Of course, this luxury comes at a price. As at June 2006, the price for one day at Discovery Cove was $279. That does include not only the dolphin interaction, but also the chance to snorkel the tropical reef, wade with the rays, hand feed the tropical birds, and all you can eat & drink breakfast, lunch and snacks, equipment hire (snorkel gear, wetsuits etc), plus 14 days entrance to Sea World ...But, still, that price may make you swallow hard and think about it again.
* A couple of things to note are that children aged under 5 are not allowed to enjoy the dolphin interaction, but can opt for the "non-dolphin" package at $179 - as can any non-swimming adults - and that the water can feel VERY chilly as dolphins prefer an optimum temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit!
Assuming none of this has dampened your determination, what can you expect at Discovery Cove:
Dolphin Swim
> easily the highlight of a wonderful day. Take turns to hug, kiss and play with a dolphin and even to communicate with simple hand signals. The one-on-one swimming is over far too quickly and it is incredibly tempting to sneak to the back of the group and try it all over again...This memory will stay with you...
Coral Reef
> calming and relaxing. The thousands of tropical fish and rays beneath you make you feel that all your cares have floated away and that all you are left with is the sun above, the water below and the tranquil ebb and flow of the ocean...Shark and barracuda lurk on the horizon - but safely behind glass. Explore the reef, the shipwreck and the underwater grottoes...
Tropical River Swim
> makes me smile just thinking about this. Drifting along in the warm water, the gentle current leads you to sandy beaches, enchanting rainforests - complete with waterfall! - and even an underwater cave. This will relax you if nothing else can...
Ray Lagoon
> there is something disquieting about the alien flapping of one ray, let alone several dozens of them all around you. If you can adjust to the unusual movement and the strangely velvety touch then you will love this experience. You just won't know until you try it!
Aviary
> this is more to my taste. Watching the birds wheel above you or listening to them squawk from the branches is another surreal experience as your mind tells you that you are in Orlando but your senses tell you are in the rainforest of Central America...
Resort Pool
>aahhh, and finally....One last dip in this extraordinary pool as the late afternoon sunlight trickles down through the spreading leaves. All around you the trees whisper to each other and the waterfall murmurs its happiness...It has been a day to remember...
David Evans
Email : FloridaVillaWithSpa@hotmail.com
