Grand Reef at Discovery Cove

[greenclan67]

Hi there, We were at Discovery Cove last March, and the Grand Reef wasn't open yet! I know about Sea Venture, but I don't like deep deep water, not very good at snorkeling so tend to stay in the shallower water. I have been to DC twice and never made it out to where the sharks were, I can't get rid of the instict to hold my breath. Anybody that has been to DC since they opened the new Grand Reef, how do you find it for experience. It looks like it has more shallow areas? And is the stingray bay area still open? I don't imagine that Freshwater Oasis will be open until after we get there, so know that is out! Any and all info would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Fuhnuh]

greenclan67,
We went to Discovery Cove in August of 2010 and 2011. The Grand Reef was open last year for our visit. If I remember correctly, the majority of the reef is deeper water, but there is quite a bit a shallow water to enjoy. I believe all the rays are at the reef now as the shallow ray pool and old snorkel area are gone. I can't remember how much shallow water there is, but enough for me to enjoy walking around it while waiting for my daughter to decide whether to snorkel or not. DD11 was hesitant to go into the deep water for quite a while, but was fascinated by the rays and other fish that would swim by at the knee and waist depth as you enter the area. She eventually got her mask and snorkel and we swam around the rest of the reef area, but she seemed to enjoy staying close to shore and enjoying all the rays that would bump into or swim around her. It is a beautiful area. I enjoyed it much more than the separated snorkel and ray areas from the year before. We enjoyed it enough that it came up when we decided to return this year. I hope this helps.

 

[greenclan67]

Thanks so much. I am glad there is shallower water! I am hoping I can teach myself new tricks to snorkelling while I am there. I know I would love it if I could just do it! I love the water, not afraid of depth, I just can't get the snorkelling thing down. Thanks for your post. I know we would love DC no mater what, but just checking about the Grand Reef cause it looks so neat!