Belugas at SeaWorld San Diego

Beluga Whales

Beluga whales are entirely arctic and subarctic. They inhabit the Arctic Ocean and its adjoining seas. During certain times of the year they are also found in large rivers. A beluga’s “melon” is a rounded structure on the dorsal surface of a whale's head, just in front of the blowhole. The melon probably facilitates sound production. It changes shape when the whale is producing sounds. Aside from the narwhal (another arctic species), beluga whales are the only other member of the Monodontidae whale family.

Get Even Closer With An Animal Encounter

  • Beluga Up-Close Encounter

    Beluga Whale

    Go behind the scenes of our beluga habitat and join these beautiful mammals poolside to learn more about them.

    Our animal care specialists will guide you through a unique, hands-on experience that includes the opportunity to hand-feed a beluga.

    • A behind the scenes visit at Wild Arctic.
    • Up-close encounters with our beluga whales.
    • Animal experts will share their knowledge and experience of caring for these animals.
    • Participant must be at least 4 years of age to participate. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant.
    • Space is limited in our Encounter area, therefore we are unable to accommodate observers in addition to the participants.

    Reservation includes the Beluga Whale Encounter program on day and time of your reservation only. Park admission is not included with your program reservation but is required. Due to the special nature of this program, space is limited and early reservations are recommended. Small groups will be combined to form a program group of max 4 guests. Overall program lasts 20 minutes and is subject to change. Participants must be 4 years of age and older to participate. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. For the safety of the animals and guests, anyone under the age of 4 (including infants) is not permitted on this encounter. No loose jewelry, sunglasses or smoking is permitted during the program. Dates, program, prices and event offerings are subject to change without notice. All events are subject to change and/or cancellation due to animal availability. Events are not cancelled due to inclement weather; programs will still be offered except in the event of lightning. Any “animal experience reservations” can be changed or cancelled once for free as long as the change is 48 hours in advance of the reservation date, but there are charges for changes made within 48 hours or for more than one change. “Animal experience reservations” are nonrefundable with less than 48 hours' advance notice of cancellation. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or discounts. Non-replaceable, non-transferable, not for resale and cannot be redeemed for cash. Void if altered and photocopies will not be accepted. Pass Member discount is available when booking through the Pass Member website.

    Prices starting at
    Guest (Ages 4+) $69.00 /ea.

Meet the Beluga Whales

Belugas at SeaWorld San Diego

Allua

Allua

Allua came to San Diego from Vancouver Aquarium in July of 2005. She has gray markings around her eyes and is the largest of the females. Allua often spits water up in the air and tries to catch it in her mouth – a behavior that is also used to find food underneath ice floes and within silty ocean bottoms.
Share with Friends
Belugas at SeaWorld San Diego

Ferdinand

Ferdinand

Born in 1969, Ferdinand came to SeaWorld from Germany in 2004. As the oldest beluga whale at SeaWorld, Ferdinand has gray spots at the top of his head and is much more elongated than the other whales.
Share with Friends
Belugas at SeaWorld San Diego

Klondike

Klondike

Klondike was born at Marineland, Canada in 2002 and came to San Diego in June of 2014. He is the heaviest of the group at just over one ton. Klondike is very social and energetic.
Share with Friends
Show more