SeaWorld® San Diego has been one of the area’s top attractions for adults and children alike, ever since it first opened in 1964. Spend the day here, and you’ll be treated to spectacular marine life shows, thrilling adventure rides, and even the chance to get right up close to some of the most intelligent creatures from the ocean - an amazing experience that will stay with you forever.
Admire the breath-taking strength and grace of some of the park’s most-recognisable residents at the One Ocean® show. Majestic killer whales (orcas) perform leaps and spins amongst dancing fountains in this multi-sensory spectacular. This takes place in the Shamu Stadium, named after the first star of the killer whale show, Shamu, the orca who live at SeaWorld® in the 1960s.
The interactive Animal Encounters exhibits allow you to get up close to, and even touch, many of SeaWorld®’s creatures. At the Dolphin Encounter you’ll be astounded by the playful and communicative Bottlenose Dolphins. Under the guidance of a trainer you will be able to feed and touch them, as well as learn the hand signals that they understand and respond to.
Meet a penguin face to face on the Penguin Up-Close Tour, and learn all about how they are cared for in the park, or for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, pull on a wetsuit and enter the water with the graceful, gentle white beluga whales. At the opposite end of the scale, make your way along an amazing underwater viewing tunnel at the Shark Encounter. Don’t worry: no one is expecting you to go for a swim here!
Should you be able to tear yourself away from the stunning creatures, try one of the action-packed rides on offer. Journey to Atlantis® combines a flume water ride with special effects when you explore the lost city, Shipwreck Rapids sweeps you along on a raft with twists and turns past sunken vessels, and the park’s newest ride Manta combining the thrills of a 70-kilometre per hour roller coaster with multimedia magic.
Plan to spend the entire day and evening at SeaWorld® and you’ll get to see the firework show every night over the summer. There are many dining options from fast-food outlets to sit-down restaurants. Opening times vary with the seasons, so make sure you check online before you travel.