seaworld san diego vip tour review

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Ultimate VIP tour at sea world

• Thread starter MC0810
• Start date Aug 18, 2021

DIS Veteran

• Aug 18, 2021

Has anyone done the ultimate vip tour at sea world? It's a private 8 hour tour that we booked. Any tips, reviews on this experience would be greatly appreciated.  

I did it in Sea World in San Diego in 2019, and I think it is similar there to Orlando. I think we did the middle tour, not the most expensive one. The main benefit (at the time, I don't know how Covid effects this), is that you got to choose which animals you wanted to have a private tour with. At the time, there were 6 total tours to choose from, and we got to choose 5 of them. You got private tours for those. The rides are fine and the seating for shows are fine.. The food was just regular park food for me, but I think the most expensive tour gets you better meal. The interesting thing for me is that at least for my tour, all the rides that we would want to do were done AFTER the tour ended (that is because there just isn't enough time to do the rides and see all the animal tours). So we just got into the normal express line (quick queue). I am not sure if the ultimate one you do the rides during the tour. We did one show during the VIP tour, and we could get in the "quick queue" lines for the other shows after the tour ended. So if you care about seeing all the animal tours, it's worth it, but if you are only there for rides, then it is not. The guide was very friendly and helpful and had lots of knowledge about the park. The San Diego one is here, however I am not sure if it is running now: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/experiences/private-tours/ they list a 2, 4, or 6 hour tour.  

Thanks for the info. In orlando they only offer the 8 hour tour. Includes a restaurant as well called sharks underwater grill. The description on the vip tour on their site overall though isn't very detailed.  

Joanna71985

<marquee><font color=green>characters are my frien.

• Aug 19, 2021

I did the tour last month for my birthday. It was all 3 feed booths (rays, sea lions, and sharks), a mini sea lions tour, a mini killer whales tour, a penguin encounter, a dolphin encounter, visiting the Manta and JTA aquariums, walking through the penguin exhibit in Antarctica, walking through Shark Encounter, Reserved Seating for all 3 shows, and lunch at Shark's  

Joanna71985 said: I did the tour last month for my birthday. It was all 3 feed booths (rays, sea lions, and sharks), a mini sea lions tour, a mini killer whales tour, a penguin encounter, a dolphin encounter, visiting the Manta and JTA aquariums, walking through the penguin exhibit in Antarctica, walking through Shark Encounter, Reserved Seating for all 3 shows, and lunch at Shark's Click to expand...

• Aug 22, 2021

MC0810 said: Thank you so much. Did someone contact you before the tour? Were there other groups with you during the animal encounters. Was the lunch at sharks at anytime you wanted and was it a more limited menu? Also how would you rate the tour overall? Click to expand...

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SeaWorld San Diego Review – Get The Best Out Of Your Trip To SeaWorld San Diego!

SeaWorld was once the Jewel in San Diego’s glittering Entertainment crown and a reason on its own to visit the City. It is not a secret in recent years that the SeaWorld Brand has been struggling. Public Perception of the morality of keeping Killer Whales in captivity has shifted from the fringe to the mainstream. Seaworld themselves have admitted that keeping the whales is no longer acceptable and have stopped their captive breeding program (They stopped taking whales from the wild years ago) This means their trademark Orca Shows are on borrowed time.

We went back to the Park to see if the Brand can Survive the Orca Controversy and if it has a future once the Orcas pass away or are rehomed. The Park has been busy rebranding and rebuilding with a host of new rides and attractions to get people through the gates and into the park. We took a trip to see if this can cut it and if it is still worth visiting SeaWorld San Diego. Our Seaworld San Diego Review will take you through everything you need to know to get the best out of your trip to Seaworld and let you know if it is still worth visiting and what the future holds for this iconic attraction.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld is an Aquatic-Based Themepark Right in the Heart of Misson Bay in Prime San Diego Real estate and has been the Center Piece of San Diego’s Tourism Industry for Years. It built its name and brand on its stunning and captivating Killer Whale Shows Featuring Shamu and people flocking.

As competition Grew it diversified more and more before beginning to introduce more and more theme park-style rides along with its aquarium Displays and Sea Life Shows. In 2016 the Park announced an end to its Orca Breeding Program and a Phased end to its Live Orca Shows. However, The Shows continue to this day albeit in a revised Orca Encounter Format and more reminiscent of natural behaviors There are Still live Orca Shows. Recently a few big-name businesses have Severed Ties with Seaworld and refused to sell tickets, how much this affects the business remains to be seen. So has the demise of SeaWorld been made inevitable or is there life in this Icon of entertainment yet?

How Much Does SeaWorld Cost?

Weekday Ticket – $95.99 Gate – $59.99 Online

Weekend Ticket – $95.99 Gate – $75.99 Online

Front Of The Line Pass – From $25

Where to Buy SeaWorld Tickets?

After Reviewing Most of the different Resellers, many of whom we happily recommend for a lot of attractions, There does not seem to be a huge scope for saving money on Sea World Tickets. This leads us to mainly recommend just going direct .

<<< Book SeaWorld Direct Now >>>

Undercover Tourist – has the best prices, and is one of our top picks for USA Attractions, However, they largely just mirror SeaWorld’s own Pricing. There is however a modest saving as they do not charge the $9.99 Booking Fee that SeaWorld adds to their orders!

Go San Diego Pass – A great way to save money on San Diego Attractions is with the Go San Diego Pass. All Go Passes over 3 Days give access to SeaWorld for the Duration of your Pass. We really love the Go Pass and had a great time using it on our recent trip to San Diego , but it isn’t for everyone. Check Out our full review here.

Controversy

We are going to get this out straight away as you need to make a conscious decision on the morality of visiting the park. Writing this Article has not always been easy as we are a little unsure of our position if we are honest.

In recent years the popularity and attendance of SeaWorld parks have fallen dramatically. This is in part due to negative media representation and the Netflix movie Blackfish. These have all resulted in a collective and cultural shift in acceptance of keeping Orcas in Captivity and forcing them to perform tricks for the public. These sorts of shifts in public perception are nothing new, and what was once acceptable is no longer considered palatable. We once used to gather for public hangings and kept circus animals in horrific conditions. Our culture evolved and our tolerances changed.

This, however, has left SeaWorld in a predicament. What to do with the current animals they no hold in captivity. Even the most ardent environmentalist accepts that these animals, most bred in captivity cannot just be released. As nice as Free Willy is, it’s not a realistic prospect for animals so habituated into captivity. This leaves 2 options.

1 – Continue as we are. The tricks and shows the aminals are forced to perform are pretty essential for their wellbeing. It allows access to vets to help keep them healthy and staves off the inevitable boredom caused by being in captivity. So if they are to remain in the parks as far as we are concerned Seaworld should continue the shows.

2 – The other option is a sea pen somewhere along the coast. Maybe a cove fenced off somewhere, where the whales can live and play and act in a partially natural way. Here they can live out their lives away from the tanks used to cage them for so long. It isn’t a perfect option as they are still caged, a bit akin to allowing prisoners a garden rather than freedom. There are other BIG issues. The Protective and sterile environment in SeaWorld means the Whale’s immune systems may just not be able to cope with the wild.

Here is where you need to make your own personal choices. We do not want to preach, either way, just lay out the facts. To be honest we are partially torn. We wish the animals could be safely released to the wild but this would almost certainly lead to their rapid and untimely demise. The Trainers, doctors, and SeaWorld staff all love and cherish their animals, and seeing them in action did not seem like they were unduly stressed. We tend to apply human emotions to animals too often and it’s impossible to know how they feel.

But let’s be honest the main reason SeaWorld won’t move them to Sea-pens is money. It would cost an awful lot and they would lose a large piece of what attracts people to SeaWorld. But there are issues with the pens and overall the whales are fairly happy as they are. We tend to think of this as just another sad chapter of human history and our interactions with the environment. We don’t judge SeaWorld too harshly as judging actions of the past based on modern sentiments is foolhardy. But we do praise their decision to Phase out the shows. It is an understanding of the shifting of our cultural position and helping us make the future brighter.

Honestly, we saw our visit as the last chance to see the way things used to be and get a glimpse of the future of the Park. SeaWorld is not going away and we wanted to see what the park could offer once the Giant Ampiatheatre has shut down and the whales moved on, one way or another.

But we believe in free choice and would not encourage people who are just unhappy with the way Orcas are being kept, You should make your own decisions and act in a way that makes you feel happy.

For Further Reading on the Subject, we suggest you head to neutral sources. Anything by PETA or the like has an obvious bias and again, SeaWorld’s own defense is naturally biased towards themselves. Wikipedia is a great place to start and has a detailed article about Captive Orca.

We also took a trip to Iceland to see a project run by Sea-Life where they are Attempting to safely move two Beluga Whales from Captive Tanls to a Sea Pen. The process is painfully slow as they make sure the Whale’s wellbeing is monitored at every step.

Remember, we mentioned 2 Options for dealing with the Orca, There is always a third, and push the company too hard and they may just choose to Euthanize them!

Conservation and Research

SeaWorld’s Counterargument to the negative criticism is they are heavily involved in research, conservation, and rescue of injured and sick animals. We don’t really accept this. While it is of little doubt the company does some great work, we commend them for that. It is no defense against animal cruelty, however. You cannot simply keep animals in inhumane conditions but say “Oh it’s okay because we help other animals!”

That is not to say SeaWorld does keep Animals in inhumane conditions. Yes, the tanks are tiny compared to the vast oceans, but the picture painted by the extreme environmentalists is not obvious upon visiting the parks. The point we are making is that is for YOU to decide. And if you do come to that conclusion, then all the good work in the world cannot justify that. It is true their efforts possibly cannot continue without the financial muscle the parks provide, But it is still not OK to be inhumane to some to save others.

The fact is, SeaWorld has begun the complex and difficult process of retiring all their Orca’s. It is a problem that should never really have been faced but while Millions of people queued up to see the Whales the blame can not really be levied on SeaWorld alone but on collective cultural acceptance.

Attractions

With that out of the way let’s look at what is actually still available at SeaWorld and what you can expect from your day out!

Animal Exhibits

As Seaworld San Diego moves from relying on the Orca shows they are diversifying and adding new attractions to the park, mainly in the form of rides, and vying to become a regular theme park. However, their unique selling point is still the many sea creature exhibits and shows at the park.

Orca Encounter

The Current Orca show is very different from the circus-like shows of the past and we did get the impression the Whales genuinely enjoy the performance. The Trainers all show real love and devotion to the Animals and the show now focuses on natural behaviors and is an exhibition of the animals rather than the tricks they can be made to perform.

The show is highly enjoyable. It is seriously hard to not be mesmerized by these wonderful creatures. They playfully jump, wave, and splash the audience as the video presentation explains a little about the Orca’s behaviors in the wild. Being up close to a full-sized Male is awe-inspiring and simply seeing the displacement as he prepares for a jump highlights the enormity and power of the creatures. While seeing them in the wild would always trump a show, it is hard not to be captivated by their sheer magnitude!

Remember the Whales are encouraged to interact with the crowd, and they do this by way of splashing. Do Not assume you will only get a little bit sprayed, in a playful manner. It is quite possible if you sit in the splash zone, you will end up drenched head to toe. Some of the splash antics send gallons of water into the crowd in a random and unpredictable way. Get this wrong and there will not be a dry inch on you. Take extra care with any non-Water Proof electricals as they could potentially be destroyed by the water ingress.

If staying dry is important, just avoid the splash zones. We found sitting front and center in the splash zone kept us pretty dry while still getting the best view. But don’t count on it. If a whale wants you wet, you are getting wet!

It is really not hard to see why the Orca shows have been so successful for SeaWorld. They are a creature beyond compare and one that is so clearly intelligent. You feel them looking at you, understanding what is happening. This truly magical intelligence is exactly why the shows must end. But we still think they are worth catching while a permanent solution is found. The Orca really does not seem under any duress during the performance and even looks to relish some tricks, especially ones that end up with the crowd wet. And the Trainer’s love and respect for the Animals is beyond doubt. It really is hard to reconcile the Blackfish Story with what we saw at the Park!

Dolphins Days Show

SeaWorld’s Dolphin Shows are another big draw to the park and the Daily displays are filled with impressive tricks. Dolphins are hugely playful and show genuine enjoyment in performing their tricks. The Show is far more Circus-like than the Orca Show with more interaction between the Animals and Trainers with a series of Pushes and Rides that get the Trainers interacting with the Dolphins.

As part of the Show, you are also introduced to the Pilot Whales at the Park. Pilot Whales are a Large Species of dolphins but their appearance in the show really ups the ante and they are mightily impressive and great to watch.

While the show is fun to watch there are still nagging doubts about keeping intelligent animals in small tanks. However, it should be noted that SeaWorld no longer takes any Whales or Dolphins from the wild. These are all bred or rescued Animals.

Sea Lions Live

The Sea Lion Show is more of a quirky comedy show with the Animals performing all kinds of tricks and stunts for the crowd. The Park is definitely conscious not to make any of the shows too Circusy or exploitative and this actually makes the show a little drab. The focus is almost more on the human actors to add the laughs with the Sealions taking a more peripheral role in proceedings. It is a shame as the Selions have so much more to offer but this kind of show is clearly kinder to them.

Honestly, we could take or leave the show it’s not the best SeaWorld has to offer. However it is a BIG hit with younger guests, it really is a live-action Kid’s show with sea lions and it goes down a treat. A special mention to the Otters though, If you got rid of the Sealions and the humans and just had the Otters this would be a HIT!

We actually much preferred Sealion Point where the Sea Lions frolic and play on their own time and you can buy small fish to feed them with, assuming the cheeky egrets don’t get there first!

Show Time Tables

There is at least one of each of the shows every day the park is open and more during peak times. SeaWorld lists its full schedule on its website for every day.

We adore Sea otters and while it’s never great to see them in captivity it would be highly illegal to take them from the wild so these are all rescue animals. The Habitat is fairly poor, however. The Glass is badly scratched and the otters have excellent hiding holes meaning it’s pretty hard to see anything. This is obviously better for the otters but not for visitors. Try and catch them at feeding time or if they are out playing.

The Turtle Exhibit was a highlight for us. We are huge Turtle fans and have spent a lot of time in the Oceans of Hawaii observing turtles in the wild . Any chance we get to see turtles up close is a bonus for us. There are many really large adult turtles of several varieties in the exhibit. Green Sea Turtles (Honu), loggerheads, and hawksbill Turtles. All are in great condition (better than a lot of the turtles we have seen in the wild!) and gently floating around their habitat.

On Top of this the Habitat, in general, is a great one, filled with a huge array of large tropical and marine fish. Golden Trevally, Yellow Snapper, Rainbow Runners, and more. It is a great display.

The Artic Exhibit is seriously impressive. This was home to the Wild Arctic Motion Simulator Ride, now removed, and also the incredible Beluga Whales and Walrus Exhibits. The walk through the exhibit gives multiple opportunities to observe the animals and it’s hard not to get pretty overwhelmed by the stunning and majestic Belugas.

The Beluga Tank is pretty huge and the majority is underground, simulating the under-ice habitat of the wild. You will need to be patient to catch a glimpse of them but when they do appear, their white shapes coming from the gloom like a ghost, it is all the more spectacular.

The Walruses are seriously big as well. We never really appreciated just how huge these animals are. Giant bally of blubber with huge tusks, Amazing.

However, There was a touch of sadness. There is so much focus on the Orca and the Beluga are just as majestic but seem ignored by the campaigners. There is little information on their source but most appear to be captive-bred or wild-caught a long time ago.

The Emporer Penguin Exhibit was another great Exhibit. As the Penguins hail from the Antarctic and their biorhythms are out of sync with the northern hemisphere lighting is kept to the Antarctic schedule. Meaning for most of spring, summer, and autumn Guests will be visiting during their nighttime. This adds a whole new layer of cool to the penguin exhibit as you watch the meter-high Birds frolic about in the Tuxedo’s.

Shark Encounter

The Shark Exhibit is always a big draw but we were a little disappointed. The Tank was large and well-stocked, and there was a nice tunnel walkthrough but the sharks themselves were all quite small bottom-dwelling type sharks, Lemon Sharks, nurse sharks, and such. We much prefer to see the typical ocean-going sharks. But we guess it’s not a terrible thing these are out in the ocean rather than in a tank. It is not a bad shark display but nothing out of the ordinary and not a reason to visit SeaWorld, but is a good addition and obviously a big hit for the kids.

There are also many other smaller aquariums and displays, some pretty typical such as Reef Tanks and Tropical Displays, and others much more niche and to us are very interesting. There were Large Spider Crabs, Octopus, and a good number of Moray Eels, and even the Prehistc Nautilus and Horseshoe Crabs were on display. We have visited aquariums all over the country and some of the displays here, in obscure and overlooked corners, were actually some of the most unique we have come across. And we nearly got eaten alive by cleaner wrasse in the touch pool!

Overall the Animals on display were far more diverse and impressive than we envisaged or remembered from childhood. Obviously, everyone is painfully aware of the Orca, Dolphins, and Sea Lions used in the Shoes, but there is SO much more on offer. We would struggle to justify the entry fee for just these if you ignore the shows and the rides, but it would rank as one of the better aquarium exhibits we have visited, not on the Monterrey Bay, Georgia, Or Shedd Aquarium level , but not that far behind.

SeaWorld San Diego Rides

Seaworld seems to be opening almost a ride a year at the minute with Electric Eel in 2018, Tidal Twister in 2019, and Emperor coming in 2021, It’s clear the direction SeaWorld is taking to recover from the damage of its Orca breeding program.

We take a brief look here at all of SeaWorld’s Rides, but we take a closer look at the Ride Line-up here as SeaWorld is starting to look more and more like a Ride-Based Theme Park.

Emperor – Review

Emporer is a Bolliger & Mabillard Floorless Dive Coaster, similar to Kraken (but with an added 90°drop!) over in Orlando (Regular in the Golden Ticket Top Rollercoaster awards). Bolliger & Mabillard make all our favorite rides and Emperor is a stunning ride. 152ft, 63mph, and a vertical drop. Its track is ultra smooth and the cars soar around the track and through its 4 inversions.

The Ride was heavily delayed due to the pandemic but it is now open and one of the best Rides on the West Coast. – Our Rating – 4.4 – Read More…

Arctic Rescue

Arctic Rescue – Review

The Latest Ride at Sea World San Diego. Based on an Arctic Rescue Mission aboard Snow Mobiles this Triple Launched Straddle Coaster sees you ride your very own Snow Mobile around the lightly themed Outdoor Track. This is great fun and not too intense making this more of a family coaster – Our Rating – 3.9 – Read More …

Electric Eel

Electric Eel – Review

Opening in 2018 Electric Eel is the biggest and fastest coaster in the San Diego Area. However, this coaster would hold up at any location and is a serious beast of a machine – Our Rating – 4.0 – Read More…

Manta – Review

Manta was Seaworld’s first foray into the rollercoaster world and began its transformation into a full theme park rather than a glorified aquarium. Manta is a launched coaster with very few big drops and instead gets its speed from the twin LAunches the ride makes as it works its way around the park.

It is a fairly decent coaster, not overly scary and it is a low-level coaster, and 42mph top speed makes it pretty family-friendly. There are no inversions but a 48-inch height limit means it’s still not for the younger kids. It is a very enjoyable coaster and the long track length that covers a large part of the park is very appealing. – Our Rating – 3.5 – Read More …

Tidal Twister

Currently Closed…Possibly permanently

We were really psyched about Tidal Twister. The hype and the promo around the ride made it seem like a serious new ride. The Futuristic track design the dueling nature and the continuous loops with a Zero-G roll all looked very promising. What we seem to have got is a glorified fairground ride.

In the Promo the track appeared to be some kind of electrified rail and something from the future but the reality is nothing of the sort. As the ride clunks and bangs its way around the track it seems more reminiscent of carnivals of yesteryear than the future.

Yes, the ride has a Zero-G Roll which elevates it slightly above a Carnival attraction but the whole thing looks like it could fit on the back of a truck … complete with shoddy announcers and powered along by rotating car tires. The initial response from most people was “Is that it?” It isn’t fast, it isn’t scary and it’s not even particularly fun.

It seems a poor choice to us and not what the park needs to get back up to the old days. To be fair the Park is opening a ride a year and last year’s ride, Electric Eel was a corker, Emporer Magnificent, and even the Family Raide Arctic Explorer really fun, but this was oversold quite a bit. We get that rides are expensive, and this is clearly a “Cheap” Option, but they could definitely have added something more exciting than this for the budget. – Our Rating – 2.6

Journey to Atlantis

Journey to Atlantis is Seaworld’s Boatacoaster! If you don’t know what that is we are not surprised as, as far as we know, we just made that up. But it is a very odd but surprisingly effective cross between a roller coaster and a boat ride. It starts off as a typical theme park water ride. You climb up the lift hill before a big drop into a water splash. You then float around on the waterway before entering a building. After a shot Dart ride segment, the ride is lifted vertically on a lift system before heading out onto the roller coaster segments. These are not the greatest ride sections but the very fact you are in a boat makes them more thrilling than you would expect. – Our Rating – 3.4

Shipwreck Rapids

No theme park is complete without a River Rapids ride and SeaWorld is no exception. The Shipwreck Rapids is a fairly standard river rapids ride and only features Rapids and not any real drops. You can expect to get fairly wet but not Orca Splash Zone standards. The ride is actually pretty well-themed something not seen on most SeaWorld Rides where they normally just get a nautical name and that is about it. – Our Rating – 3.1

Riptide Rescue

A spinning ride themed around lifeboats/rescue boats. This is the standard fairground ride where the outside rider gets awfully squashed as the G-forces mount up and the ride car’s momentum slows at the edge of each spin.

For the Life of us, we can’t tell you why, but there are a couple of attractions at Sea World San Diego that require additional Purchase. We know Theme Parks Charge for everything but we have never experienced them charging for RIDES…That’s why we are here after all!

Bayside Skyride – $6

The Skyride is a scenic cable car ride along the bayfront. It is a very beautiful roundtrip with some incredible views. We see no logic in charging extra other than pure profiteering and keeping numbers down. The Ride no longer goes anywhere and you simply get 12 minutes of relaxing and stunning views for your $6

SkyTower -$6

The Sky Tower is another charged ride here the capsule rises slower to the height of 320ft, rotating as it goes giving the most incredible views of the surrounding area. It would ordinarily be something we would recommend to everyone, however, we don’t know if you noticed from our tone, but charging extra for rides at a theme park really pisses us off!

Other Rides

There are also a host of small-scale family-friendly and kid’s rides. These are all nothing special but appeal to young kids and can keep them entertained for an hour or so while you wait for a big show.

Sesame Street’s Bay Of Play

Abby’s Seastar Spin – A small Tea Cups Style Ride

Elmos Flying Fish – Spinning ride where the height of the Ride car is controlled by the riders, similar to Dumbo at Disney.

Oscars Rockin Eel – A large spinning, sliding side-to-side thing…hard to explain but actually quite fun!

Ocean Explorer

Sea Dragon Drop – A drop tower ride, but child-sized and very kid-friendly

Aqua Scout – a really small-scale spinning ride where the cars bump up and down randomly.

Octarock – A small powered swing-set ride

Tentacle Twirl – A Twirling Swing ride themed around jellyfish

SeaWorld’s sister park in Orlando has some serious rides, rides that rank highly in the Golden Ticket Awards and are simply some of the best rides in Orlando, against some stiff competition. SeaWorld San Diego has a long way to go to match these.

The Rides at SeaWorld San Diego are a mixed bag. Some are really good top-quality rides others are a little average. The Park has a long way to go to make it worth visiting the park without the Main Attraction – The Orcas. 2021 sees the addition of the Emporer, A B&M Floorless Coaster. This promises to really up the ante as B&M does not make bad rides!

Dining At Seaworld

Dining options a limited at best. It’s all Cheap Fast food with very limited healthy options. So expect Burgers and Chicken Tenders and Fries with Everything. We ended up in the Caylyso Smokehouse that did average Smoked meats for around the $15 mark. It was OK for Themepark food.

Other Options are really just more of the same and there is no one stand-out option. Really we recommend a hearty breakfast, making it through the day with snacks and stopping somewhere afterward. San Diego has such great dining options we struggle to recommend the SeaWorld options. They are not bad, just not great.

There is the all-inclusive Dining option for $39.99 but then you will be stuck dining solely, all day at SeaWorld and really that is not an appealing thought.

Sea World Going Forward!

Apart from the Incredible, but Controversial, Orca Shows there is no one thing at SeaWorld that makes it worth your time or effort. Just about everything could be found elsewhere. But the combination of all the rides, exhibits, and shows really does make it a fantastic day out. We seriously enjoyed our day here far more than we expected. We kind of came to say goodbye to an icon of the past and home to some childhood memories but found a Park desperately trying to rebuild and rebrand for the Future.

Signs are good, and while some rides are clearly not “hits” with us, others are, and we hope they can add just one or two more big hitters to really elevate the ride line-up (RMC Please!).

If the Decision came to “can” the Orca Shows overnight and rehome the Whales to Sea Pens then we think the Park is in a Good Place going forward. There is a lot to do and see and most of the animal attractions are still really fun. We know the Orca will not be around forever and we hope they have a happy and healthy retirement somewhere.

One thing that did stand out to us was the general appearance. Maybe we have spent too long at Disneyland and Universal Studios but the once Jewel in San Diego’s crown looks just a bit shabby. A touch run down. It has the feel of a park in its twilight years, not one that is on the up and rebuilding for the Future. Some Serious TLC and, sorry Disney, but, Imagineering is needed. Between visits things are improving, a lot of money is being spent and we see more and more signs of revival.

We Certainly think SeaWorld can Survive, which will be great news to those with fond Childhood Memories but not to the Strong Environmentalists who think the company deserves to shut down for its treatment of Whales. We are somewhere in between, The Orca Situation no longer sits well with us, but demanding immediate release or rehoming is not necessarily the right choice either. A Slow, Phased end to the shows is the best option as long as that is a genuine target and not just an appeasement by the company. If they work to that aim and the park can re-establish itself and continue the excellent conservation and research it carries out and funds then we would like to see that happen.

Attendance to the park has slowly risen up until the Pandemic and looks to be shaping up to continue that trend on the other side of it, so we imagine SeaWorld will be the Centre of San Diego’s Entertainment world for some time!

Have Your Say

We hope to raise a little debate about this review in the comments. We may in the coming days strip out the controversial parts and address these in a separate article. But we do feel if you are thinking of visiting some thought should be taken on the ethical side of the park. Some people are adamantly against the park’s treatment of Orca and while we welcome your input we won’t tolerate any abuse or Trolling. So while we often give suggestions as to what to leave in the comments for this article we leave it open, just fire away on anything you have to say about the Article or SeaWorld in General.

You May Also Like:

• SeaWorld San Diego Ride Guide
• Discount Sea World San Diego Tickets
• San Diego Zoo
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• San Diego Attractions Guide

2 thoughts on “SeaWorld San Diego Review – Get The Best Out Of Your Trip To SeaWorld San Diego!”

SEAWORLD is stealing from us. I purchased 2 full year tickets in Sept 2019. Covid shut them down and they fully reopened June 2021. I only received 6 months of full use park activities. When I asked for an extension they REFUSED. This is legally stealing. They DON’T CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS. This is one of the reasons why so many people STOP GOING.

Sorry to hear this Jose,

I would certainly keep pushing them on this, if they have been unable to provide you with the purchased months then they have not fulfilled their contract to you!

The Pandemic Shutdown has been hard on these businesses, but it’s been hard on us all, and Extensions and rebookings are the least these companies should be providing! After all at least if they extended the tickets you would be in the parks and spending money, if they refuse you are unlikely to go at all!

We suggest you keep in dialog with them to see if they will bend! Make sure they explain how they believe their contract to you has been met if they have been closed?

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Experience the Ultimate VIP Tour at Seaworld

Published Dec 22, 2022

Welcome to the exciting world of Seaworld, where thrilling rides, awe-inspiring animal encounters, and captivating shows create unforgettable experiences for the whole family! Our company specializes in providing top-notch VIP tours for theme parks, including Disney, and we're excited to guide you through the ultimate Seaworld VIP Tour. So, let's dive right in!

Section 1: What to Expect on a Seaworld VIP Tour

The Seaworld VIP Tour is designed to make your visit extra particular, with plenty of unique experiences, exclusive perks, and priority access to attractions. Here's what you can look forward to on your VIP adventure:

• Priority Access: Skip the lines at popular rides and attractions to spend more time enjoying the park as a VIP!
• Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Get a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at Seaworld, including how they care for their incredible marine animals.
• Exclusive Animal Encounters: Get up close and personal with some of the park's most amazing creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, and more!
• Expert Tour Guide: Your knowledgeable tour guide will share insider information and fascinating facts about the park and its animals.

Section 2: Top Attractions to Visit on Your Seaworld VIP Tour

Seaworld offers a variety of exciting rides, attractions, and animal exhibits that you will want to take advantage of. Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy on your VIP tour:

• Manta: Soar through the air on this thrilling roller coaster that simulates the graceful movements of a manta ray.
• Kraken: Hold on tight as you brave the twists and turns of this legendary sea monster-themed coaster.
• Journey to Atlantis: Embark on a thrilling water ride that combines heart-pounding drops with a captivating story of the lost city of Atlantis.
• Dolphin Cove: Visit the interactive dolphin habitat to watch these playful marine mammals up close.
• Penguin Encounter: Step into a frosty world and meet the charming and waddling residents of the Antarctic.
• Shark Encounter: Journey through an underwater tunnel and marvel at the incredible variety of sharks swimming above and around you.
• Orca Encounter: Be amazed by the intelligence and power of Seaworld's iconic killer whales in this awe-inspiring presentation.
• Sea Lion High: Laugh along with the hilarious antics of sea lions and otters in this entertaining and educational show.

Section 3: The VIP Treatment – Perks and Privileges

Your Seaworld VIP Tour includes a host of benefits that make your day at the park even more enjoyable:

• Reserved Seating: Enjoy the best view of Seaworld's amazing shows and presentations with VIP seating reserved just for you.
• Preferred Parking: Start your day off right with convenient and close parking in the preferred parking area.
• Priority Access: Skip the lines at popular rides and attractions, ensuring you make the most of your time at the park.
• Expert Tour Guide: Your knowledgeable tour guide will share insider tips, fun facts, and fascinating stories about the park and its animals, making your experience even more memorable.

Section 4: Customizing Your Seaworld VIP Tour

to your preferences and interests, ensuring you have the perfect day at the park:

• Private Tours or Small Groups: Choose between a private tour just for you and your group, or join a small group of other VIP guests to share the excitement.
• Customized Itinerary: Work with your expert tour guide to create a personalized schedule focusing on the attractions, animals, and experiences that interest you most.
• Special Interests: If you're passionate about marine life conservation, animal welfare, or simply learning more about the park's behind-the-scenes operations, your tour can be customized to include experiences that cater to your specific interests.

Section 5: Booking Your Seaworld VIP Tour

Ready to dive into the ultimate Seaworld adventure? Booking your VIP tour is easy and offers a range of benefits that will make your visit unforgettable. Here's what you need to do:

• Select Your Tour Date: Choose the date you'd like to visit Seaworld and experience the VIP tour.
• Decide on Private or Small Group: Determine if you'd like a private tour or are open to joining a small group of other VIP guests.
• Customize Your Itinerary: Work with your expert tour guide to create a personalized schedule of attractions, animals, and experiences that cater to your interests.
• Book Your Tour: Reserve your spot and prepare to embark on an unforgettable Seaworld adventure!

Remember, the Seaworld VIP Tour offers exclusive perks like priority access to attractions, reserved Seating for shows, and expert tour guides who can share insider knowledge and fascinating facts. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to make your Seaworld experience memorable.

With thrilling rides, unique animal encounters, and exclusive VIP benefits, the Seaworld VIP Tour offers an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. Our company's expertise in providing top-notch VIP experiences will ensure your day at the park is truly magical. So why wait? Dive into the ultimate Seaworld experience and make memories that will last a lifetime by booking your VIP tour today!

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$525 VIP Expedition Tour - SeaWorld

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• San Diego    
• San Diego - Attractions    

$525 VIP Expedition Tour

Because I had a hard time finding prior posts on whether the $525 VIP Expedition Tour was worth the price, I thought I would report back. My family took the tour on the 1st of August. So, is it worth $525 to take the VIP Expedition Tour? Maybe. Cons: Aside from the obvious cost of $525.00, the behind the "scenes" is really only behind the "scene" in that there was only one place during the entire tour that could not been seen or done on our own. The tour took us to pick up starfish and then to pet the stingrays - standing right next to everyone else that was not on the $525 tour. We then went to pet/feed the dolphins and feed the seals - standing 5 feet (although separated) from the commoners that had spent $5 to do the same thing we were doing. Pros: We got to throw $1.98 worth of romaine lettece at the sea turtles, while everyone else had to step back 10 feet in this semi-special feeding area (not really behind the scenes, just around a bunch of bushes the average serf may not have noticed. The only real benefit (other than petting small sharks in our one and only "behind the scene" event) was the saving of time. We saved time by not having to stand in line for the Shamu or Dolphin show and had great seats. We did not have to stand in line to get our fish at the dolphin or seal places nor worry about whether it was feeding time. The biggest benefit was walking straight to the front of the line on the major rides with your special VIP Pass - although you have to quickly learn to ignore the daggers of death that are being shot at you from the eyes of every angry patron that had been standing in line for the past hour to get on that same ride. In summary, if you are taking the VIP Expedition Tour in hopes of seeing something new, which you have not previously seen or done at SeaWorld before, you are wasting your money. On the other hand, if you have an extra $525 and easily suffer from line rage, you could potentially save yourself 3 to 5 hours of waiting in line. If you plan to visit SeaWorld on a weekend in the summer, there is some real benefit. However, if you plan to attend SeaWorld during a weekday in the winter (and probably would not want to get wet in any event), then this Tour becomes less and less worth the price. Hope this helps.

We went to Seaworld on a weekday in July. No lines for parking or to buy tickets. My kids enjoyed feeding the dolphins. The grounds were clean and everything looked well maintained. We had lunch at Mama Stella's, and the food was very good by theme park standards. We enjoyed all of the aquariums and animal displays. The dolphin show was entertaining and focused on the dolphins rather than video displays or the trainers. We all enjoyed the Haunted Lighthouse show. The bad..... The Shamu show is a HUGE disappointment. The story line is horribly lame. The whole thing is corny and totally over-produced. Get rid of the sappy tributes. All we wanted to see was the killer whales swim and jump. I wish we had just walked over to the pools when the show was not in session and just watched them swim. Rather than having children under 3 be free, have all children under 42 inches be free. If you can't go on any of the rides (which your average 3 and 4 year old can't), it seems insane that you should be charged the full child price. Charging people for the skyride is ridiculous given the ticket price to get in the park. Overall my children really enjoyed seeing the animals, many of which you can not see in zoos. But, if you have limited time in San Diego and have to choose between the zoo or Sea World, definitely pick the zoo.

Sea World was not in our original itinerary but we added it at the last minute and totally enjoyed it. Personally we liked the night Shamu show better than the day, but by far our favorite show was the evening Clyde and Seamore show spoofing the other shows in the park - it was brilliant and absolutely hilarious. The skytower was closed for maintenance (one of the workers said it's been down for a while) so since we had a ticket for both the tower and the skyride they let us ride the skyride twice which we did during the day and then at night (they actually never collected our ticket so we could have rode more if we wanted). We also did the picnic lunch for the Shamu show which was really good food, though a little awkward to eat in the stands. Actually we thought Sea World was more impressive than the zoo.

I went with my family (including 2 little girls, ages 8 & 3). We went all day and had an absolute blast! The food in the park is the best theme park food I've ever had. The shows are majestic and just amazing and entertaining for all ages. If you don't want to get wet, watch out in the dolphin show! We were all soaked from head to toe by the pilot whale, Bubbles, in that show. I think because you think they're smaller than the whales and won't get you as wet...but take into context that the stage pavillion is MUCH smaller than the Shamu shows. If you get the chance- DINE WITH SHAMU! It's an amazing experience and well worth the money, I think $25 per person. The food is great, an all you can eat buffet with many delicious options. You get a much more intimate encounter and trainers feed you information and are very friendly and approachable. They will gladly answer ANY questions you may have, whether about the animals or their professions. We were there all day, 9-11pm. It was a long day but everyone had a SPLASH! :)

We ( party of 11) spent the day (Monday July 9) at Sea World and took in most of the shows Dolphins, Pet's Rule, Clyde and the Sea lions, Cirque le Mer ,and waited several hours to see Shamu Rocks. The Sea lion show was very dull and did not keep the attention of our Grandkids ,aged 13,12,5, 3, 2. We waited several hours to see Shamu Rocks. The kids all sat in the soak zone wanting to get wet. The show was rather short (20 minutes). Most of that time was listening to rock music. The whales performed very little and I could count on my fingers the number of people who got wet. Overall, I would not recommend waiting around to see the night Shamu show. I was told that the daytime show was much better. That may be, but the night show is the one that is hyped. It was a disappointment to our entire party and the grandkids, in particular.

We go to San Diego every summer and hit SeaWorld each time. I think it is amaaaaazing how people can train these sea animals, especially Shamu. The show with Shamu isn't especially long when you take out the flick they show beforehand, but still incredible considering the size and relationship the trainers have with this mammel. We have four kids and we truly enjoy all the shows and find that the park really gives these animals personalities. As far as food goes....well, its okay and I think average for a amusement or theme park.....there does seems to be something for everyone though. I know I have never walked out of amusement park indicating that was the best meal I ever had. I don't go to park for its food, but rather for the entertainment and SeaWorld definitely delivers. The Pet's Rule show is quite cute, and if you're an animal lover, you'll get a good laugh out of this show.

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Best VIP tour - SeaWorld

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Best VIP tour

My husband and I brought our twin girls here for their 6th birthday, we booked the 6 hour VIP tour and had the best time ever. I think I was more excited and delighted than they were. Who wouldn't love a kiss from a beluga whale :) The Seaworld staff, our tour guide Louis and sea life were AMAZING!!! it was definitely worth the money, you wont be disappointed.

Thank you for your kind review, Steph! I’m very pleased to know that you enjoyed your time at SeaWorld, especially during your experience at the VIP tour. We hope to see you at the park again soon!

We went to sea world as everyone had said that it was a great place and a must see. However if you have seen such type of places in Singapore or Thailand or another country than you can skip sea world. The place in itself is quite good for kids but has nothing unique in terms of the sea animals or shows or activity. We took the express tickets, but it was not very crowded that day. The most unfortunate part is that the tickets we bought ( all inclusive, top end, fast track included etc etc) were expensive and yet they were not valid for a few rides such as the sky tower. We had to pay extra for that ride. The park can be done in one day IF it’s not crowded.

Thanks for your review. At SeaWorld, we feel like there's nowhere else on earth like this! We appreciate your feedback and will share it with the appropriate park officials.

Visited Seaworld with grands yesterday. It has been awhile since we have been there. Great changes, new rides and exhibits. It was HOT but we found plenty of shade. The new rollercoaster turns you every which was but loose. Not for me because of motion issues but a blast for the others. There is a new plan (for me) where you can buy a meal ticket for the day. Did not try it but my lunch portion (ribs) were plentiful and was priced as you would expect. The water rides provided plenty of splash to keep you cool and laughing as you ducked water spouts, waterfalls and other devices. The sea life exhibits are great and the gondola sky ride is a great way to see some of the surrounding areas. We bought the annual pass so we can return (when cooler) to get soaked again and laugh at each other. There are many great things in San Diego to see and do - this is a top spot on any list. Not cheap but worth the money.

Thank you for your kind review! I’m very pleased to know that you enjoyed your time at SeaWorld, especially riding Shipwreck Rapids. We hope to see you at the park again soon!

When I was in college in the 80s I used to go to sea world almost every weekend. It was such a fun attraction to see all of the wildlife and to interact with them. I was so disappointed with our most recent trip as it had become so commercialized with Disney style rides, extremely high parking prices, And more of a money pit than anything else. It seems that the lives of the animals were put behind the profit of the people.

Thanks for your review, Jeffrey. At SeaWorld, the animals in our care are at the forefront of everything we do. I'm sorry you didn't feel that way after your recent visit.

Was a nice trip for the family . A whole lot of things to keep all interacted . Where sun block. Also if you see the dolphins and don’t want to getwet get up high. If you want to get wet stay front row. You will be soaked.

Thank you for your kind review! I’m very glad to hear that you and your family enjoyed your time at our park, especially at our unique interactive opportunities. We hope to see you at the park again soon!

We visited today and were incredibly disappointed. The entire place is planned to make you spend more money. It is badly laid out and difficult to find the attractions. By mid afternoon we were desperate to leave but struggled to find the exit or an employee to help us. The employee we finally located instructed us to go the entrance. Very useful. If I have to say something positive, the rides were decent and the lines were tolerable. Save your money for elsewhere.

I'm sorry to hear that you found it difficult to find attractions and the park exit during your visit. We put a lot of effort into strategically placing signage throughout the park and arranging our printed park map so that it is most useful. We appreciate your feedback and have shared it with our senior leadership team.

9 FIN-TASTIC Animal Experiences at SeaWorld San Diego

Home to thousands of animals, SeaWorld San Diego is a veritable paradise for animal lovers , especially those who enjoy spending time near the ocean. Sure, it’s a mecca for thrill seekers, too, with 16 different rides to choose from, like high-speed roller coasters and splash-tastic water rides. However, all those thrills and chills are simply a sideshow to the main event: the incredible creatures that live there.

Luckily, there are almost as many opportunities available at SeaWorld San Diego for guests to sea them, from free feeding sessions and hands-on touch pools to live presentations like shows and keeper talks to close-up animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. Of course, you can always just admire them from afar. Wondering how you can make a splash with SeaWorld San Diego’s menagerie of marine animals? Grab a snorkel and slip into a wet suit as we dive into the ocean of opportunities that are available.

Top 9 SeaWorld San Diego Animal Encounters for Wildlife Fans

Without a doubt, the heart and soul of SeaWorld San Diego are the fascinating creatures that call the park home. They’re so beloved, in fact, that they’ve even inspired (either directly or indirectly) many of the park’s rides, whether roller coasters like Emperor and Manta or kid-friendly attractions like Rescue Rafter and Riptide Rescue, which are themed after the efforts of the SeaWorld Rescue team. In other words, you’re basically immersed in their world no matter what you do during your trip.

That said, as much as we love feeling like a graceful manta ray or imagining that we’re in hot pursuit of a creature in need, the best way to appreciate the many animals of SeaWorld San Diego is by watching, interacting with and learning about them. Best of all, for many of the suggestions on our list, you don’t even need to dive deeper into your travel budget, as they’re already included in the price of your admission. Alright, let’s get started!

“Sea” Creatures at SeaWorld San Diego Animal Exhibits

By far, the simplest way to catch creatures at SeaWorld (not literally, of course) is by making a visit to the park’s various animal exhibits. Scattered throughout the park, from in-queue aquariums to large habitats like Penguin Encounter, Turtle Reef, Shark Encounter and Wild Arctic that are attractions in and of themselves, there’s an animal exhibit around every corner at SeaWorld San Diego.

The easiest way to “sea” animals at SeaWorld Orlando is by checking out the park’s many animal exhibits. Dotted all across the park, from aquariums inside ride queues to stand-alone habitats like Wild Arctic and Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, SeaWorld Orlando animal exhibits offer both above- and below-water views of all the flippered, finned and feathered friends that live at the park. Better yet, each of them is completely free with your SeaWorld ticket .

• Bottlenose dolphins
• Beluga whales
• Pilot whales
• Several species of sharks
• Harbor seals
• Southern sea otters
• Sea turtles
• Both cold- and warm-weather penguins

Cost: Free – Included with park admission

Availability: Open daily

Toss Some Fish to Seals and Sea Lions at Sea Lion Point

One of the best ways to show someone how much you care is by feeding them, especially if that “someone” is a seal or sea lion—and Sea Lion Point is home to a whole herd of them. And oh boy, they are hungry! Although the lively pinniped exhibit is located near the back of the park, we guarantee that you’ll hear the boisterous creatures long before you ever reach them. Why? Well, because they make a lot of racket in hopes of scoring a mouthful of tasty fish.

For just a few dollars each, guests can snag a tray of tasty treats to throw their way. Trust us, between hearing them belt it out as they try to get your attention and watching them gleefully feed on their latest catch, it is a ton of fun and definitely worth the price. In fact, this is easily one of our favorite things to do at SeaWorld San Diego. Hoping for something that’s a little on the quieter side? Swim on over to Bat Ray Shallows to feed some snacks to the gentle rays instead. Whichever option you choose, it’s sure to be a good time for children and adults alike.

Cost: Trays of food are available for a small fee

Touch Friendly Bat Rays, Reef Sharks and Tiny Starfish

In our opinion, the best way to experience and learn about anything is by getting hands-on, and that’s exactly what you can do at Bat Ray Shallows, Explorer’s Reef and the Tidepools. Free to enjoy for all SeaWorld San Diego guests, these close-up interaction areas are perfect for animal lovers of all ages, whether children or adults. Start out small with underwater creatures like sea stars at the Tidepools. Then, once you’ve worked up your courage and gotten your sea legs, make your way to Bat Ray Shallows or Explorer’s Reef for a chance to touch friendly rays and reef sharks.

See Some Amazing Animals in Action During a Live Show

You can’t visit SeaWorld without enjoying one of its spectacular live shows . With a talented cast of creatures like bottlenose dolphins, orcas, California sea lions or Asian small-clawed otters and their trainers, these educational presentations are sure to leave you entertained and, possibly, even a little inspired. Each show tells the story of these fascinating creatures, sharing their unique skills, characteristics and behaviors through impressive feats of athleticism and intelligence. You’ll also learn more about their life inside the park, including their care and training, as well as the difficulties they face living in the wild and the conservations that are being undertaken to protect them.

Each show is held multiple times each day. For the schedule that day, check out the SeaWorld website or app. Unless you purchased Quick Queue with Reserved Seating (prices start at $29.99 per person), show seating is done on a first-come, first-served basis. So, be sure to plan accordingly.

Dolphin Adventures

Watch the park’s pod of high-flying dolphins as they flip, fly, dive and swim through the pool and straight into your heart during Dolphin Adventures. Throughout this exciting show, guests hear how dolphins use their natural behaviors and inherent playfulness to not only survive but thrive in their environment.

Orca Encounter

Be awed and humbled by the strength and intelligence of the ocean’s most powerful predator during Orca Encounter. As masterful hunters, these majestic creatures use complex communication methods and collaboration techniques, working with family members to catch their prey. This illuminating presentation highlights some of those skills and helps to build a deeper appreciation for these mighty animals. Since SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment stopped their killer whale breeding program back in 2016, these orcas are the last to call the park home. So, make sure you see this inspiring show while you still can.

Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight

Held at the Pacific Point Marine Conservation Center, this edu-taining show starring sea lions and small-clawed otters will charm guests of all ages. Throughout the presentation, you’ll have a chance to see some of these cuddly creatures in action and learn everything from their unique personalities and skills to their natural habitats and the challenges they face there.

Availability: Multiple showings available daily

Catch a Keeper Talk or Watch an Animal Feeding

Eager to learn more? Then don’t miss one of the more intimate presentations offered for free at SeaWorld San Diego, like keeper talks and feedings. Presented several times daily, each of these educational sessions dive deeper into the animals’ care, giving guests an opportunity to ask questions and learn from animal care specialists in a much smaller and more relaxed setting. Each of these animal encounters has a different focus, like the moray eels and octopus of Explorer’s Reef, the creatures of Turtle Reef and the park’s cold- or warm-weather penguins. For the complete list of presentations for the day, check out the SeaWorld app.

Availability: Multiple presentations available daily

Dine with Orcas During a Poolside Meal

For a truly wild meal you won’t soon forget, book a table for Dine with Orcas. Held alongside the animals’ habitat, this hourlong specialty dining experience features a dinner and a show like none other, with guests enjoying a chef-curated spread while learning about the unique behaviors of these mighty creatures from knowledgeable animal behaviorists. In keeping with the mission of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, dishes served during the meal are organic and sustainably sourced, like farm-fresh vegetables grown right in California and responsibly fished or farmed seafood. Reservations are greatly encouraged.

Cost: $39.99 per adult, $29.99 per child (ages 3 to 9)

Availability: Open daily, reservations recommended

Dive Deeper with an Up-Close Encounter or In-Water Interaction

As interesting and enjoyable as SeaWorld San Diego’s shows and exhibits are, these complimentary (or very low-cost) experiences only really scratch the surface of this watery world. For a closer peek into the lives, routines and daily care of these incredible creatures, you’ll need to embark on a different kind of adventure, one that takes you behind the seas and into the habitats of some of the park’s most fascinating species.

Guided by trainers and animal care specialists, these animal encounters offer an inside look at places like Sea Lion Point, Penguin Encounter and Turtle Reef. Not only will you learn about the efforts that go into the creatures’ care, but depending on the tour, you’ll even get a chance to interact with, feed, pose for a photo with and possibly even touch them.

Note that advance reservations are highly encouraged as spaces are limited. Prices to participate vary by the experience, the day of the week and/or season of the visit.

Beluga Whale Up-Close Encounter

Between $84-$114 each

Join a 20-minute tour at Wild Arctic, where you’ll hear from an animal trainer about the care and enrichment of the canaries of the sea and get a chance to feed them.

Beluga Whale In-Water Interaction

Between $219-$269 each

Wade into the beluga habitat and join these warm-hearted residents of the Arctic Ocean during this roughly 20-minute experience. During this aquatic adventure, you’ll learn about their training, communication and care, as well as the importance of play in their daily lives. You’ll also have a chance to feed and touch them. (Personal swimsuit required)

Dolphin Up-Close Encounter

Between $79-$99 each

Spend some time poolside with some of the ocean’s most playful inhabitants during this fascinating behind-the-scenes tour. During the approximately 10-minute session, guests learn how trainers use hand signals to communicate during their animal interactions and then practice using some themselves.

Dolphin In-Water Interaction

Between $179-$239 each

Go behind the scenes and into the water during this unforgettable creature encounter. During these incredible animal interactions, participants get to join animal care specialists in feeding and playing with the park’s lovable bottlenose dolphins. (Personal swimsuit required)

Flamingo Up-Close Encounter

Between $24-$29 each

Mingle with some new feathered friends during this aviculturist-guided tour. Along the way, hear some of the expert’s personal stories of working with these vibrant birds while also learning about the flamingos’ care and traits.

Killer Whale Up-Close Encounter

Between $69-$99 each

Come face-to-face with a majestic orca during this guided underwater viewing. Led by an animal expert, the killer whale tour runs for approximately 15 minutes and features personal stories of the caretaker’s experiences with these iconic creatures, as well as fascinating insights into their behaviors and care.

Penguin Up-Close Encounter & Pearl Viewing

Between $94-$114 each

Make a cool new friend during this behind-the-scenes tour at Penguin Encounter. Hear all about these cold-weather creatures from an aviculturist, such as their care and the challenges they face in their natural habitat, then go face-to-beak with a couple of members of the colony, including Pearl, the park’s newest addition.

Top 14 Things to Do at Discovery Cove Orlando

Ultimate on-ice penguin experience & pearl viewing.

Step onto the ice and into Penguin Encounter for an up-close experience unlike any other. After slipping into a jacket and boots provided by Seaworld San Diego, you’ll interact with the park’s colony of penguins (six species in all!), learn about their care from an aviculturist and make a few feathered friends.

Sea Lion Up-Close Encounter

Between $49-$69 each

Get to know these aquatic comedians and learn about the care and training they receive during this approximately 15-minute tour. You’ll also get to sea some of these amazing animals up close and possibly toss them a fish or two.

Sea Otter Up-Close Encounter

Learn all about some of the ocean’s most comical creatures during this entertaining and informational behind-the-scenes experience. Led by an animal expert, this intimate, 30-minute tour takes place during the sea otters’ lunchtime, allowing guests to give them some of their favorite treats.

Sloth Up-Close Encounter

Between $89-$109 each

Slow things down a little (or a lot) and get up close and personal with one of the park’s arboreal animals during this memorable experience. Guided by an animal care specialist, you’ll find out about these cuddly creatures’ leisurely lifestyle and enjoy a chance to take a #slothie or two.

Turtle Up-Close Tour

Go behind the scenes at Turtle Reef and Aquarium Lab during this private, 30-minute walking tour. Guided by an aquarist, you’ll discover the diversity of these gentle souls and the care they require.

Walrus Up-Close Encounter

Between $79-$89 each

Go face-to-whiskers with a giant, mustachioed pinniped during this memorable, behind-the-scenes encounter. Guided by an animal care specialist, you’ll hear all about each creature’s unique personality and daily care.

Cost: Starting at $24 to $269 per person, depending on the day/season and the tour desired

Availability: Varies, reservations highly recommended

Get Hands-On as a Trainer for a Day

Are you a die-hard animal lover? Is there a budding marine biologist in your family? Then, this next-level experience is for you. Though by no means cheap (in fact, it’s downright expensive), this incredible tour of SeaWorld San Diego offers exclusive access to many parts of the park, allowing guests to go behind the seas at Orca Encounter, Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter, Sea Lion Point and Wild Arctic.

Throughout the seven-hour experience, participants get hands-on, assisting zoological specialists as they prep diets, feed, train and otherwise look over the creatures in their care. They’ll also enjoy unforgettable animal encounters and take in presentations with an expert by their side. And what better way to take a break during the day than with a meal alongside the park’s pod of killer whales?

Cost: $699 each

Availability: Open daily, reservations highly recommended

Splash Out with the Ultimate VIP Tour

Want to experience SeaWorld San Diego with as little stress and as much fun as possible? Consider booking the Ultimate VIP Tour. Priced at almost $500 per person, the Ultimate VIP tour is one of the most expensive experiences in the park. However, you certainly get what you pay for, starting from the moment you enter the parking lot. After pulling into your reserved parking spot, you’ll embark on a whirlwind tour of SeaWorld, where you’ll enjoy front-of-the-line access to rides, reserved seating for shows, and special animal encounters to feed and meet some of the park’s residents. No crowds, no waiting in line—just exclusive access to the best that SeaWorld San Diego has to offer.

Cost: $499 per person

Well, wildlife fans, that concludes our guide to the best animal encounters at SeaWorld San Diego. Have you had a chance to try any of the experiences on our list? Let us know in the comments! Then, learn how you can squeeze more out of your travel budget with our discount SeaWorld tickets .

Heading to other theme parks in Southern California? We also offer discounts for SeaWorld San Diego’s sister park, Sesame Place , as well as Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood . Traveling to one of the other SeaWorld Parks across the country? We sell discount tickets for SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Antonio, too!

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$525 VIP Expedition Tour - SeaWorld

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• San Diego - Things to Do    

$525 VIP Expedition Tour

Because I had a hard time finding prior posts on whether the $525 VIP Expedition Tour was worth the price, I thought I would report back. My family took the tour on the 1st of August. So, is it worth $525 to take the VIP Expedition Tour? Maybe. Cons: Aside from the obvious cost of $525.00, the behind the "scenes" is really only behind the "scene" in that there was only one place during the entire tour that could not been seen or done on our own. The tour took us to pick up starfish and then to pet the stingrays - standing right next to everyone else that was not on the $525 tour. We then went to pet/feed the dolphins and feed the seals - standing 5 feet (although separated) from the commoners that had spent $5 to do the same thing we were doing. Pros: We got to throw $1.98 worth of romaine lettece at the sea turtles, while everyone else had to step back 10 feet in this semi-special feeding area (not really behind the scenes, just around a bunch of bushes the average serf may not have noticed. The only real benefit (other than petting small sharks in our one and only "behind the scene" event) was the saving of time. We saved time by not having to stand in line for the Shamu or Dolphin show and had great seats. We did not have to stand in line to get our fish at the dolphin or seal places nor worry about whether it was feeding time. The biggest benefit was walking straight to the front of the line on the major rides with your special VIP Pass - although you have to quickly learn to ignore the daggers of death that are being shot at you from the eyes of every angry patron that had been standing in line for the past hour to get on that same ride. In summary, if you are taking the VIP Expedition Tour in hopes of seeing something new, which you have not previously seen or done at SeaWorld before, you are wasting your money. On the other hand, if you have an extra $525 and easily suffer from line rage, you could potentially save yourself 3 to 5 hours of waiting in line. If you plan to visit SeaWorld on a weekend in the summer, there is some real benefit. However, if you plan to attend SeaWorld during a weekday in the winter (and probably would not want to get wet in any event), then this Tour becomes less and less worth the price. Hope this helps.

We went to Seaworld on a weekday in July. No lines for parking or to buy tickets. My kids enjoyed feeding the dolphins. The grounds were clean and everything looked well maintained. We had lunch at Mama Stella's, and the food was very good by theme park standards. We enjoyed all of the aquariums and animal displays. The dolphin show was entertaining and focused on the dolphins rather than video displays or the trainers. We all enjoyed the Haunted Lighthouse show. The bad..... The Shamu show is a HUGE disappointment. The story line is horribly lame. The whole thing is corny and totally over-produced. Get rid of the sappy tributes. All we wanted to see was the killer whales swim and jump. I wish we had just walked over to the pools when the show was not in session and just watched them swim. Rather than having children under 3 be free, have all children under 42 inches be free. If you can't go on any of the rides (which your average 3 and 4 year old can't), it seems insane that you should be charged the full child price. Charging people for the skyride is ridiculous given the ticket price to get in the park. Overall my children really enjoyed seeing the animals, many of which you can not see in zoos. But, if you have limited time in San Diego and have to choose between the zoo or Sea World, definitely pick the zoo.

Sea World was not in our original itinerary but we added it at the last minute and totally enjoyed it. Personally we liked the night Shamu show better than the day, but by far our favorite show was the evening Clyde and Seamore show spoofing the other shows in the park - it was brilliant and absolutely hilarious. The skytower was closed for maintenance (one of the workers said it's been down for a while) so since we had a ticket for both the tower and the skyride they let us ride the skyride twice which we did during the day and then at night (they actually never collected our ticket so we could have rode more if we wanted). We also did the picnic lunch for the Shamu show which was really good food, though a little awkward to eat in the stands. Actually we thought Sea World was more impressive than the zoo.

I went with my family (including 2 little girls, ages 8 & 3). We went all day and had an absolute blast! The food in the park is the best theme park food I've ever had. The shows are majestic and just amazing and entertaining for all ages. If you don't want to get wet, watch out in the dolphin show! We were all soaked from head to toe by the pilot whale, Bubbles, in that show. I think because you think they're smaller than the whales and won't get you as wet...but take into context that the stage pavillion is MUCH smaller than the Shamu shows. If you get the chance- DINE WITH SHAMU! It's an amazing experience and well worth the money, I think $25 per person. The food is great, an all you can eat buffet with many delicious options. You get a much more intimate encounter and trainers feed you information and are very friendly and approachable. They will gladly answer ANY questions you may have, whether about the animals or their professions. We were there all day, 9-11pm. It was a long day but everyone had a SPLASH! :)

We ( party of 11) spent the day (Monday July 9) at Sea World and took in most of the shows Dolphins, Pet's Rule, Clyde and the Sea lions, Cirque le Mer ,and waited several hours to see Shamu Rocks. The Sea lion show was very dull and did not keep the attention of our Grandkids ,aged 13,12,5, 3, 2. We waited several hours to see Shamu Rocks. The kids all sat in the soak zone wanting to get wet. The show was rather short (20 minutes). Most of that time was listening to rock music. The whales performed very little and I could count on my fingers the number of people who got wet. Overall, I would not recommend waiting around to see the night Shamu show. I was told that the daytime show was much better. That may be, but the night show is the one that is hyped. It was a disappointment to our entire party and the grandkids, in particular.

We go to San Diego every summer and hit SeaWorld each time. I think it is amaaaaazing how people can train these sea animals, especially Shamu. The show with Shamu isn't especially long when you take out the flick they show beforehand, but still incredible considering the size and relationship the trainers have with this mammel. We have four kids and we truly enjoy all the shows and find that the park really gives these animals personalities. As far as food goes....well, its okay and I think average for a amusement or theme park.....there does seems to be something for everyone though. I know I have never walked out of amusement park indicating that was the best meal I ever had. I don't go to park for its food, but rather for the entertainment and SeaWorld definitely delivers. The Pet's Rule show is quite cute, and if you're an animal lover, you'll get a good laugh out of this show.