Sea World San Diego

The Basics

Sea World San Diego is one theme park in a chain of Sea World establishments, which also include locations in Orlando and San Antonio. It is located in San Diego’s beautiful Mission Bay on approximately 200 acres, and it is home to more than 20 exhibits, as well as shows, rides, and other attractions. 

When to Visit Sea World

Sea World San Diego is open year round, and the southern coast’s temperate weather make a visit pleasant, whether you come in July or January. It can get warm during the dog days of summer, so keep that in mind. The park’s peak season is in the summer, and crowds can swell during these months.  

Traveler’s Tip: If you’re looking to beat the heat and avoid the longest lines, come in the spring of fall. 

Park hours vary throughout the year, with the longest days running from 9 am until 10 pm. Check Sea World San Diego’s schedule before you arrive, to make sure you can plan your day accurately. 

For some theme parks, the best time to come can be in the evening, when people begin to head home. This is not the case for Sea World San Diego, which is too large to squeeze into a few hours, let alone a half a day. If you can, set aside an entire day to explore the park’s sprawling expanse. And even if you can’t devote a whole day to the park, you’ll be able to see the top attractions.

Shamu: The myth, the legend, the orca  

Shamu, Sea World’s iconic killer whale, is one of the most famous animals in the world, and the park’s biggest draw. In actuality, there are numerous whale “actors” who play the role of Shamu, but that does nothing to take away from the awe-inspiring beauty of these aquatic giants. You’ll be able to see Shamu in the gigantic whale tanks, and feedings and entertaining shows offer other opportunities to check out Sea World’s star.

Shows to See

Animal shows are the mainstay attractions of Sea World San Diego, and you’ll find a variety of performances throughout the day. “Believe,” the killer whale show, is the top billed act, and guests get to see whales perform acrobatic leaps and dives, while a light show and multiple LED screens project the whales’ graceful movements. This is a can’t miss-show, and you should make sure to arrive ahead of the start time for a great seat. 

Warning: If you sit in the first dozen rows of seats, you WILL get wet. The whales appear to take joy in deliberately soaking guests.

Other great shows include “Dolphin Discovery” and “Pets Rule!”, which is a charming demonstration of skills by cats, dogs, birds,  and a pig. Aside from “Believe”, the can’t-miss show at Sea World San Diego is “Sea Lions Live”, in which sea lions, a walrus, and an otter perform waterlogged renditions of some of today’s most popular television shows.

Rides and Attractions

Animals are Sea World San Diego’s primary focus, but there are other fun and exhilarating attractions for guests, as well. Journey to Atlantis, for example is a roller coaster and log flume, and it is the park’s most exhilarating ride. Riders are given a lesson in the story of Atlantis, and they get to enjoy the best rollercoaster experience offered by the Sea World franchise. 

To get the best view of the park, hop on the Bayside Skyride for a 6-minute gondola trip over Mission Bay. It is one of the largest gondolas of its kind, and you’ll enjoy great views of Sea World San Diego and its surroundings. 

Sea World is San Diego’s #1 attraction, but check out this full list of the top 10 San Diego attractions.