Snorkeling among an abundance of tropical fish is one of life’s most relaxing pleasures, and swimming with a dolphin one of its most thrilling.

Fortunately, Discovery Cove in Orlando is the perfect place to indulge both pastimes.

About an hour or so away from Volusia and Flagler counties, the park is adjacent to SeaWorld just off of International Drive. It offers a more intimate way to get to know the beautiful fish and marine mammals you may have already met at SeaWorld.

Because Discovery Cove only admits 1,000 patrons per day, it’s never crowded and staff has time to give visitors plenty of attention and personal service. An abundance of delicious food at Laguna Grill and the park’s snack bars is part of the all-inclusive admission price.

The park’s manmade coral reef and lagoon successfully mimics a real reef and features a greater number of fish in a wider variety than you could ever find in nature. Stingrays of various types, parrot fish, sergeant majors, filefish and other species swim side-by-side snorkelers at the reef, which is easy to wade into.

“This is a great place to enjoy tropical fish no matter whether you’re a novice or veteran diver. I want to bring my niece and nephew here for a visit,” said Daniel Schultz of Cocoa Beach.

Another adventure at the park is floating down the tropical river that snakes around the coral reef lagoon and much of the rest of the park. A current makes for an easy swim especially if you grab one of the park’s plentiful floats before heading down the river.

Past a waterfall along the river is the free-flight aviary, which hosts about 250 tropical birds. Bird food is available so you may emerge from the river to feed the brightly plumed birds and to visit with anteaters and other furry creatures. Within the aviary and throughout the rest of the park is lush tropical vegetation that creates a sense of being on a paradise island.

At the appointed time, visitors who have opted for the “dolphin swim” head to a cabana for a briefing. Groups of six to eight swimmers are assigned to a trainer who assists their interaction with a dolphin and provides information on dolphin biology and behavior

Discovery Cove staff are on hand to take photographs and video of your dolphin encounter. Although the photographic records are somewhat expensive, you’ll want to purchase one or more photos to document the adventure.

Each member of the group experiences several stints of one-on-one time with their dolphin and poses for several individual portraits including one kissing a dolphin.

“I got the video, several 5 by 7s and some magnets. I’ve always wanted to swim with a dolphin and this may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me,” said Linda Melvin of Orlando.

Although Discovery Cove is open to all ages children must be at least 6 years old to participate in the dolphin swim. An adult must accompany children under 13 years old in the park and a parent or legal guardian must be with children up to 17 years old during park check in. The park is handicap accessible and provides specially designed outdoor wheelchairs for beach access.

Although it’s a little pricier than just a visit to SeaWorld admission to Discovery Cove is a great value because it includes parking, one free photo of your party, all necessary snorkeling equipment, towels, lockers, changing facilities, wildlife-safe sunscreen, a continental breakfast, hefty lunch, all snacks and beverages throughout the day, plus a seven-day pass to either SeaWorld or Busch Gardens Tampa.

While the park provides snorkeling gear, those with their own masks and snorkels will want to bring them for better fit and greater comfort. Prescription snorkeling masks are available and may be reserved for those who need them.

Through August the park opens for a second session of 150 visitors for Twilight Discovery from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening includes a dinner with steak and blackened sea scallops topped off by chocolate fondue and bananas Foster.

Discovery Cove also offers visitors the option to pay to become a “trainer for a day” and work more hands on with the park’s dolphins, birds and other creatures. Another option is camping out overnight with family or friends and the dolphins. The park also provides special event packages for engagements and birthdays.

News-Journal

If You Go

WHAT: Discovery Cove

WHERE: Located Central Florida Parkway adjacent to Seaworld on International Drive in Orlando.

HOURS: The park is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. year round.

COST: Through Oct. 31 all-inclusion admission is $179 per person with an additional $100 for each person that wishes to swim with one of the park’s 35 dolphins. Florida residents get an $80 discount on admission during select dates through Dec. 17. Reservations are required

INFO: For more information or to make a reservation, call (877) 434-7268 or visit www.DiscoveryCove.com.