Discovery Cove - Can teenager go alone?

[TupperMom7]

I have a daughter who will be 17 when we make the trip and she wants to be a marine biologist. I have supported her in her choice and would love to give her a surprise of going to Discovery Cove. Unfortunately, it costs waaaayyyy to much for our budget
So I was wondering if it would be fun for her to do it alone, if I can swing it. Would she have a good time alone there, or only if someone accompanied her? Do they have people there that will take your picture with the dolphins and stuff? Is it an all day thing, or just for a couple hours?
Thanks!

 

[goldcupmom]

I think she would definitely enjoy it alone or with someone!

My DD (12) did the trainer for a day last year. If you DD wants to be a Marine Biologist and enjoys water/swimming she won't have any problem loving either the Dolphin swim or the TFAD ( but TFAD is about double the price). My DD also wants to study Marine biology, so we went even tho she is young, as we live in NM and don't get to FL often.

There is a photographer in the pool for your Dolphin swim, but other trainers will also take pics for you - or at least they did last june. You can take underwater cameras with you in all the pools except the dolphin swim.

Definitely an all day thing. Lunch is provided. They take your pic when entering the park - that's free, you just have to remember to pick it up. She can snorkel/swim in the reef area, wade & play in the ray pool, swim in the lazy river and lounge on the beach.

You actual dolphin interaction is about 20 - 30 min with about a 30 min into before you go to the water.

With TFAD you have 2 dolphin swims, go back to the dolphin holding area and do 'training', feed the rays, feed the nurse sharks, birds & other animals, go in back to the vet/food prep areas, etc. You also have a trainer with you all day to answer questions, etc. It was very educational, but there isn't a lot of free time to explore on your own.

 

[AmoDolphin]

I am not sure what the personality of your teen is, but I would not want to do it alone. My mom went with me. It was alot more fun with her, even though she didn't do the dolphin swim. I, too, want to study Marine Biology, for some time anyway.
Overall, I think she COULD do it alone, but I highly recomend that an adult goes with her.