Created in 1964 by four University of California graduates, SeaWorld San Diego was initially designed to be an underwater restaurant. This idea quickly grew into a 22-acre marine zoo along the Mission Bay shoreline. The Park started with 45 employees, some dolphins, some sea lions, a couple of seawater aquariums and almost forty thousand visitors.
Today, Sea World San Diego offers world-class exhibits, programs and interactions with animals in habitats that are as natural as man can make them. Immerse yourself in the world of sea turtles and get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Watch the turtles cross the ocean by watching the adventures of the turtles on a huge video wall.
One of the sweetest experiences at SeaWorld in California is the creatures of the tide pools, like leathery starfish and spiked sea urchins. You can reach the tide pool and connect with these creatures in a hands-on exploration of their ecosystems. Hold the starfish in your hands and maybe make a wish?
In its huge underground and above ground pool, you can watch killer whales as they glide under the surface of the water. This is an attraction that can keep you fascinated for hours. You’ll comment on how the whales almost know you’re watching as they perform antics and tricks that almost rival spectacle on the water.
Watch for land animals and don’t miss the vivid colors of the southern ground hornbill. This is a popular resident of the Animal Connections Display and his eyelashes are so long they’re actually umbrellas. You can coo to this bird and almost everyone and touch it.
There are more than 16,000 animals at SeaWorld and if you want to experience caring for these animals, sign up for a tour that takes you to a different work area of the Park. Your tour guide will provide you with fascinating facts about the park’s commitment to wildlife; you will be able to see animals in SeaWorld habitats. Walk with a guide on a one-hour tour and touch a shark; feed an endangered sea turtle and see the Humboldt penguin, which is an endangered species.
Tour ticket prices are posted on entertainment sites and a portion of your tour ticket is donated to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. Make sure you arrive on time or you will miss the tour! Please note that park admission applies and fees for this tour are additional. You must make cancellations at least 24 hours in advance or the price of the tour will not be refunded.
