When we think of SeaWorld, marine animals soon come to mind, don't they? The Dolphin Cove, an attraction in the park, brings together some of the cutest animals in the world: dolphins.
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Who doesn't love this high dose of cuteness?
It's impossible not to be impressed by how intelligent they are capable of being and, of course, how affectionate they can be.
The attraction is not exclusive to the Orlando park.
The other SeaWorld's spread across the United States (San Antonio, San Diego – called Dolphin Point – and Ohio) also receive the attraction, which promises to delight everyone.
The one in Ohio, however, thirty years after opening, in the 1970s, it was removed from the site, as well as the one in San Antonio, which closed in 2015.
That is, if your desire is to be very close to the dolphins, the other two points, especially Orlando, can satisfy you.
The first state to receive Dolphin Cove was California, more precisely in the city of San Diego, in 1964.
To be able to recreate the marine environment, approximately 700 thousand US gallons of water were needed, which is equivalent to 2 million and 650 thousand liters. Amazing, isn't it?
In the city of Florida, however, the attraction has been in full operation since 1973 and, without a doubt, is “the face” of SeaWorld, as it allows the public to somehow interact with aquatic creatures, as well as see how they are capable of doing shenanigans.
It's that cheer received at the end of the day, a very interesting experience for anyone who loves animals.
How does Dolphin Cove work?
In translation into Portuguese, Dolphin Cove is synonymous with a dolphin cove. O
that is, a place destined only for those types of beings who normally live at sea.
However, SeaWorld's attraction becomes their home, which, from then on, can interact with humans.
According to the park's own website, Dolphin Cove is “one of the largest interactive dolphin pools in the world, where you can watch dolphins play and jump through the water, or watch them swim gracefully in the underwater viewing area. Don't forget to visit our dolphin mothers and calves at the Dolphin Nursery.”
It really is fun for the whole family.
Children have a lot of fun, as exotic animals are the stars of the moment.
And who never wanted to be able to see up close what they have most special, right?
It's an exciting adventure, for all that it represents.
But, don't think that it's just the little ones who enjoy the attraction, no, because adults also appreciate the beauty of nature.
Prices, hours and interaction at Dolphin Cove
If you're wondering about queues, don't worry, because in this case, they don't exist.
That's right, without huge queues to get to know the area.
However, it is worth remembering that the number of people to enter Dolphin Cove is limited by time.
That is, they establish “vacancies”, which must be filled at a certain time. So keep an eye on park information.
First of all, to give food to friends, you need to spend some money.
Yes, it costs $7 per person to go to Dolphin Cove.
More for the box of food you get at the entrance than to see them.
The instructors, in this way, teach how the animals should be fed, without you losing everything at once (it is quite possible to knock it down or even the dolphins come with force and take everything hahaha).
So, with everything right, it's time to feed them.
Dolphins, unlike stingrays, for example, need a feeding routine.
Because of this, SeaWorld determines different times throughout the day for this, which are: 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:15 pm and 4:30 pm (9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:15 pm and 4:30 pm).
The tour, in general, lasts around 10 minutes, in which you spend feeding the animals, as well as giving affection, for example.
The place is something like a lake, in which they go to and fro.
With the food in hand, you are free to offer the food. They will then come to you to feed.
On our YouTube channel, there is even a short video showing what it's like to meet dolphins. You can see it here:
Other separate tours
For a more in-depth experience, you may choose to select the Dolphin Encounter and/or Dolphins Up-Close Tour, where you can discover how experts care for dolphins.
However, as they are attractions outside, there is a need to buy “tickets”.
In the first, the training lasts 15 minutes and costs from 25 dollars. As for the second, it takes 30 minutes and costs from 50 dollars a day (yes, it's a bit salty).
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy seeing the animals up close without spending anything, it is still possible to visit the Dolphin Nursery, where the mothers and babies of dolphins stay.
However, in this case, there is no interaction.
It's just something related to a “dolphin nursery” presentation.
“Nothing draws a crowd like a newborn – especially when the baby is a bottlenose dolphin. The Dolphin Nursery is a great place to introduce children to the beauty of life in the animal world from the very first chapters. Watch baby dolphins practice jumping, playing and communicating with their mothers and other newborns through clicking and vocalizations.”, stresses SeaWorld's description.
For more information on rates and vacancies, visit park site.
Location in the park
At SeaWorld, Dolphin Cove is located near the entrance. Once you enter the park, just turn left. Past the Sting Ray Lagoon & Feeding, it's next door.
Right in front of the Dolphin Theater, where the whale shows take place. See the maps below:
Is Dolphin Cove worth visiting?
Yes, it is really worth appreciating the attraction, since it is a unique experience and, in that sense, inexpensive.
Paying only 7 dollars to interact with the dolphins is a cost benefit, considering the other more expensive tours.
It's okay that, in others, you have more time to enjoy it, you participate more. However, the cool thing about Dolphin Cove is that you can leave satisfied.
Of course, it's not the same thing as diving with animals, as is possible in Discovery Cove, but still, it's quite a moment.
Special for anyone who commits to going, without a doubt. It's all very special, there's nothing not to like.
However, as we always say, it's nice to put, first of all, what is a priority and what is not.
At SeaWorld, as well as at other parks, you will find the most diverse attractions. However, not all will suit your style. So it really depends on what you're looking for.
However, the record is that, if you choose to go, you have no time to regret it, as it will be worth all the time and money invested. Have a good time!
I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.
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About the Author Carlos Braga:
Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.
My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.
During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!
