Discovery Cove plans new saltwater reef attraction in Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando’s Discovery Cove is known as the place where you can swim with the dolphins, but starting in 2011, visitors will be able to swim among sharks, tropical fish and other sea life, as well.

The theme park has not made an official announcement about the reef, but it did confirm the project to the Orlando Business Journal.

The 875,000-gallon saltwater reef project will also include a nature trail, so that visitors can interact with sea life while on dry land, too. Construction permits show that material costs for the project have already exceeded $17 million.

Discovery Cove’s marquee experience is semi-private time to swim and interact with a dolphin. In addition, the Orlando, Florida, park offers an aviary, beaches, a tropical reef and a lazy river.

The price tag for a day at Discovery Cove starts at $199, and all tickets are all-inclusive, which means all your food and drink and other amenities, such as towels, lockers, sunscreen, snorkeling equipment and parking are included.

Only 1,000 guests per day are allowed in Discovery Cove, so it’s essential that you make a reservation in advance.