SeaWorld's mission statement:  To entertain, amaze and educate,
creating memories that last a lifetime.

With more than 100 million visitors since its opening on March 21, 1964, SeaWorld is San Diego's leading tourist attraction and one of the most popular marine-life parks in the world.  The founding principles of education, entertainment, research and conservation make SeaWorld an ideal place to learn about, enjoy and gain an appreciation for some of the ocean's most fascinating animals.  Occupying 189 acres on beautiful Mission Bay Park, SeaWorld is known for spectacular animal shows, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides, beautiful landscaping, dining facilities and education programs for all ages.

Located off I-5 on SeaWorld Drive on Mission Bay, 10 minutes north of downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport and Amtrak's downtown station.  From I-5:  exit SeaWorld Drive, follow signs to park entrance.  From I-8 west:  take West Mission Bay Drive exit onto Ingraham Street and follow signs.

Quick Links: Shows | Animal Interactions | Adventures
Seasonal Affairs & Soirees | Conservation | Educational Opportunities

NEW IN 2007

"Shamu Rocks," Shamu's newest nighttime show

Coming on the scene this spring, "Shamu Rocks" is a 20-minute freewheeling, musical journey through awesome natural settings.  Eye-popping images on four LED screens that move and rotate capture Shamu's rocked-out voyage through killer whale playgrounds across the planet.  The whales and trainers wow the crowd with stunning free-flowing behaviors, while the on-screen images morph into a kaleidoscope of world images.  The video images and killer whale behaviors are complemented by an exhilarating soundtrack featuring classic and contemporary songs.  "Shamu Rocks" debuts March 31, 2007 for Spring into Night and returns for Summer Nights.

SHOWS

"Believe" - SeaWorld's most ambitious killer whale show ever, "Believe," blends killer whale behaviors with elaborate set pieces, music, choreography and state-of-the-art multimedia.  The majestic presence of Shamu is reflected in a two-story stage; a spectacular water fountain sprays across the width of the show pool; three underwater cameras capture Shamu below the surface; a giant three-story whale tail soars high above the set; and four LED screens move and rotate as they highlight the power and beauty of Shamu and his crew.

"Clyde and Seamore's Risky Rescue" - Setting sail from a multi-level submarine-themed set, Clyde and Seamore venture out on an underwater excursion aboard the USS Motley to locate Admiral Biggenbottom — a Pacific walrus starring in the act.  Mischief-making Asian small-clawed otters also make cameo appearances.

"Dolphin Discovery" - Showcasing SeaWorld's family of bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales, this high-energy show has some surprise comic moments.  A volunteer family right out of the audience gets involved in the fun and enjoys an up close and personal introduction to these amazing animals.

 "Pets Rule!" - In this zany show, clever canines, curious cats, beautiful birds and unpredictable pigs take charge and show humans who's the boss.  "Pets Rule!" is one of the largest shows in the country to feature primarily shelter-adopted animals.

"Cirque de la Mer" - A daytime summer show performed at the Amphibitheater on Mission Bay, "Cirque de la Mer" features a variety of colorful "Amphibians," a combination of humans and sea creatures, who visit SeaWorld and demonstrate their super-human abilities.  A Zorb, the Amphibian form of transportation, allows the half-human, half-sea creatures to travel and perform on land, water, and in the air.

"R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse 4-D" - Starring Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson, "R. L. Stine's Haunted Lighthouse 4-D" is a spine-tingling adventure about a sister and brother on summer vacation who dare to discover the truth about the legend of a haunted lighthouse.  This thrilling 4-D film combines state-of-the-art visual effects with multi-sensory surprises, such as blasts of air and sprays of water.

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ANIMAL INTERACTIONS

Wild Arctic Interaction allows guests a thrilling and chilling encounter with beluga whales.  The program begins with a behind-the-scenes tour that has participants visiting SeaWorld's enormous Pacific walruses, playful harbor seals and gigantic polar bears.  Then, guests slip into wet suits, and are sure to feel an exhilarating rush the moment they set foot in the 55-degree water to meet the beluga whales.  The program fee is $160 plus park admission and includes wet suits, booties, lockers, changing facilities and showers.  Participants must be at least 10 years old.  Advance registration is recommended; call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 7) for more information or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

The Dolphin Interaction Program was created for guests who want to enter the water with these beautiful animals.  Participants learn about bottlenose dolphin anatomy, training and husbandry in a 30-minute class and then enter the dolphins' habitat for 20 minutes to feed, touch and even cue the animals for trained behaviors.  The program fee is $150 plus park admission and includes wet suits, booties, lockers, changing facilities and showers.  Participants must be at least 6 years old.  Advance registration is recommended; call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 7) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

The Trainer for a Day program allows guests the opportunity to shadow an animal trainer.  Each Trainer for a Day participant slips into a wet suit and dives into the exciting world of a dolphin trainer for an exclusive, hands-on look at the trainers' responsibilities.  Activities vary among individual sessions and may include learning training techniques, preparing fishy treats, and going behind-the-scenes at Dolphin Stadium and Rocky Point Preserve.  Participants also have the chance to get in the water with dolphins and go for an exhilarating ride on a dolphin's dorsal fin.  Participants must be at least 13 years old.  The program fee is $495 and includes lunch, T-shirt, changing facilities and park admission.  Advance registration is recommended; call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 7) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

The Dolphin Encounter at Rocky Point Preserve is for guests who want to get closer to bottlenose dolphins without getting in the water.  During this 10-minute, trainer-guided experience, guests are guaranteed to touch, feed, and train bottlenose dolphins, while also learning about their natural history, conservation and training.  The Dolphin Encounter program is limited to six people per session.  The program fee is $40 plus park admission.  Participants must be at least 48 inches tall.  Advance registration is recommended; call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 7) for more information.

Guided Tours offer guests the inside scoop with several behind-the-scenes opportunities.  Expert guides take guests on adventures that may include visiting the animal care complex and Dolphin Stadium.  A variety of special topic, private and VIP tours also are available with advance notice.  Special topic tours and private tours may include interactions with dolphins, seals, sea lions, sharks and sea turtles.  Prices range from $12 to $40 for public tours, $300 to $600 for private tours (plus park admission).  Advance registration is recommended; call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 4) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

Rocky Point Preserve is a two-part attraction that allows guests to see and learn more about bottlenose dolphins and California sea otters.  For a nominal fee guests can feed the dolphins at specified times each day.  Underwater panels allow an incredible view of the animals swimming and frolicking.  Nearby, sea otters forage for shrimp and clams and play with toys in their pool.  Surrounding the animals' habitats, interactive graphics invite guests to touch and explore a life-size dolphin model, larger-than-life dolphin and porpoise teeth, killer whale and sea otter jaw models and sea otter fur.  Interactive elements allow guests to guess how much a sea otter eats, how many hairs make up its coat and what other ocean animals eat.

Forbidden Reef takes guests into underwater caverns where they find themselves face to face with hundreds of mysterious moray eels.  At the surface, graceful bat rays glide by in a shallow lagoon lingering just long enough for guests to stroke their velvety skin or offer them a piece of food.

Pacific Point is an attraction that offers guests an opportunity to observe and feed California sea lions and harbor seals.  Recently refurbished, the improved exhibit re-opens to the public on March 23, 2007, and includes enhanced rockwork, a new feeder booth, and a wall with segmented glass that follows the curve of the pool, allowing for better views of the seals and sea lions.   Also, special feeder tubes have been installed to allow small children, physically-impaired guests and others to get up close to the animals and feed them.  

California Tide Pool guests can reach below the surface to touch prickly sea urchins, pick up live sea stars and discover fascinating animals such as anemones, sea snails and tidepool fishes.  Park educators are on hand to answer questions and share information about the amazing animals of the intertidal zone. 

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ADVENTURES

Dine With Shamu is more than just a dining experience — it's exclusive, intimate and unforgettable.  While enjoying a delicious buffet on Shamu's private poolside patio, guests meet killer whale trainers and see Shamu in a whole new light.  Dine With Shamu is offered daily year-round.  The cost, not including tax, gratuity and park admission, is $35 for ages 10 and older and $19 for ages 3–9.  Breakfast With Shamu is offered on select days for $24 for ages 10 and older ($16 for ages 3–9).  Advance registration is recommended; call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 5) or visit www.seaworldsandiego.com.

Shamu: Close Up offers unparalleled views of Shamu and companions as they swim, play and socialize.  With a specially-designed observation area and a panoramic underwater viewing gallery, the opportunities for close-up observation of these magnificent marine mammals are unsurpassed.

Journey To Atlantis features a wet and wild water coaster and a 130,000-gallon Commerson's dolphin habitat.  First, riders board eight-passenger Greek fishing boats for a six-minute adventure that includes a 60-foot plunge into a lake, simulated earthquakes and floods, and dazzling special effects, such as projected lights, fog and water cannons.  Then, after their journey to the ancient city, guests enjoy an underwater view of a marine mammal most have never seen — Commerson's dolphins.

Wild Arctic, one of SeaWorld's most popular attractions, takes guests on a journey to the frozen North where getting there is half the fun.  Visitors board a simulated jet helicopter for an exhilarating ride with real bumps, jumps and thrills.  Disembarking guests find a realistic Arctic research station that brings them face to face with beluga whales, polar bears, walruses and seals.  Guests feel arctic temperatures as they pass through Wild Arctic's ice tunnel, complete with foggers, misters and a 25-foot-long ice wall.

Shamu's Happy Harbor, a two-acre, colorful adventure playland, features more than 20 interactive attractions to thrill young SeaWorld guests.  Net crawls, an air bounce, jumping fountains, slippery slides, a two-story funship and water maze are a few of the entertaining activities for SeaWorld's young guests.

Shipwreck Rapids takes passengers on an adventure that includes raging rapids, roaring waterfalls, sunbathing sea turtles and a near collision with a ship's propeller.  At journey's end, castaways can relax and satisfy their appetites at Shipwreck Reef Café, which features fresh grilled ribs, chicken and cheeseburgers, alongside vegetables, salads, desserts and more in an outdoor dining environment where exotic birds, sea turtles and tropical fish are on display.

The Penguin Encounter features more than 250 penguins representing five Antarctic and sub-Antarctic species.  Guests get a close-up look at these delightful animals as they swim and waddle in the 25-degree, snow-filled habitat.  The Penguin Encounter also is home to a lively group of Arctic birds:  tufted puffins and common murres.  Warm-weather Magellanic penguins, a species native to South America, live outside the Penguin Encounter.

Shark Encounter takes SeaWorld guests underwater with sharks, rays and tropical fish.  The 280,000-gallon attraction features a 57-foot acrylic tube running the length of the sharks' habitat.  Sand tiger, bonnethead, blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are among the species living in this popular attraction.

Freshwater Aquarium and Aquarium de la Mer each have about two dozen displays, with aquariums as large as 7,000 gallons, featuring tropical fish, cold-water fish and fish species native to the waters off Southern California.  SeaWorld's aquariums offer an up-close look at hundreds of species of fish and other ocean animals and plants.

World of the Sea Aquarium features tropical, schooling and Southern California fishes in four 36,000- to 52,000-gallon habitats.  A special white sea bass display contains about 40 adult fish that are part of the brood stock from the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute's ground-breaking aquaculture project.

The Anheuser-Busch Hospitality Center emphasizes the rich history of SeaWorld's parent company with an attraction that features a restaurant, gift shop, beer sampling and a Clydesdale Hamlet.  The Hamlet is home to several world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses along with Dalmatians, the traditional dogs of the hitch.  Guests 21 and older may sample quality Anheuser-Busch products, including Budweiser, Budweiser Select, B^E, Michelob and Tilt.  The new Brewmaster's Club introduces guests to appropriate food pairings for their favorite Anheuser-Busch products.

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SEASONAL AFFAIRS & SOIREES

Spring into Night features extended hours and nighttime entertainment, March 31–April 15 and weekends April 21–May 20.  SeaWorld stays open late so guests have more time to enjoy all their SeaWorld favorites, plus a nighttime sea lion and otter show, "Sea Lions Tonite," and an all-new nighttime Shamu show dubbed "Shamu Rocks," a 20-minute musical journey through awesome natural settings around the globe.

Summer Nights with "Shamu Rocks," May 26–Sept. 3, features extended park hours, live music and special nighttime animal shows.  Guests experience the park after dark as specialty acts, percussionists, hip-hop dancers, live musicians and gymnasts entertain at the front entrance plaza in a show called "Riptide"; Clyde and Seamore get into the act with the hilarious "Sea Lions Tonite"; plus Shamu's newest show, "Shamu Rocks," cuts loose on a 20-minute musical voyage through awesome natural settings around the globe.

Sea to Shining Sea Music Festival is SeaWorld's entertainment extravaganza, returning for a sixth season, Sept. 22–23, Sept. 29–30 and Oct. 6–7.  Included with park admission, the event features stages throughout the park with live music including rock, country, swing, bluegrass and contemporary/eclectic rhythms.  The park, decorated in red, white and blue, also showcases an array of classic cars.

SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration returns for a second year, featuring "Clyde and Seamore's Night Before Christmas" and "Shamu's Holiday Night" shows.  SeaWorld's Holiday Celebration — which takes place winter 2007 — also includes "Meet the Holiday Animals" such as a reindeer, penguins, arctic foxes and more, plus strolling holiday musicians, decorative photo spots throughout the park and the lighting of SeaWorld's 320-foot Skytower Tree of Lights.

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CONSERVATION

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, which is located on Mission Bay just west of SeaWorld, is a public, non-profit organization dedicated to providing solutions to conflicts that arise between human activity and the natural world.  Hubbs-SeaWorld's scientists apply sophisticated technologies to seek the solutions that protect and conserve marine animals while benefiting humans and their reliance on marine resources.  Research at the Institute focuses on rare, endangered and threatened species and habitats, on depleted fishery resources and on the ecology of marine animals and biological diversity.  Founded in 1963 to conduct research in the tradition of Milton C. Shedd, one of the visionary founders of SeaWorld San Diego, and world-renowned scientists, Carl L. and Laura C. Hubbs, its charter is:  "to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it."  Access to SeaWorld's extensive marine zoological collection and superb facilities are unique assets that provide the Institute with unparalleled opportunities for scientific studies.  For more information, visit www.hswri.org.

Manatee Rescue is one of only three U.S. locations outside Florida displaying endangered Florida manatees.  Several rescued and rehabilitated manatees live in this fascinating attraction.  More than 800 square feet of underwater viewing offers an unparalleled view of the gentle giants as they swim, rest and eat.

The SeaWorld Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program is an important part of the park's commitment to conservation, research and education.  The objective is to return rehabilitated animals to the wild.  Through this program, SeaWorld's mammal, bird and fish specialists have rescued, treated, sheltered, rehabilitated and released thousands of animals that were ill, injured or stranded.  On average, 65 percent of the 200 or more animals rescued annually are rehabilitated and returned to the wild.  Marine species treated by the SeaWorld team include sea turtles, seabirds, whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and otters.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a private, non-profit charitable foundation that allows visitors to the nine Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks, as well as members of the general public, to help protect wildlife and wild places.  Contributions strengthen the parks' existing efforts to preserve endangered wildlife; expand conservation education around the globe; support worthy conservation and research organizations worldwide; and to aid ill, orphaned, injured or stranded animals.  At the three SeaWorld parks (San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando, Fla.), guests can contribute by experiencing a Saving-A-Species Tour, where a portion of the fee goes to the Fund.  They also can contribute by purchasing select park merchandise where 15 percent of the proceeds go to the Fund, or by visiting the organization's Web site, www.swbg-conservationfund.org. 

SeaWorld's Garden of Discovery features fun and interactive activities for the entire family.  Home gardeners, horticulturists and wildlife enthusiasts discover how they can recreate some of SeaWorld's gardening magic in their own backyards.  Adults visiting this beautiful garden can relax and enjoy a butterfly, bird and bee garden, self-sustaining pond and a self-guided park landscape tour.  Children delight in an underground peek at a worm's life, explore garden tools, get a bee's-eye view of plant pollination and even dig for fossils.  SeaWorld's award-winning gardens are in bloom year-round.

SeaWorld's Oiled Wildlife Care Center is an example of a successful private and public partnership dedicated to environmental stewardship.  This facility employs lessons learned from past oil spills and improvements in wildlife rescue, care and rehabilitation.  When not being used for oil spill response, the 8,000-square-foot complex houses ill or injured animals being cared for in SeaWorld's Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Program.

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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Animal information online and by phone:  A leader in conservation and education, Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks maintain one of the largest animal information Web sites designed especially for students, parents and teachers at www.swbg-animals.org.  Via the Internet, this educational resource includes colorful photographs and information on animals, wildlife research and animal behavior studies.  SeaWorld and Busch Gardens animal experts answer animal questions at shamu@seaworld.org.

SeaWorld Adventure Camps allow children and teens to explore the world of animals and get involved in some serious spring and summer fun.  Children in grades four through 12 can participate in SeaWorld Resident Camp.  They spend six nights at SeaWorld and discover firsthand how to care for the park's animals.  Out-of-park excursions also are part of the adventure in this ultimate resident camp.  During SeaWorld Day Camp, children from preschool through high school learn about SeaWorld animals, make crafts and play games.  All camps are accredited by the American Camp Association.  For more information, visit www.swbg-adventurecamps.com or call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 4). 

SeaWorld Birthday Tours include interactive opportunities with animals, such as touching sea stars at the California Tide Pool; a Shamu plush animal for the birthday child; cake; and age-appropriate songs and animal information.  For additional information and reservations call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 4).

SeaWorld Sleepovers are available throughout the year for children in second grade through high school.  Younger children and their parents may experience the thrill of a SeaWorld Sleepover on exclusive dates throughout the year.  Guests awake to see manatees, sharks, Commerson's dolphins, beluga whales or penguins.  Fun-filled activities educate children about the animals' habitats, behaviors and characteristics.  Sleepovers include a T-shirt, youth-friendly dinner, hot breakfast, structured program and admission to SeaWorld the next day.  Advanced reservations are required.  For more information visit www.swbg-adventurecamps.com or call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 4).

School Groups:  Field trips, special tours, Resident and Day Camps, Sleepovers and other programs are available for preschool age through adult.  The SeaWorld Education programs support the National Science Standards.  For additional information call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 4).

Youth Patch Program:  For scouts and other youth groups, marine-life-themed patches complement this self-guided program.  Offered daily year-round.  For details call (800) 25-SHAMU (press 3).

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Believe

Dine with Shamu

Ariel View of SeaWorld San Diego

Commerson's Dolphins

Journey to Atlantis

Dolphin Interaction Program