Sea World San Diego

• Hours: Open daily
• Reservations: Not required, except for guided tours and meals with Shamu
• Cost: Tickets and discounts
• Location: North of downtown
• How Long: Six hours or more
• Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall; busiest in summer and it can be so hot that you'll want to jump in with Shamu to cool off
• See It Now: Photo Tour

Sea World San Diego is a medium-sized park, easy to walk across, with rides, animal exhibits and shows. There are few thrills and animal shows are somewhat predictable, but it's still fun. Take a look at our pictures to see it's like.

Review

We rate Sea World San Diego 4 stars out of 5. I always go thinking it's just the same old animal shows, but by the time I leave, I've always had a good time.

Others may disagree. You can see what others just like you think. Bookmark this page and come back to tell us what you think.

What do you think of Sea World San Diego???

• 0 = Yuck! Just say no to this flea-bitten hole of a tourist trap
• 1 = So-So More fun than a night in jail, but a good nap is more fun
• 2 = OK Some find it interesting, but I didn't
• 3 = Good Go if you have time, but it's not a big deal if you miss it
• 4 = Great I really liked it. I think you will, too
• 5 = Awesome! It's a must-see sight I recommend to everyone

Sea World San Diego Attractions

The map you get at the Sea World San Diego gate lists showtimes. Use it to plan other activities around the shows. On a busy day, get to the shows 30 minutes early to get a good seat.

• Shows
  • R. L. Stein's Haunted Lighthouse 4-D: A 3-D movie made from the popular book
  • Dolphin Discovery: High-flying dolphins
  • Pets Rule!: The world from pets' point of view in trouble
  • Shamu: A close-up show featuring a training session
  • Park owner Anheuser-Busch offers Beer School (reserve when you arrive) and the Clydesdales are often on display.
• Rides
  • Shipwreck Rapids: White-water adventure ride
  • Wild Arctic: Simulated jet helicopter trip to the Arctic. Non-moving seats available.
  • Journey to Atlantis: Rollercoaster/water ride, guaranteed to get you wet
  • Skytower: (extra charge) Nice views from a 265-foot tower
  • Bayside Skyride: (extra charge) Runs over the bay, not the park. Views are nice, but you won't miss much if you skip it.
  • Extreme Zone: (extra charge) Rockwall climbing and a trampoline
• Other Attractions
  • Animal Presentations: Learn about the critters from their trainers
  • Animal Interaction: Who needs rides when you can pet a bat ray, feed dolphins, seals and sea lions or touch a tidepool creatures? Check the map for times.
  • Animal Viewing: At the aquariums, Manatee Rescue, Shark Encounter and Moray Eel exhibit.
• Extras
  These require advance reservations and extra fees.
  • Dine with Shamu: Eat at tables around Shamu's private pool
  • Guided Tours
  • Trainer for a Day
  • Dolphin Encounter

Tips for Sea World San Diego

• Wear comfortable shoes and quick-drying clothing. You'll get wet everywhere.

• Don't carry too much. You have to drag every ounce around all day.

• Bring hats, sunglasses and WATERPROOF sunscreen, any time of year.

• Bring warmer clothing for evening, even in summer.

• Lower rows at most shows get wet. You can tell from the water on the ground where the danger lies.

• Bring something to amuse the kids (and adults, too) while standing in line.

• Set the kids' expectations. If they're less than 48 inches tall, there are restrictions. Young'uns 42 to 48 inches tall need an adult with them. Under 42 inches, they're limited to the Skytower and Skyride and need an adult along.

• In case you split up or someone gets lost, plan to meet at the Skytower. Walk there together so everyone knows where it is.

• Food inside the park is less expensive than at some theme parks. You can't bring food inside, but you can bring snacks or have a tailgate picnic.

• You can rent strollers, but they can't go inside most exhibits and attractions.

• Seagulls can be aggressive. Don't leave children alone with food, or they may be startled to find a bird sharing it.

Special Needs at Sea World San Diego

• Sea World San Diego operates a kennel for a small fee. Ask at the entrance.

• Assistive-listening devices and disabled access is available. Assistance animals are welcome. ASL interpretation is provided once a month.

Getting to Sea World San Diego

Sea World San Diego
500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 257-4268
Sea World San Diego website

Sea World San Diego is located near the intersection of I-5 and I-8, north of downtown. Exits from both freeways are well marked.

Avoid local tour companies who offer ticket/transporation packages. They can cost as much as $25 per person over the full ticket price with no chance for discounts, and your time is limited. Instead, rent a car from a company such as Fox Rent-a-Car.

If you can't drive or don't want to, you can use public transport. For the impatient, a taxi from downtown runs about $20 which is partly offset by the money you save on parking. Call Yellow Cab at 619-234-6161 Orange Cab at 619-223-5555.