San Diego Animal Encounters & Tours

Animal Tours & Interactions

Animals at SeaWorld
Interactive Exhibits
Tours & Interactions

Advanced animal encounter reservations are highly recommended. Animal encounters and interactions are very popular, and may be sold out on the day of your intended park visit. You can check animal encounter availability and make your online reservation here. Pass Members receive a discount on select animal encounters - please log in to your account to make your reservation.

Family during meeting a Sea Lion during the SeaWorld Ultimate VIP Tour

People riding Arctic Rescue roller coaster at SeaWorld San Diego

FEATURED

Ultimate VIP Tour

Make the most of your SeaWorld day with the Ultimate VIP Tour. Your personal VIP tour guide will be with you throughout your adventure just for your group.

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Jewels of the Sea: Jelly-Up Close Tour

Meet an aquarist and go behind-the-scenes of our jellyfish experience to see how SeaWorld cares for and propagates jellyfish—from their life cycle to their biology.

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Dolphin In-Water Interaction

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

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Experience a Dolphin Encounter tour at SeaWorld

Dolphin Up-Close Encounter

Spend time with these playful, intelligent animals and learn about their natural history and amazing aquatic adaptations.

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Killer Whale Up-Close Encounter

Discover why these majestic mammals have touched our hearts and inspired millions of people to conserve our ocean habitats.

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Sloth Up-Close Encounter

Meet with an animal care specialist as you learn all about sloths, including their slow-moving lifestyle and why they spend most of their life upside down in trees.

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Flamingo Encounter at SeaWorld San Diego

Flamingo Up-Close Encounter

Want to mingle with our flamingos? Step into their habitat and meet with an aviculturist to hear personal stories and facts about the lives of our flamingos.

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SeaWorld San Diego Walrus Encounter Tour

Walrus Up-Close Encounter

During this one-of-a-kind experience, an animal care specialist will teach you about each walrus, their unique personalities, and how they are cared for each day.

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Beluga Up-Close Encounter

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

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Beluga Interaction Program

Meet the gentle beluga whale in the waters of their naturalistic habitat, and learn why their cheery calls have nicknamed them “the canary of the sea.”

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Penguin Up-Close Encounter

Go behind the scenes at Penguin Encounter for an up-close interaction with one of our penguins and an opportunity to go inside Penguin Encounter and view our colony of cold weather penguins.

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Sea Lion Up-Close Encounter

Learn from one of our knowledgeable animal care specialists about what it takes to care for and train these fascinating animals.

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Sea Otter Encounter at SeaWorld San Diego

Sea Otter Up-Close Encounter

What do sea otters eat? Join us to find out! These fun and lively animals are sure to put a smile on your face.

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Turtle Up-Close Tour

Go behind-the-scenes at our Turtle Reef Aquarium and discover how our aquarists care for these diverse animals.

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Ultimate On-Ice Penguin Experience

Experience the magic of stepping onto the ice with five different species of penguins, including King, Adelie, Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Macaroni penguins. Get up close and personal with these charming creatures.

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Experiences at SeaWorld San Diego FAQs

What are some must-do experiences for animal lovers in San Diego?

Animal lovers visiting SeaWorld San Diego should not miss the Killer Whale Up-Close Encounter, where they can learn about the conservation of these impressive creatures. Another recommended experience is the Sea Lion Up-Close Tour, which provides insight into the care and training of sea lions, making it a memorable part of any visit to San Diego.

What are some unique animal experiences for families in San Diego this summer?

SeaWorld San Diego offers a variety of animal encounters that are perfect for families. In the Ultimate On-Ice Penguin Experience, you can step onto the ice with penguins, including the majestic emperor penguins, or get up close with dolphins in the Dolphin In-Water Interaction, where you can learn about their behaviors and conservation.

Are there any interactive tours for children in San Diego?

SeaWorld San Diego provides several interactive tours like the Turtle Up-Close Tour, where kids can learn about sea turtles and their care from experienced aquarists. This tour includes feeding and learning about other marine species like Archer Fish and Cleaner Shrimp, making it educational and fun for children.

What activities are available for young kids in San Diego?

SeaWorld San Diego offers the Penguin Up-Close Tour, a child-friendly option allowing kids to meet penguins and learn about their environment from an aviculturist. It’s a hands-on experience that's both fun and educational.

What unique animal experiences can families enjoy at SeaWorld San Diego?

At SeaWorld San Diego, families can engage in a unique and intimate Sloth Up-Close Encounter. This encounter provides a special opportunity to meet a sloth and learn about their distinctively leisurely lifestyle and habits directly from an animal care specialist. The experience is designed to be educational and interactive, offering insights into why sloths spend most of their life hanging upside down in trees.