Even since I was a kid, I dreamed to go a Sea World. Well, it happened only recently, years after I turned 20, but I enjoyed it more than a kid. There are sea world parks all around the world, and it is true that they are quite similar, but I was lucky and I visited Sea World San Diego, one of the biggest and most popular parks in the United States.
Sea World San Diego from above
No matter in which season you are visiting the park, there is always sun in California, so do not worry about it. There is only one condition: go to the park as early in the morning as you can, in order to enjoy all the spots and the shows available in the park.
We arrived at Sea World San Diego around 9 in the morning; we paid the entrance ticked ($86 per person), and we started to explore the area. Since the park is huge and we didn’t know where to go, we simply chose the “Skytower” ride, which gave us great 360 degrees views over the park, but also an idea about what we can see here, and where should we go.
Getting wet at the “Shamu” whale show
Plan your shows
The most important thing at Sea World San Diego is to plan your day, because there are several shows happening in the park, and you don’t want to miss them. The most popular ones are the Blue Horizons show with friendly dolphins and the black whale show. If you manage to catch these two, you can be happy.
There are two ways to enjoy these shows: in the front, where you will definitely get wet, because the dolphins and whales are trained to splash all around the pool – and kids really love it, or in the back, where you will get splashed softly.
“Shamu” is also the most iconic animal of the park, and many people come here for its show. I admit, I was fascinated by the killer whale, and I even bought a small plush whale to take it home with me, even if I never do such things.
The flamingo area
Start enjoying Sea World San Diego
As I said before, there are many things to do in the park. Simply walk around different areas and enjoy the flamingos, the sea mammals, and the turtles, the penguins, and everything you see around. In many places you can touch and even feed the animals, so enjoy this opportunity.
Be prepared to walk a lot in the sun, but I am sure you will enjoy it as much as we did.
The sea lions are waiting to be fed
Indoor activities
If you feel the sun is too strong, simply choose to visit one of the indoor aquariums, the shark area, or the penguin area. You will be surprised how beautiful the fish are, how non dangerous the shark look like, or how funny the penguins can be. Even if we saw aquariums before, we really appreciated to see fish from the Pacific Ocean and local fauna.
The aquarium of Sea World San Diego is simply beautiful
Don’t forget to have fun
At Sea World San Diego you can also find several fun rides. There is a nice roller coaster, called Manta Ride, which is simply awesome, and we liked it so much that we ride it twice. But since it is a water park, there are also water rides. Our favorite rides where the Atlantis Journey and the River Rapids Ride. However, be prepared to get wet, because these rides involve a lot of water. You can either use a swimming suit, or you can use the dryers outside the rides, for $2.
The River Rapids at Sea World San Diego
The wild Arctic area
Do not forget to visit the wild Arctic area, where you can admire whales, penguins, polar bear, and walruses. If the summer is too hot for you, simply relax here, and you will be surprised by the beauty of these animals.
The penguins of Sea World San Diego are extremely funny
The top experience
My favorite experience at Sea World San Diego was definitely the beluga whale interaction program. First of all, I have never ever seen a beluga whale before, and second, I was never so close to such a huge animal. And surprisingly, the beluga whale is so friendly and cute, that I could leave her. This is an experience that everybody should try at least once in their lives.
Unfortunately, the beluga whale interaction requires a special reservation, and it also has another cost. The price for the experience is starting at $215 – quite expensive, but it is totally worth it.
Becoming friends with a beluga whale
Extra tips
Well, you will definitely have a full day at Sea World San Diego, but I am sure you will enjoy it every minute. Simply equip yourself with a map of the park, and make sure you don’t miss a spot. Take with you short and a top, swimming suit, flip-flops, enough water, and your camera, and begin this adventure. I even heard that for the next season they prepare a new ride and some new shows, so do not miss this park.
The Atlantis Journey Ride at Sea World San Diego
We ended out day here riding the Atlantis Journey one more time, just to make sure we leave the park completely wet!
Have fun!
So many wonderful memories! Sea World Sand Diego is perfect and not only for children, but for us, adults too! I have not seen the beluga performance, but did enjoy the orca show a lot! During my visit, I also realised how great show makers Americans actually are and how opened and ready to have fun, are all the visitors. I hope to visit the Sea World Sand Diego again one day and that is not only because my camera died 😉
Unfortunately there are many stories recently revealed about the sad truth behind Sea world’s amusement parks. Did you ever ask in what conditions these captivated animals live? I suggest you watch a documentary called Blackfish and think about it. Just to have a wider perspective. It doesn’t hurt, but maybe we can make a change.