Wining, Dining, and Swimming with the Dolphins at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, offers so much more than roller coasters and kiddie rides.

Although Six Flags has long been known for its outstanding thrill rides and spectacular attractions, for those with an adventurous spirit and love of wild animals, there’s another dimension just waiting to wow any road tripping couple.

Many interactive dolphin experiences in various states and around the world, offer varying encounters with some of the world’s most magical and captivating mammals. However, a unique and outstanding approach is enjoyed at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom where couples not only savor unforgettable experiences with these gentle and lovely creatures but they also learn a deeper appreciation and understanding on a soul felt level.

Six Flag’s Dolphin Discovery program began about a decade ago as a shallow water program. Recently, it has progressed to its pinnacle allowing guests to swim with a dolphin. Prior to this transition, guests could touch and feed a dolphin in-water, but could not experience the intimacy of being fully submerged with these gentle hosts.

2010 marked the opening of an all-new locker/shower facility and the multi-media education classroom, which allows guests to enter separately from the main guest entrance.  Guests now have both options of participating in the two-hour program as a stand-alone, and they have the opportunity to enjoy the park when the park is operating, offering much more flexibility.  This new Dolphin Discovery program is offered year-round and continues to be the only dolphin swim program available in Northern California.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom also offers wonderful opportunities for general guests to feed and touch dolphins through the dolphin feed interaction program, where guests receive one-on-one time with a dolphin while the guests remain outside the pool, and enjoy having photos taken while interacting with their new friends.

Another unique opportunity that debuted in 2010 is the Dolphin Discovery Wine and Dine program. This unusual program combines the Dolphin Discovery classroom and in-water experience with a post-activity gourmet luncheon that includes a wine pairing.  Lucky couples are seated poolside and can enjoy an intimate luncheon, which is even more delightful since Six Flags opened a new professional catering kitchen that also accommodates group picnics and outings.

While recently partaking in the Dolphin Discovery Program, we were particularly impressed with the educational component where we thoroughly enjoyed an actual classroom lecture on dolphins and marine biology, which better equipped us for a fuller appreciation of the following interaction with our new friends.

The trainers were exceptionally kind and patient and made us feel completely at ease. Without such kindness and empathy we would never have felt so comfortable in such a foreign environment and with huge wild creatures. We had done several dolphin experiences in other states, however Six Flags provided the best we’ve ever enjoyed. The education, preparation, quality of equipment, and cleanliness of the facilities, truly made the event an impeccable one to be remembered for a lifetime. Our group had a handful of participants of all ages and backgrounds including newlywed couples. All were captivated by the magic of the experience from beginning to end.

Professional photographers were in the water with us, capturing our fabulous experiences from every angle.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom continues to offer some of the most thrilling rides on the planet along with a wide variety of top-shelf entertainment, special events, and parades. For discerning couples, it’s also refreshing that there are many healthy food choices offered throughout the park, which is not often the case at so many other theme parks.

For those couples looking for a wetter and wilder excitement venue, Six Flags offers the best wild animal experiences around.