Each year around spring time, our family takes a trip down to sunny San Diego to visit SeaWorld. Since I was a small child, I have always enjoyed that SeaWorld offers families the opportunity to learn from the creatures of the sea. Dolphins, Whales, Penguins, Turtles and even Sharks can be observed in their environments, allowing children and adults to better understand that which we didn’t, just a few short years ago.
Visiting SeaWorld
As we stepped through the gates of SeaWorld San Diego, we were met by a beautiful grass landscape, and colorful flowers and trees. Just beyond is a number of rides, attractions, and interaction programs for those who want to get “hands on” inside the park.
We were able to experience a number of rides within the park, including our 6-year old’s favorite, Atlantis! Here’s a little about the rides at SeaWorld San Diego…..
Bay of Play – a place just for the wee one’s! Bay of Play features three rides, including Elmo’s Flying Fish, Oscar’s Rocking Eel, and Abby’s Sea Star Spin.
Journey to Atlantis – a combination of a roller coaster and a water ride, Journey to Atlantis is a ride that you won’t want to miss!
Shipwreck Rapids – splash through river rapids, spin, and splash in a raft-like inner tube that carries 9 shipwrecked passengers.
Bayside Skyride – once on the top, you can see 100 miles in every direction on a clear day. Not for the faint at heart.
Blue Horizons
We were fortunate to grab a few great seats for SeaWorld’s very successful show, Blue Horizons, that follows the story of a young girl named Marina, who yearns to explore the secrets of the sky and sea beyond her window. Marina’s imagination comes to life as she dives through her window into a “blue” world of adventure and wonder, where dolphins will dance, free-flying tropical birds will fill the sky with color, and the spirits will soar! Blue Horizons is a unique show that features dolphins, pilot whales, birds, animal trainers, and the most amazing live acrobatic performers!
After we caught a few shows, we felt the need to get up close and personal with the animals, so we headed over to the Beluga Whale viewing area. This is one of my favorite exhibits within the park and for good reason. Where else can you get this close to a Beluga Whale?
Oh and if that’s not close enough for you, then you may want to look into the Beluga Whale and Dolphin Interaction Programs, where you can get in the water with these amazing creatures! Our oldest has to be just a tad bit older (programs are for ages 10+) to take part in the interaction program, however we will be in the water with the Beluga Whales as soon as she hits that age mark!
Before we left, we had to stop for a moment and hang out with this cute little guy….
A number of shows are set to return in Spring 2011, including Shamu Rocks, Into the Blue, Cirque de la Mer, The Shamu Story, and opportunities to Dine with Shamu! Visit www.Seaworld.com to plan your trip now! Special dining events and animal interaction programs require advance reservation.
Disclaimer: Thank You to SeaWorld for providing our family with tickets to enjoy the park. My thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Katrina
We just went to Sea World at the beginning of the month and I was very disappointed. From the high cost of admission to many of the exhibits being closed/under construction, I really felt like we got cheated out of a good time.
I really, really disliked the Blue Horizons show. I thought it was supposed to be a Dolphin show, but it’s now got some lame storyline and odd Cirque du Solei influences. The Shamu Believe show was also a disappointment since that area is also under construction that it felt thrown together.
As a kid I remember Sea World being an awesome place. Right now, it’s just not.
Glad to hear you had a good time though!
Cat Davis
I can’t wait to go there someday, it looks like you had an amazing experience! If you hadn’t mentioned that was a beluga whale I would have thought it was a chubby dolphin. lol
Tired Mom Tésa
That looks like so much fun! I love San Diego but haven’t been to Sea World there in years. Next time we are out there with the kids it will be a must-do. Glad you had a wonderful time!
Erin
We LOVE SeaWorld … in Orlando. We used to go all the time. It is just perfect for kids who are too young to ride many Disney rides. Just take them to SeaWorld for the shows and animals!
Kathleen B.
Great photos! It looks like you all had an amazing time. I never knew that Sea World had so much to offer. We go down to Disney in Orlando each year and somehow have never made it to Sea World. We may have to change that this year though!
Annie @ Mama Dweeb
How have you not made it to Sea World in Orlando? LOL It is so fun, and incredibly low stress. I Loved my time there, you should definitely try and go next time Kathleen 🙂
Annie @ Mama Dweeb
I visited Sea World in Orlando and they have the Blue Horizons there too. I LOVED it!!! The animals and the dancers and the music, it all took my breath away! Seriously, that show is a MUST SEE!
Glad you had a fun time, looks like the weather was amazing for you. Great photos!
Jason
I rode the rollercoaster ride like 30 times, I went to Seaworld just to ride it!