Water Temperature at Discovery Cove?

[mshanson3121]

I'm curious - I've heard that they keep the water temperature cooler at DC, in the areas that have the fish. I'm wondering - just how cool is it, and how cool does it feel? Especially in summer? I'm getting kind of worried because I have one daughter with a vascular condition that is extremely sensitive to cool temps (anything under 70F), and one son with a sensory disorder that HATES cool water. He has a hard time if the swimming pool water is anything under 80. I know they have wetsuits, but will that help enough? I'm just worried that we'll spend $1000.... for them to not be able to really enjoy it.

 

[Hopeful8]

I have read a couple of trip advisor reviews that say the water (where the dolphins are) is kept at 72. I've been thinking about it too - while I don't have kids with the same conditions as you, my son hates cool water and if the water temps are only 72, he won't stay in beyond 15 mins without his teeth chattering. I wonder if you called DC, would they have your answer? I did read in one trip review that the wet suits helped quite a bit...

ETA: I just looked it up on their website! Here is what the website says:

What is the temperature of the water in the pools?
The temperature of our pools remains constant throughout the year. The fresh water Serenity Bay, Freshwater Oasis and Wind-away River are maintained around 85-88 F (30 C). The salt water Dolphin Lagoon maintained around 72 F (22 C), and The Grand Reef are 77 F (25 C).

 

[mshanson3121]

So probably only the Grand Reef would be in question since we're not doing the Dolphin Swim. I'm just really second guessing this now, probably because so many people on this board have told me I've scheduled too much for our trip and should drop it. But also partially, maybe I'm being realistic? I really don't know how my kids are going to do. And I'm so worried about spending all that money.... if they're not going to enjoy it. I mean I personally would LOVE to do it, but I think they would get as much out of a trip to a beach with a wild life tour as Discovery Cove....

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We have gone twice in August (when the water temps are a huge difference from the air temps....it was a record-setting heat wave during our 2014 visit!) and once in January. As someone who also hates cold water (I still routinely enjoyed the resort hot tubs in the August humidity, lol!) I was never uncomfortable at Discovery Cove. The dolphin pool can feel chilly when you first get in, but any notice of the water temperatures is long gone as soon as that dolphin comes swimming toward your group.

I can't speak for your personal families, but for us, there was so much to grab our attention while in the water at DC (dolphins, sting ray, tropical fish, sharks, otters, etc.) that the water temperatures were largely forgotten. And if warm water is more your style, spend extra time enjoying the Freshwater Oasis and Wind Away River, where the water is not only tolerable, but WARM. Really warm.

Especially on our January visit, we found the wet suits very helpful in keeping us comfortable.

 

[Hopeful8]

So probably only the Grand Reef would be in question since we're not doing the Dolphin Swim. I'm just really second guessing this now, probably because so many people on this board have told me I've scheduled too much for our trip and should drop it. But also partially, maybe I'm being realistic? I really don't know how my kids are going to do. And I'm so worried about spending all that money.... if they're not going to enjoy it. I mean I personally would LOVE to do it, but I think they would get as much out of a trip to a beach with a wild life tour as Discovery Cove....

My kids take swimming lessons in 78 degree water (and the Grand Reef is said to be 77) and it's not that bad - and that's indoors without the benefit of the warm sunshine. My son (super skinny kiddo) who really doesn't like water below 85 is able to do 30 minutes without any issues. Hope that helps your decision making a bit!

 

[Sehsun]

I also do not enjoy swimming in cold water. Even water temps in the high 70s can feel uncomfortable to me. The Grand Reef does feel cold to me. So last year, when DBF and I went to Discovery Cove in July, I requested a full wetsuit (as opposed to the shortie wetsuit). It kept me mostly comfortable in the Grand Reef, better than the last time we were there in September. I would ask the staff if they have full wetsuits when you go to pick them up.

Like Gina said, there are pools where the water is warm, so I would recommend going in them when you (and/or your kids) get too cold.

 

[Portugal1000]

We were there last August, same heatwave as Gina mentions, my goodness it was hot. The snorkelling pool was fantastic, I just sat in in a was still warm. I think temperature or lazy river was just right. I find a lot of swimming pools at resorts too warm but DC have it spot on.

 

[Iheartdreaming]

Request for a full suit, they keep you a lot warmer than you would be if you just got the shorts one. I didn't have a problem with the water temperature in august, but it was especially hot outside. The dolphins are so amazing it's hard to focus on anything else.

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

When my wife learns that DC offers full body wet suits, I suspect she will want to go that route for our kids to help with sunburn protection. We are going Memorial Day and am wondering if the full body wet suits would be too hot. Does anyone have some experience with them and could comment on how warm they are?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We used the short wetsuits in January 2012 (and DS used them on both August trips), and if its sun protectio you're seeking, they cover the problems areas (torso, shoulders, etc.) really well. Might be a good compromise if its quite hot and you don't want the full body suit.

 

[NorthshoreTigerFan]

I guess worst case scenario if you start with the full body wet suit and want to change to a short one, they will let you assuming they have your size?