SeaWorld in San Diego California
A Guide to Seeing Shamu, Shark Encounters, and Journey to Atlantis
Jan 22, 2009
Anyone who thinks all theme parks are the same hasn't been to SeaWorld in San Diego, California. There are other SeaWorlds in Orlando, Florida, and in San Antonio, Texas (which is the world's largest marine life adventure park) but SeaWorld San Diego is the original. It was opened in 1964 and now spreads over 189 acres in Mission Bay.
Location
SeaWorld San Diego is about 5 miles northwest of downtown San Diego, a 15-minute drive from San Diego International Airport, and about 15 minutes drive from San Diego Zoo. The street address is 500 Sea World Drive, close to the very western end of I-8.
Planning a Visit
To get the most out of a visit to SeaWorld, visitors should arrive as soon as the gates open, and be prepared to stay all day. Even then, there is so much to see and do there, and so many shows to attend, that it may not be possible to see everything in one day. Some of the shows are well worth seeing twice, so allowing two days to visit SeaWorld is best. There is no worry about getting bored.
On arriving at SeaWorld, guests should pick up a map and a timetable of shows, and start to plan the day. 189 acres is a big area, so work out where to be at what time, and plan a route accordingly. Bear in mind that there are some shows that everyone wants to see, so arrive in good time in order to claim a good seat. And be prepared to get very wet near the front of the Shamu show, called "Believe." At busy times of year not everyone can squeeze into the theaters, so it's vital to get there early. At less busy times usually everyone gets a seat.
SeaWorld's Top Attractions
- Believe, starring Shamu the Orca (or Killer) Whale. Shamu is in fact a dolphin, as the Orcas are the largest members of the dolphin family. This choreographed show is stunning, and features the skills of Shamu's human partners just as much. They ride upright on Shamu, go underwater, and perform all manner of amazing aquatic acrobatics.
- Journey to Atlantis: takes guests on a boat cruise that includes a 60-foot water plunge, and a chance to see graceful Commerson's dolphins swinmming.
- Dolphin Discovery features some breathtaking synchronized feats from the bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales.
- Clyde and Seamore's Risky Rescue is a very funny show featuring sea lions (some of them huge) and otters, usually getting the better of their human co-stars.
Other Attractions
These are too numerous to list, but the manatees are always popular, as are the up-close shark encounters, the chance to meet dolphins, the penguin encounter, and the chance to touch and feed California bat rays at Forbidden Reef.
It's easy to see why it can take two days to get the best out of SeaWorld in San Diego.
Further Information on SeaWorld San Diego
For complete information on what to do at SeaWorld in San Diego, California, including buying tickets online, visit the official SeaWorld San Diego website.
Click on these links to also read about San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park
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