Discovery Cove
An all-inclusive day of snorkeling, tropical waterways, animal encounters, beaches, and relaxation in Orlando.
23 items
typical 3-day kit
Operator
United Parks & Resorts
Park type
Day Resort & Animal Experience
Setting
Mostly Outdoor
Best kit length
1 day
Build your Discovery Cove kit
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What to expect at this park
Discovery Cove trades roller coasters for snorkeling, swimming, animal encounters, beaches, and tropical waterways. Most essentials are included, making this a much lighter packing day than a traditional Orlando theme park.
Expect to spend much of the day outdoors and in the water, so bring a swimsuit and a dry change of clothes. Discovery Cove provides towels, lockers, swim gear, and specially formulated animal-safe sunscreen, so there is no need to pack many of the usual pool-day extras.
Plan around these
Pack light
Towels, lockers, snorkel gear, wetsuits, and sunscreen are already provided.
Early check-in
Arrive early, especially when participating in scheduled animal experiences.
Dry clothes
Bring a swimsuit plus a complete change of clothes for the trip home.
Animal-safe sunscreen
Use the provided sunscreen designed for use around the park’s animal habitats.
Leave jewelry
Most jewelry should stay home for the safety of the animals.
Experience times
Some animal experiences receive scheduled times at check-in — plan your day around them.
Check the official policies before you pack
Bag sizes, cooler rules and prohibited items change without notice. We link straight to the park's own pages rather than repeating details that might be out of date.
Sources last verified 20 August 2026. Vacation Travel Kits is independent and not affiliated with this park.
What packers bring here most
Pulled from the Discovery Cove kits people build on this site.
Lightweight backpack
78% of kits
Flip-flops
89% of kits
Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50
95% of kits
Refillable water bottles
81% of kits
Underwater-safe sunglasses strap
65% of kits
Water shoes
43% of kits
Common questions
Bring a swimsuit, dry clothes, photo ID for adults, and a payment method for optional purchases. Most swim gear and amenities are already included.
No. Outside food, beverages, alcohol, and coolers are not permitted; meals, snacks, and beverages are included with admission.
Yes. Complimentary family-size lockers are included with your visit.
Not necessarily. Discovery Cove provides specially formulated animal-safe sunscreen for guests to use throughout the property.
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