Done selecting upgrades?
Animal Experiences
Make the most of your SeaWorld adventure. Pass members must log in to see discounts.
Animal Experiences
Make the most of your SeaWorld adventure. Pass members must log in to see discounts.
Most Popular
Most Popular
Dolphin In-Water Interaction
Get to know our playful and friendly bottlenose dolphins through a personal, unforgettable experience.
Most Popular
Prices starting at
$ 143.20 /ea. $179.00
Get to know our playful and friendly bottlenose dolphins through a personal, unforgettable experience.
- If under 14 years of age you must be accompanied by a paying adult participant.
- Animal Trainers introduce guests to amazing bottlenose dolphins.
- Wade into the waters and get to know these marine mammals through touching, feeding and play.
- Participants need to provide their own personal swimsuit to wear underneath the wetsuit provided when doing the program.
- Participants must be 50 inches or taller.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Most Popular
Guest (50" or taller)
$ 143.20 /ea. $179.00
Get to know our playful and friendly bottlenose dolphins through a personal, unforgettable experience.
- If under 14 years of age you must be accompanied by a paying adult participant.
- Animal Trainers introduce guests to amazing bottlenose dolphins.
- Wade into the waters and get to know these marine mammals through touching, feeding and play.
- Participants need to provide their own personal swimsuit to wear underneath the wetsuit provided when doing the program.
- Participants must be 50 inches or taller.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Limited Spots Available
Limited Spots Available
Dolphin Up-Close Encounter
Get up close to bottlenose dolphins with this specialized encounter.
Limited Spots Available
Prices starting at
$ 71.20 /ea. $89.00
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.
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.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Limited Spots Available
Guest
$ 71.20 /ea. $89.00
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.
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.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Limited Spots Available
Limited Spots Available
Penguins Up-Close Tour
Go behind the scenes at Penguin Encounter to meet with an aviculturist and a penguin.
Limited Spots Available
Prices starting at
$ 71.20 /ea. $89.00
Go behind the scenes at Penguin Encounter for an up close interaction with one of our penguins. Meet an aviculturist and learn what it takes to care for these highly specialized animals
- Visit inside Penguin Encounter then take a behind the scenes tour to have an up-close interaction with a penguin
- Animal experts share their experiences in caring for these unique animals and the challenges they face in the wild
- Participant must be at least 6 years of age to participate. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant..
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Limited Spots Available
Guest (Ages 6+)
$ 71.20 /ea. $89.00
Go behind the scenes at Penguin Encounter for an up close interaction with one of our penguins. Meet an aviculturist and learn what it takes to care for these highly specialized animals
- Visit inside Penguin Encounter then take a behind the scenes tour to have an up-close interaction with a penguin
- Animal experts share their experiences in caring for these unique animals and the challenges they face in the wild
- Participant must be at least 6 years of age to participate. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant..
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Beluga In-Water Interaction
Prices starting at
$ 229.00 /ea.
This in-water interaction lets you touch and feed these sociable white whales as animal behaviorists share how we’ve used encouragement-based training to communicate with these warm-hearted residents of the cold Arctic waters.
- Animal Trainers introduce small groups of guests to curious beluga whales
- Wade into the waters and get to know these marine mammals through touching, feeding and play
- Participants must be at least 50” or taller
- Participants under the age of 14 years MUST be accompanied by a paying adult
- Participants need to provide their own personal swimsuit to wear underneath the wetsuit provided when doing the program
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest (50" or taller)
$ 229.00 /ea.
This in-water interaction lets you touch and feed these sociable white whales as animal behaviorists share how we’ve used encouragement-based training to communicate with these warm-hearted residents of the cold Arctic waters.
- Animal Trainers introduce small groups of guests to curious beluga whales
- Wade into the waters and get to know these marine mammals through touching, feeding and play
- Participants must be at least 50” or taller
- Participants under the age of 14 years MUST be accompanied by a paying adult
- Participants need to provide their own personal swimsuit to wear underneath the wetsuit provided when doing the program
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Ultimate VIP Tour
Prices Starting at
$ 549.00 /ea.
Ultimate VIP Tour includes:
• A privately guided 7-hour walking tour.
• 3 Animal Encounters
• A behind-the-scenes look at how we care for animals, including a visit to our Animal Care Center.
• Animal experts sharing their knowledge and experiences of caring for these unique animals.
• Learning how you can help save these animals from the challenges they face in the wild.
• Premiere seating at SeaWorld shows.
• Front-of-the-line privileges for SeaWorld rides.
• Meal in park
Minimum # of guest 2 - Maximum # of guests 12
This package DOES NOT include Admission to the park.
This package includes Up-Close Parking for the date of your tour.
Tour details:• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Guests under the age of 3 are free, are not included in minimum party size, and requires a tour reservation.
• Late arrivals may miss tour components or may not be accommodated due to limited tour availability.
• Tour times, prices, and components are subject to change and availability.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are nonrefundable.
• Guests should meet their VIP guide in front of Security Baggage check 15-minutes prior to their tour time.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest (up to 12)
$ 549.00 /ea.
Ultimate VIP Tour includes:
• A privately guided 7-hour walking tour.
• 3 Animal Encounters
• A behind-the-scenes look at how we care for animals, including a visit to our Animal Care Center.
• Animal experts sharing their knowledge and experiences of caring for these unique animals.
• Learning how you can help save these animals from the challenges they face in the wild.
• Premiere seating at SeaWorld shows.
• Front-of-the-line privileges for SeaWorld rides.
• Meal in park
Minimum # of guest 2 - Maximum # of guests 12
This package DOES NOT include Admission to the park.
This package includes Up-Close Parking for the date of your tour.
Tour details:• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Guests under the age of 3 are free, are not included in minimum party size, and requires a tour reservation.
• Late arrivals may miss tour components or may not be accommodated due to limited tour availability.
• Tour times, prices, and components are subject to change and availability.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are nonrefundable.
• Guests should meet their VIP guide in front of Security Baggage check 15-minutes prior to their tour time.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Ultimate On-Ice Penguin Experience
$ 199.00 /ea.
Experience the magic of stepping onto the ice with six different species of penguins, including the only emperor penguins in the Western Hemisphere. Get up close and personal with these charming creatures.
Walk onto the snow alongside our colony of penguins and learn all about these magnificent birds as an aviculturist shares what it takes to care for these highly specialized animals.
From May-July, guests participating in the Penguin On-Ice tour will experience Antarctic Winter. In order to simulate Antarctic seasons, light levels at Penguin Encounter will be very low. For the health and safety of the penguins, NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY or supplemental lighting of any kind, including cell phone flash, will be allowed at any point during the experience.
6 guests per tour. Guests must be at least 50" in height. Guests under 16 years old need to be accompanied by a paying adult participant. Guests will be exposed to low temperatures (as low as 20 degrees). Jacket and boots will be provided for this experience. All guests must be fully mobile and use of wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, etc. is not allowed. Possibility to touch a penguin, but it is not guaranteed.
Reservation only valid on the day and time of your reservation. 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. 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. Program times, prices, components and animal participation are subject to change without notice.
ADA Accessibility:
All guests must be fully mobile and use of wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers, canes, and other mobility aids is not allowed. Guests will be exposed to low temperatures (as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest
$ 199.00 /ea.
Experience the magic of stepping onto the ice with six different species of penguins, including the only emperor penguins in the Western Hemisphere. Get up close and personal with these charming creatures.
Walk onto the snow alongside our colony of penguins and learn all about these magnificent birds as an aviculturist shares what it takes to care for these highly specialized animals.
From May-July, guests participating in the Penguin On-Ice tour will experience Antarctic Winter. In order to simulate Antarctic seasons, light levels at Penguin Encounter will be very low. For the health and safety of the penguins, NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY or supplemental lighting of any kind, including cell phone flash, will be allowed at any point during the experience.
6 guests per tour. Guests must be at least 50" in height. Guests under 16 years old need to be accompanied by a paying adult participant. Guests will be exposed to low temperatures (as low as 20 degrees). Jacket and boots will be provided for this experience. All guests must be fully mobile and use of wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers, canes, crutches, etc. is not allowed. Possibility to touch a penguin, but it is not guaranteed.
Reservation only valid on the day and time of your reservation. 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. 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. Program times, prices, components and animal participation are subject to change without notice.
ADA Accessibility:
All guests must be fully mobile and use of wheelchairs, electric scooters, walkers, canes, and other mobility aids is not allowed. Guests will be exposed to low temperatures (as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit).
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Walrus Up-Close Encounter
Prices Starting at
$ 79.00 /ea.
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.
- Opportunity to have your picture taken while interacting with a walrus
- Learn more about our walruses and their unique personalities
- Learn how our animal team takes care of these amazing mammals
Admission to SeaWorld is required and not included. Guests under 3 years of age are free and do not require a reservation. All guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Groups will be combined for encounter with a maximum of 8 guests (group size based on limited space in back exhibit area). Program times, prices, components and animal participation are subject to change. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice are nonrefundable.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest
$ 79.00 /ea.
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.
- Opportunity to have your picture taken while interacting with a walrus
- Learn more about our walruses and their unique personalities
- Learn how our animal team takes care of these amazing mammals
Admission to SeaWorld is required and not included. Guests under 3 years of age are free and do not require a reservation. All guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Groups will be combined for encounter with a maximum of 8 guests (group size based on limited space in back exhibit area). Program times, prices, components and animal participation are subject to change. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice are nonrefundable.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Limited Spots Available
Limited Spots Available
Sloth Up-Close Encounter
Limited Spots Available
Prices starting at
$ 89.00 /ea.
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.
For the safety of our guests, Ambassadors, and our animals, SeaWorld San Diego has taken extra steps to provide the safest possible experience:
- Please check in for your Sloth Encounter at the Sloth Interaction Check-In near Dolphin Amphitheater at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Participants under 18 will need a parent or guardian present. Participants must be 6 years old and accompanied by paid adult participant.
- 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.
- The program fee is non-refundable, however the program will be rescheduled when possible. Please keep in mind if you arrive late you may not be able to join the program.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Limited Spots Available
Encounter
$ 89.00 /ea.
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.
For the safety of our guests, Ambassadors, and our animals, SeaWorld San Diego has taken extra steps to provide the safest possible experience:
- Please check in for your Sloth Encounter at the Sloth Interaction Check-In near Dolphin Amphitheater at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
- Participants under 18 will need a parent or guardian present. Participants must be 6 years old and accompanied by paid adult participant.
- 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.
- The program fee is non-refundable, however the program will be rescheduled when possible. Please keep in mind if you arrive late you may not be able to join the program.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Sea Otter Up-Close Encounter
Prices starting at
$ 69.00 /ea.
- A behind the scenes visit inside our Sea Otter exhibit.
- Watch as our sea otters enjoy their lunch and help feed them their favorite snacks.
- Animal experts will share their knowledge and experience of caring for these animals.
- Meet 15 minutes prior to the Otter Encounter at Wild Arctic, outside of the Arctic Trading Post
- This encounter is currently not wheelchair accessible
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest (Ages 3+)
$ 69.00 /ea.
- A behind the scenes visit inside our Sea Otter exhibit.
- Watch as our sea otters enjoy their lunch and help feed them their favorite snacks.
- Animal experts will share their knowledge and experience of caring for these animals.
- Meet 15 minutes prior to the Otter Encounter at Wild Arctic, outside of the Arctic Trading Post
- This encounter is currently not wheelchair accessible
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Sea Lion Up-Close Encounter
Prices starting at
$ 49.00 /ea.
Get up-close with one of our pinnipeds and learn from one of our knowledgeable animal care specialists about what it takes to care for and train these fascinating animals.
- Participant must be at least 4 years of age to participate. Children under the age 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant
- Encounter begins at Sea Lion Amphitheatre near the Garden of Discovery
- Meet a sea lion up-close
- Animal experts will share their knowledge and experience of caring for these animals
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest (Ages 4+)
$ 49.00 /ea.
Get up-close with one of our pinnipeds and learn from one of our knowledgeable animal care specialists about what it takes to care for and train these fascinating animals.
- Participant must be at least 4 years of age to participate. Children under the age 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant
- Encounter begins at Sea Lion Amphitheatre near the Garden of Discovery
- Meet a sea lion up-close
- Animal experts will share their knowledge and experience of caring for these animals
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Killer Whale Up-Close Encounter
Prices starting at
$ 69.00 /ea.
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.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest (Ages 6+)
$ 69.00 /ea.
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.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Beluga Up-Close Encounter
Prices starting at
$ 89.00 /ea.
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.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Guest (Ages 4+)
$ 89.00 /ea.
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.
An unexpected error occurred.
Please try again.
Consider SeaWorld San Diego's animal experiences, where kids can engage with marine life in an educational setting. It's a great way to combine fun and learning. Come face-to-face with orcas in our Killer Whale Up-Close Encounter.
SeaWorld San Diego offers unique animal experiences that are perfect for kids during the summer. Children can learn about marine life through interactive and educational activities like getting up close to bottlenose dolphins through our Dolphin Up-Close Encounter.
SeaWorld San Diego offers a variety of unique animal experiences where you can get up close with special animals. From swimming with dolphins to meeting sloths, these encounters provide a deeper understanding of these amazing creatures.
Visit SeaWorld San Diego to explore engaging animal experiences. Get close to dolphins, participate in exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and learn about the conservation of marine life. These activities offer a hands-on approach to understanding marine biology, making them perfect for families.
SeaWorld San Diego provides hands-on animal experiences that educate and entertain. Kids can get close to dolphins, participate in behind-the-scenes tours, and more. 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. Unforgettable animal encounters, spectacular shows, and thrilling rides are all in one conveniently planned experience for your family to enjoy.
Done selecting upgrades?