Discovery Cove

I'm temporarily shelving the Sunday-only updates and instead filling free time (aka time I should be doing school work) with updates. I'm now at the beginning of August 2011, meaning a mere five more months left to cover until I reach the current year.

As part of our Florida trip, we visited Discovery Cove on August 1. The attraction is a sister park of SeaWorld, but it lacks amusement or water rides. Instead, the majority of Discovery Cove consists of animal encounters - a massive snorkeling experience, a bird aviary, swimming with dolphins, etc.

Instead of standard turnstiles, guests enter through a hotel-like lobby.

The park limits the number of guests permitted in each day, creating a peaceful, serene environment.

One of the park's main attractions is "The Grand Reef", a massive pool built for snorkeling.

Once you get past the freezing temperatures, there is plenty to be seen within the water.

The pool consists of multiple channels that wrap around large rocks and underneath various bridges.

The attraction also includes a collection of more "dangerous" animals, separated by underwater glass.

Sharks, rays, and more are included.

Another of Discovery Cove's attractions include a large pool and lazy river.

The water does not contain any marine life, but it still offers some animal encounters.

The river enters into an aviary, home to dozens of colorful, exotic birds.

Yes, that is a bird on my head.

To keep the birds in the aviary, there is a curtain of water at the start and end of the complex.

Discovery Cove is an incredible experience and offers far more than I mentioned. Guests can swim with dolphins, meander pathways filled with lush vegetation, or simply relax in a lounge chair on the "beach". Breakfast and lunch are also included with admission, as are snacks, drinks, and the souvenir snorkel from The Grand Reef.