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Seaworld

Sea World San Diego

Sea World is one of the premier theme park attractions of Southern California. Founded in 1964 as the first in a series of aquatic theme parks, this 166-acre marine zoological park is located on beautiful Mission Bay.

It is home to dolphins, sharks, penquins, polar bears, manatees, otters, seals, sea lions, walruses, flamingoes, and much more. This park also operates a major marine life rescue and research program. During the summer season Sea World offers special evening entertainment and fireworks which can be seen from outside the park along the south shore of Mission Bay shortly closing time.

Best times to visit - try for Sept-Nov when the school year starts, the crowds are thin and there are next to no lines for most features and thrill rides. To get a head start on the crowds - show up one hour early to park up close and buy your ticket ahead of time. There is no any waiting in lines for your favorite ride when you're the first person thru the gate.

Location & Hours[]

Sea World San Diego 1720 South Shores Rd, San Diego, CA 92109 619-226-3901; Open Daily 10AM-6PM / Summer 9AM-8PM

Sea World charges a fee for parking but there are alternatives which include using public transportation or parking a half-mile away at public beach lots along South Shores Rd. Avoid long lines during peak tourism season. Buses and Bicycles enter free.

Attractions[]

Sea World also has excellent exhibits of flamingoes, eco-garden, tide pools, beached marine animals, ocean and freshwater aquariums.

Shipwreck Rapids[]

New feature includes a water-raft thrill ride opening on Memorial Day weekend 1999. This is the park's first venture into this type of attraction. Guests ride a 9-passenger raft through a dark tunnel, raging rapids and over a roaring waterfall that takes them pass sunbathing sea turtles and shipwreck castaways. Two huge Archimede screws (40 feet long and 10 feet in diameter) will propel the water in the 600,000 gallon pool from the bottom to the top.

Wild Arctic[]

Exciting similuted helicopter ride through polar terrain. Disembark into the polar exhibit including beluga whales, polar bears and harbor seals.

Penquin Encounter[]

Polar exhibit with 300 Antarctic penguins and arctic alcids. Regular feeding.

Skytower[]

Very prominent landmark feature takes you 265 feet into the air for an inspiring view of the San Diego skyline.

Shark Encounter[]

World's largest aquarium display of its kind.

Sea Turtles[]

Special enclosure adjacent to Shipwreck Cafe.

Manatee Rescue[]

Recently open is the only U.S. location outside of Florida that houses a group of Manatees in a 200,000 freshwater tank. It includes displays about the endangered manatee, a slow-moving gentle sea cow.

Freshwater Aquarium[]

Includes rare species such as four-eyed fish, blind fish, and piranhas (ask about feeding time).

World of the Sea Aquarium[]

Undersea communities such as coral reefs, kelp beds, schooling fish and gamefish.

Shamu's Happy Harbour[]

Tropical themed children's playground with over 20 interactive play elements located adjacent to the park entrance.

Animal Interaction Programs[]

Sea World San Diego provides the opportunity to get extra close with our aquatic world where you can touch, talk and feed the various animals.

Dolphin Interaction Program[]

Now you can get in the water with the dolphins and help with their training. Reservations required - for more info call (877) 436-5746. (Extra Charge)

Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour[]

90-minute guided tour shows you what it takes to keep Sea World running. Inquire at the maingate reservation center. (Extra Charge)

Forbidden Reef[]

See closeup Eels and Manta Rays. Special petting pool lets you interact with the Manta Rays. FREE

Rocky Point Preserve[]

Feed and interact with bottlenose dolphins. Sea Otter viewing FREE.

Tide Pool[]

See and touch sea stars, sea snails and other creatures from the California coastal shallows.

Shipwreck Reef Cafe[]

Premier restaurant area that features frequent live animal demonstrations in addition to serving the best food in the park.

Live Shows[]

An absolute must (!) is to see the various shows performing throughout the day. This is a great opportunity to see famous creatures perform their best stunts. Fair warning - in some of these shows the spectators can get quite wet.

Shamu the Killer Whale[]

The most famous attraction of Sea World - Housed in gigantic pool (and its big!) this terror of the high seas puts on amazing show that displays many of its abilities. See also the "Shamu's House of Douse" - a whale of a pool party promises to get the audience soaked. Summer evenings only.


Sea Lion and Otter Show[]

A Must See Feature. This is the most comical and entertaining animal show I have ever seen. Second show "Sea Lions Tonite" is a spoof of favorite TV shows - premiers only on summer evenings. Sometimes the walrus makes a special guest appearance.

Pirates 4-D[]

New Show 2000 - Join Captain Lucky and his hapless crew in a funny, interactive 4-D experience.

Dolphin Discovery Show[]

Watch these amazing animals perform aquatic acrobatics.

Restaurants[]

In addition to the traditional fare of "fun foods" (i.e., cotton candy, ice cream, hot dogs and soft drinks) Sea World offers the following diverse and healthier choices:

Shipwreck Reef Cafe[]

1,000 seat sit down diner is the centerpiece of the new Shipwreck Rapids recreating the atmosphere of marooned castaways on a South Seas Island. Island fare includes salmon fillets, jambalaya, chicken, ribs and tropical fruits. Watch for the frequent live animal demonstrations.

Dine with Shamu Buffet[]

Serves up a fancy evening meal to both guests and the Killer Whales.


External links[]

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