Next to SeaWorld is Discovery Cove.  Best known for allowing its' guest to swim with Dolphins, Discovery cove is a little more than that.

To enable its' guests to properly enjoy the experience, entrance is limited so you won't feel the need to dash around and endure queues which can happen in the other parks at certain times of the year.  Whilst not always necessary, you should consider booking in advance. 

When you book you can take the standard package or decide to take the experience of being in the water with the dolphins which costs extra. 

The park has plenty of sunbeds set on sandy beaches.  Consider taking flip flops; that sand can get very hot.  The park provides a mask and snorkel as well as towels and wet suit top.

The tropical river takes you on a leisurely swim around the first part of the park.  Here you can explore caves and pieces of wrecked ships.  This massive river is heated!

At the Coral Reef and Ray Lagoon you can swim with all manor of tropical fish and, of course, rays.  Obviously, this section isn't heated but the experience is thoroughly recommended.  The fish don't mind you and it gives you a great chance to watch the marine life up close.  Underwater cameras are available to buy to record your experience.

Marine life isn't the only type to explore.  As you go around the Tropical River there are places to stop and discover the different types of birds in the Aviary.

And so onto what most people are attracted to at Discovery Cove - Dolphins.  For those who choose the experience you are given a reservation time when you enter the park.  The experience takes about an hour but this includes an introductory video and a sort of debrief afterwards.  You are probably in the water 20-30 minutes with a group of about 8-10 people.  You'll learn about the dolphins in your group and they'll perform for the group as well.  Everyone has a short time one to one with the dolphin where you will work with them to do a trick and, of course, have a short swim which really means being towed along.  Don't worry if you can't swim they have a shallow area you can use.

The whole experience is filmed and you get the chance to buy a video (UK and US versions available) as well as photos (they can burn them onto CD Rom) keyrings etc.  Talking about burning this is not cheap!  It is possible to video the experience yourself if your family/friends are swimming and you have decided not to or will go at a different time.  The inlets in the dolphin pool create a sort of bay so you can get some good shots.  They won' t let you go in the water though. 

Discovery Cove is a great day out.  The entrance gives you plenty to do without being rushed, lunch, a group photo, an ID card and visits to either SeaWorld or Busch Gardens for 7 consecutive days.  They didn't seem to mind if people were taking the snorkels home with them.  The changing facilities are good.

The only time that you realise how many people are in the park is at the end when everyone is queuing for their photos.

Visit Discovery Coves web site