Dolphins at SeaWorld San Diego

Dolphins

Bottle nose dolphins like you see at SeaWorld San Diego, weigh on average around 330-440lbs. and grow to lengths of 6 to 12 feet. Bottlenose dolphins are not endangered, but they face many threats in the ocean including entanglement in fishing gear and ocean pollution. Although rare, SeaWorld San Diego has helped rescue stranded dolphins along the coast.

Get Even Closer With An Animal Encounter

  • Dolphin Up-Close Encounter

    Dolphin Tour

    Get up close to bottlenose dolphins with this specialized encounter.

    Spend time with these playful, intelligent animals and learn about their natural history and amazing aquatic adaptations. An animal care specialist will guide you through a 10-minute poolside session as guests learn different hand signals used to communicate with dolphins as well as playtime with these inquisitive animals.

    Reservation includes the Dolphin 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.

    For the safety of our guests, Ambassadors, and our animals, SeaWorld San Diego has taken extra steps to provide the safest possible Dolphin Encounter experience:

    • Please check in for your Dolphin Encounter at Dolphin Point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
    • Participants under 18 will need a paid parent or guardian present. Participants under 50 inches tall must be accompanied by a paid parent or guardian.
    • Taking photos of the animals and your experience is encouraged, however SeaWorld ambassadors will not be allowed to handle your camera or other personal equipment during your encounter.
    • No loose jewelry, sunglasses or smoking is permitted during the interaction.
    • All participants will be given the opportunity to wash and/or sanitize their hands before and after their encounter.
    • Party sizes and inventory is limited to ensure physical distancing. There are limited spots available and we cannot guarantee there will be room to add extra participants.
    • Program times, prices, components and animal participation are subject to change without notice.
    • 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.
    • Please keep in mind if you arrive late you may not be able to join the program.
    Limited Spots Available
    Prices starting at
    Guest $69.99 /ea.
  • Dolphin In-Water Interaction

    Product Image Dolphin Interacton

    Get to know our playful and friendly bottlenose dolphins through a personal, unforgettable experience.

    • Checkbox Selected Icon If under 14 years of age you must be accompanied by a paying adult participant.
    • Checkbox Selected Icon Animal Trainers introduce guests to amazing bottlenose dolphins.
    • Checkbox Selected Icon Wade into the waters and get to know these marine mammals through touching, feeding and play.
    • Checkbox Selected Icon Participants need to provide their own personal swimsuit to wear underneath the wetsuit provided when doing the program.
    • Checkbox Selected Icon Participants must be 50 inches or taller.
    • Trainer led program lasts approximately 60 mins. with in-water portion lasting approximately 20 mins.
    • Swimming is not part of the program, but participants should be comfortable in waist/chest deep water.
    • Small groups will be combined to form a program group of about 12 guests.
    • Reservation includes a shower facility with lockers, soap shampoo, hair dryers and personal locker during the interaction plus a souvenir towel.
    • Participants must remove all jewelry prior to entering the water. 
    • Participants need to provide their own personal swimsuit to wear underneath the wetsuit provided when doing the program.
    • Participants will be required to wear a SeaWorld-issued wet suit with booties during the in-park interaction.
    • Photographers will be available during the interaction and photos available for purchase afterwards for an additional fee.
    • Participants must be 50 inches or taller. 

    Reservation includes the Dolphin Interaction Program on day and time of your reservation only. Park admission is not included with your program reservation but is required. No smoking is permitted at any time. Due to the special nature of this program, space is limited and early reservations are recommended. 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. Dates, program, prices & fees are subject to change without notice. We allow one complimentary reservation change (pending availability) up to 48 hours in advance of your original reservation date. Reservations are nonrefundable with less than 48 hrs. advance notice of cancellation. Late arrivals may not be able to join the program. For details, contact us at (619) 222-4732. 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 logged in with Pass Member account.

    Prices starting at
    Guest (50" or taller) $169.00 /ea.