By Janice McSherry

Who says you can’t combine fun and education? If you are planning a vacation in Orlando you are probably thinking about enjoying yourself, rather than boning up on oceanography and marine biology. However, if you visit Sea World and Discovery Cove, then you will be able to have a great time while learning quite a bit about the ocean its fascinating inhabitants.

I’d like to provide you with a capsule summary of the attractions at these two popular ocean theme parks. We’ll start with Sea World.  Sea World is offers a view of marine life in habitats around the world by dividing its offerings according to location.

For example, one section of the park is devoted to the Arctic and another to Antarctic. The Wild Artic area will treat you to a good view of walruses, polar bears and other animals of the far north, while the Antarctic section features the antics of lovable penguins.

California is also represented at Sea World in the Pacific Point Preserve.
This is an area that recreates the sea shore of Los Angeles and the sea lions are the star attractions here.  These gregarious animals always put on a good show, and the best time to see them is at feeding time.

One of Sea World’s most popular attractions is the Stingray Lagoon. You will be surprised to know that these creatures are not fearsome monsters but gentle animals who will even give you a soft “high five” if you put your hand in the water. Sea World’s marine experts are on hand to let you know everything about these unusual creatures and you can watch pups develop in a special nursery area.

Sea World also has its share of thrilling rides such as Kraken, one of the scariest roller coasters in the world as well as an Atlantis-themed water roller coaster.

For more information about Sea World visit their website at www.seaworld.com or contact them at SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, 1-800-327-2424

Adjacent to Sea World is Discovery Cove. The distinguishing feature of this park is that you can go into the water and get up close to dolphins, swim with rays or do some snorkeling at a coral reef.

The park is home to 30 bottle neck dolphins and offers the unique experience of meeting dolphins, in supervised groups of six to eight people. You can play with the dolphins and even take a one-on-one swim with a dolphin in the lagoon.

Another popular feature of Discovery Cove is its coral reef area. If you have been fascinated by documentaries about the coral reefs and the exotic fish that inhabit them, then you will jump at a chance to snorkel at Discovery Cove’s reef. You will also be able to get close to sharks and barracudas, however, these fish are safely kept in glass enclosed areas.

If you want more snorkeling then get in the water with the cow-nosed rays. These gentle sea mammals have their own lagoon area at the park.

No visit to Discovery Cove is complete without a tropical river trip. This ride offers a superb view of rainforests, caves and lagoons as well as a chance to stop in an interactive aviary filed with more than 250 friendly tropical birds.  They’re really friendly and will eat from your hand.

Discovery Cove, with its unique dolphin experience, is a heavily visited attraction and entrance is on a reservation-only basis. It is also not cheap. Right now the price of admission is $289 with a dolphin experience and $189 for a non-dolphin admission. Visit their website www.discovery.com for more information and for making a reservation.

A trip to either or both of these venues will give you something to talk about for a long time after your vacation in Orlando is over.

Janice McSherry writes frequently about Orlando tourism. She is the proprietor of http://www.floridavacationsvillas.com . Visit her website for great deals on Florida Vacation Villas