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Killer Whale Up-Close Tour

Come face-to-face with our killer whales during this one-of-a-kind animal experience!

Are you left speechless after our Orca Encounter presentation? Then go beyond what you see and get up-close to our most amazing ocean ambassador!

If you have ever dreamed of meeting a Killer Whale, this once-in-a-lifetime tour of Orca Encounter is for you. After some one-on-one interactions, you’ll pose for a rare photo with these fascinating animals and participate in an exclusive Q&A session with one of our SeaWorld Animal Care Specialists.

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Wild Killer Whales

SeaWorld® helps support animal rescue efforts, with over 40,000 rescues and counting. The research conducted at SeaWorld® helps advance the global scientific community's understanding of animals.

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See Killer Whales up-close with a tour or a dining experience.

Killer Whale FAQs

Why are orcas called killer whales?

Orcas aren't whales at all—they are the largest type of dolphin—but they can hunt and eat small whales because of their size. Sailors saw this and called them “whale killers,” Over time, they were called “killer whales.” Check out our Orca Encounter killer whale presentation to learn more.

How big is a killer whale?

Female killer whales average 16-19 feet long and can weigh 3,000-8,000 pounds; males average 19-22 feet long and can weigh 8,000 to 12,000 pounds. 

What do killer whales in Florida eat?

A killer whale’s habitat dictates what they eat in the wild, which could include wild fish, crabs, sea turtles, squid, small whales, seals, and even seabirds. You can eat your meal of choice and learn about the world-class food our orcas receive during the Dine with Orcas experience.

Do killer whales hunt great white sharks?

Killer whales do hunt and eat great white sharks, and they have been found working in pairs or teams to take down these big predators. Love sharks? We don’t have great whites, but you can interact with and touch smaller sharks during our Up-Close Shark presentation.

Why are SeaWorld killer whales called orcas?

“Killer whale” is a scary term, especially when we’re just talking about oversized dolphins. At SeaWorld, we use the correct term, “orca,” as much as possible to destigmatize these beautiful animals. If you’re nervous about meeting an orca, you might be able to practice at our Orca Underwater Viewing Area before your tour.