To do Discovery Cove or not?

[lpd222]

I'm not very comfortable seeing performing animals so I'm not interested in Seaworld. We were thinking of taking a trip to Clearwater to the Marine Aquarium and do the Seascreamer. However, that seems like too much hassle.

I like the look of Discovery Cove & I'm sure my daughter would absolutely love to swim with the dolphins. Do they do 'performances' at Discovery Cove or is it less of a theme park? Any info would be really appreciated.

Also, where is the best place to get tickets just for Discovery Cove?

Thank you

[Gezzs]

There were no 'performances' when we went. DC is amazing. We did the dolphin swim, but if I'm honest it wasn't the best part of the day for me. I absolutely loved the lagoon and spent most of the day snorkelling. If you just want to relax, there are sunbeds and parasols. Then there's a 'lazy river' that's more of a water route to get around - not fast flowing like some others. We've booked a day this trip without dolphin swim, just to see the things we missed last time, plus do more snorkelling Food and drinks are included all day too.

Got our tickets from ATD.

[stupet11]

No performances there as such - they are trained to do the interactions with you (like a dog might!) and if they aren't up for it, they see if another want to. They can be seen doing their own tricks in the pools.

It's nice to do, but yes, defo so many other fun things to do there, it's a small part of the day.

[coggie]

I love Discovery Cove, it's a lot more than just the dolphin swim but in my opinion there is little difference between a dolphin performing tricks in Seaworld and a human interaction where you hold on to their fin and they pull you along... they have to be trained to do both and are performing for you

[lpd222]

Originally Posted by coggie

I love Discovery Cove, it's a lot more than just the dolphin swim but in my opinion there is little difference between a dolphin performing tricks in Seaworld and a human interaction where you hold on to their fin and they pull you along... they have to be trained to do both and are performing for you

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That’s my dilemma. Dolphins in captivity don’t sit too well with me. But I don’t really know enough to base an informed decision on. I dont like the circus element. I’m really undecided about it all 🤔

[rjhsteel]

Originally Posted by lpd222

That’s my dilemma. Dolphins in captivity don’t sit too well with me. But I don’t really know enough to base an informed decision on. I dont like the circus element. I’m really undecided about it all 🤔

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I feel the same. Your not swimming free with dolphins, and just doesn’t feel right.

[theCMG]

Originally Posted by rjhsteel

I feel the same. Your not swimming free with dolphins, and just doesn’t feel right.

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Me too, I booked it once then got a refund because I just wasn't sure. Still not saying we'd never do it but would like to be convinced

[novocastrian]

Originally Posted by coggie

I love Discovery Cove, it's a lot more than just the dolphin swim but in my opinion there is little difference between a dolphin performing tricks in Seaworld and a human interaction where you hold on to their fin and they pull you along... they have to be trained to do both and are performing for you

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agree 100%

weve been twice and the 2nd visit in particular just didnt sit right with me

fwiw as i understand its actually illegal to interact with wild doplhins in the sea

but as others have said the swim is a very small 30-45 mins part of the whole day

[aqualiv]

I spent the day trying to block the part of my brain that was screaming at me saying it wasn’t right so that I didn’t spoil it for the rest of my family.
My son loved it and is asking to go back when we go to Florida this summer but I’m not sure.
Just look at it on google earth and see the tiny area the dolphins are kept in when not doing the interactions 😞
We enjoyed the snorkelling pool with the stingrays etc but they really do get harassed by people chasing them.

[Gezzs]

OP - there is a trip report from a Dibber here where they visited DC. It might help you with your question about go/not go and why you need to get there early.