Discovery cove for non swimmer kids

Question

My 6yo, 8yo do not know how to swim. Will they be able to enjoy the reef (see the fish) and lazy river in discovery cove, at least partially? I understand they can use a life vest but wonder if this is aimed for completely non swimmers to go through the experience. Obviously we will be with them but I still want to do the safe thing. Thanks!

Answer

Discovery Cove in Orlando is designed to accommodate families with children of all swimming abilities, including non-swimmers. Safety is a top priority, and the park provides life vests for kids who are not comfortable in the water. Your 6- and 8-year-old children can enjoy several experiences even if they cannot swim.

For the lazy river, children can float along in a life vest while you accompany them. The gentle flow of the river makes it safe and relaxing for non-swimmers. The shallow areas and controlled environment of Discovery Cove allow kids to experience the water safely without needing advanced swimming skills.

Regarding the reef and snorkeling experiences:

There is a shallow reef area where non-swimmers can still see tropical fish while using a life vest and staying close to an adult.
Discovery Cove offers special reef viewing options such as “Grand Reef Adventure” where non-swimmers can participate in guided tours or observe from shallow sections with life jackets.
For children not ready to snorkel, there are areas where they can wade and touch the water, enjoy underwater life in shallow pools, or watch marine life from platforms.

Additional family-friendly options for non-swimmers include:

Explorer’s Aviary – where kids can interact with birds in a safe, dry environment.
Freshwater Oasis – a shallow pool area with gentle waterfalls and tropical fish perfect for young kids.
SeaVenture – a semi-submerged observation experience where non-swimmers can view marine life without swimming.

Overall, even if your children cannot swim, Discovery Cove offers multiple ways for them to enjoy the aquatic environment safely. Life vests, shallow areas, and adult supervision ensure that they can participate in the fun while staying safe. It’s an excellent place for first-time experiences with marine life for kids of all ages.