlando

Next, it was time for the Video Briefing of the Dolphin Interaction we were about to experience. After that, we were put into small groups of 6 people. A trainer led each group to the enchanting man-made lagoon where the dolphins anxiously awaited us. The water temperature is maintained at a brisk 72 degrees all year round, so it felt great on this super hot summer day.

The actual time in the water is about 30 minutes. You spend the time petting the dolphins, looking at them up close, and learning about their physiology. The skin of a dolphin is smooth and beautiful, and kind of feels like the white part of a hard-boiled egg after you peel off the shell -- very slick and soft. After a few strokes, everyone in the group receives a kiss from the dolphin and poses for photos.

Then came the best part -- they asked if we wanted a ride with the dolphin! We all said yes of course, but I guess they have to ask anyway, just in case a non-swimmer doesn't want to enter the deep water. You can then swim to the deepest part of the pool where the trainer is waiting for you. The trainer then asks you if you want to the dolphin to push you by your feet, or take a dorsal fin ride. I choose the fin ride, where the dolphin gingerly comes up and lets you put one hand on his dorsal fin and one on his other side. Then the dolphin swims you back to the shallow area of the pool. Each person was given a chance. Before we knew it, the time with the dolphins was up. We had a blast!! When our time had ended we were shown our photos and videos, which you have the option to purchase. The complete set on CD costs about $125 with the ability to print as many photos as you like.

At this point, we had the opportunity to swim in the Man Made Coral Reef, which was lovely. This separate pool area is stocked with all kinds of tropical fish, parrotfish, grunts, and tangs. There is also a Ray pool, where you can swim with the stingrays. This pool is chock full of stingrays, plenty to pet and plenty of fun. There is also a bird aviary if you'd like to visit with some feathered friends while you're there. Around the pools is a lazy river you can float on and relax while waiting for lunch.

Discovery Cove is open till 5:30 p.m., so you have the rest of the day to enjoy the well-manicured beaches, with plenty of lounge chairs to sun bathe and sleep on. You can eat as many times as you like -- chicken, salads, dessert, etc. -- everything they offer, including soft drinks, coffee, beer, wine and frozen drinks.

Overall, it was a terrific day. Since I swim with the dolphins in so many different places, I can compare each location's style of interaction with the dolphins and with the guests, and this is one of my favorites. At Discovery Cove the cost is $297 per person, but for the ambience, the beautiful park, the food, the beverages, and other amenities; plus the very safe and well-maintained facilities, the Swim with the Dolphin Orlando program just rocks. I highly recommend it.

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