See orcas up-close like never before with underwater viewing.
This underwater viewing area outside Orca Encounter gets you up-close to orcas like never before with the opportunity to come face-to-face with these majestic animals. This one-of-a-kind experience is one that the family is sure to never forget as you watch these beautiful animals swim, glide and play in the water right before your eyes.
Killer Whale Up-Close Encounter
Come face-to-face with orcas as our behaviorists share personal stories and unique facts and discuss the world-class care and attention they receive every day.
Discover why these majestic mammals have touched our hearts and inspired millions of people to conserve our ocean habitats. Killer Whale Up-Close Encounter includes: A guided 15 minute walking tour, a session with our animal behaviorists, ending with a photo opportunity you’ll never forget and animal experts sharing their knowledge and experiences of caring for these unique animals.
Guests must be over the age of 6 years old to participate. Guests under the age of 6 will not be permitted. Guests under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
Please check-in at Orca underwater viewing 15 minutes prior to your reservation time. Park Admission is not included & is required to participate. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult. 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.
Corky is the oldest whale (over 55 years old) and largest female in the pod. Despite her age, she has incredible energy and continues to inspire millions of guests. It’s easy to tell Corky from the other whales due to her distinctly tall, straight dorsal fin.
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Ikaika
Ikaika
Male
Ikaika’s name means “strength.” He enjoys learning new things and spending time with his trainers. Ikaika is easily identified in presentations by his signature tongue-wagging behavior. He has participated in hearing studies that help scientists better understand the impact on wild Orcas of noise from ships and other human activity.
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Kalia
Kalia
Female
Kalia is easily spotted among other members of her pod thanks to the three black “freckles” on her left eye patch. She lives here with her brother Makani. Kalia is one of the most playful whales in the pod. She loves seeing her reflection in mirror toys and getting the attention of her trainers.
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Keet
Keet
Male
Keet is fondly known as the “gentle giant.” Though he’s one of the larger males in the pod, he has a very calm and patient demeanor.
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Makani
Makani
Male
Makani was born on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He is a very energetic and playful whale who loves interacting with his animal care specialists and learning new behaviors. Makani loves spending time with Corky and his sister Kalia. He loves to play with a variety of environmental enrichment devices, but his favorite is the “donut.”
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Orkid
Orkid
Female
Orkid was born on Sept. 23, 1988. She is an extremely fast learner and continues to impress us with her ability to innovate and adapt to new experiences. Orkid often assists the other whales in learning new behaviors.
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Shouka
Shouka
Female
Shouka was born in Antibes, France in February 1993 and joined the pod in 2012. She knows a variety of unique vocalizations that the other whales have learned to mimic. Shouka thrives from learning new behaviors and enjoys snowballs.
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Ulises
Ulises
Male
Ulises weighs close to 10,000 pounds, making him the largest whale. Despite being the biggest whale in his pod, he has the softest vocalizations. One of his favorite forms of reinforcement is extra-large ice cubes.
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