The crowning glory of San Diego’s Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld brings 76 hectares to life with spectacular animal shows, colourful aquariums, theme park rides and interactive exhibits in its marine mammal park, oceanarium and animal theme park. Dolphins, whales and sea lions are the stars of this living aquatic theatre, home to a bevvy of research and rescue professionals who teach, train and enhance life for earth’s waterborne compatriots.
A swirling wave sculpture welcomes visitors to Explorer’s Reef to interact with sharks and rays, and Shamu’s Underwater Viewing unveils the mysteries of the sea through a 51-metre panel. From the park’s Dolphin Days show to its Dolphin and Beluga Interaction Programs, a full immersion into the world of bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales awaits, while California sea lions Clyde and Seamore frolic and play in the Sea Lions LIVE show. Those who like “thrills and chills” can hop aboard a multi-media rollercoaster, take a journey to Atlantis or ride the Shipwreck Rapids.
Public transportation makes it easy to visit SeaWorld via the San Diego Trolley and various public buses, and local hotels often provide free shuttle rides to the park. Those who choose to drive take the well-marked Sea World Drive from Interstate 5. A charging point for electric vehicle sat SeaWorld gives a boost to eco-friendly drivers while they’re parked onsite.
Behind the scenes, the park invests a considerable amount of energy into marine science research, conservation, preservation and education. The SeaWorld zoological team engages in marine animal rescues along the San Diego coastline, intervening on behalf of those that are injured and stranded, then rehabilitating and returning them to their native environments. More than 16,000 marine animals owe their new lease on life to the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team.