Wearing nothing but her smooth black and white birthday suit, the performer takes a deep breath, then launches herself toward the front of the stadium. As she emerges from the water, she blubbers across the slippery floor, glistening in the spotlights, huge and magnificent. Within seconds, the appreciative crowd is on its feet, roaring approval. Another splashtacular show in the bag for Shamu, the world's most famous orca.
Shamu is just one of over 20,000 aquatic creatures that delight an enthusiastic public at SeaWorld in San Diego. Ranging from whales to fish to sea birds, the animals take center stage in over 20 attractions, including performances, animal encounters, and rides.
Performances
The Shamu Adventure, one of SeaWorld San Diego's most popular draws, is performed in a seven-million-gallon stadium. The breathtaking behavior of Shamu and friends sends viewers away with a newfound appreciation for killer whales and their trainers. Narrated by Jack Hanna, the popular television host of Wild Adventures, the show blends a conservationist theme with humor to encourage guests to appreciate the delicate balance of the sea and its creatures.
The new Cirque de la Mer features music, costumed dancers, special effects, and astounding acrobatics over the blue waters of San Diego's Mission Bay. This "fantasea" adventure leads the audience on a stunning journey to the mythical land of Amphibia, where a fascinating population of half humans/half sea creatures thrives.
Other popular shows spotlight the talents of Clyde and Seamore, the boisterous California sea lions whose misadventures are hilariously revealed on the live home repair show, Fools With Tools. Dolphins star in their own show, too, at the Dolphin Discovery, in which these water mammals balance, flip, jump, toss balls, and spin for an enthralled audience. Wings of the World showcases the beauty and abilities of more than 55 birds from around the globe. The show's climax features three hawks that swoop out of the sky at 90mph to perform with their trainers.
Just because the sun goes down doesn't mean it's time to leave. At night, a whole new breed of fun emerges, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Mission Bay. These Rockin' Summer Nights feature engaging shows, energetic bands, and underwater entertainment for the whole family. Also, for the under-21 set, Thursday night Club SeaWorld concerts showcase national pop acts.
Animal Encounters
Manatee Rescue is part of the park's commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of animals in need each year. The only manatee display outside of Florida, it allows guests to look through the glass and see these endangered species eat plants and interact with their friends in a sweeping 800 square feet of underwater viewing.
For those who want to see dolphins up close and feel their velvety smooth skin, the park offers a unique Dolphin Interaction Program. During these educational sessions, animal trainers teach guests how to give dolphin-training signals and how to feed the dolphins a fishy treat reward. Advance registration is required. Guests can get a little closer to Shamu, as well, by reserving a poolside buffet dinner with Shamu and her trainers (not to worry, Shamu stays in the water the whole time). Seats are limited so call early for reservations.
For more thrills, check out the largest collection of sharks in the world at the Shark Encounter. The sharks come in all sizes and shapes--and they're all swimming right over your head! Walk through the acrylic tunnel as these mysterious and deadly creatures surround you for a spooky and awe-inspiring experience.
For less intimidating encounters with the marine kind, there is the Hands-On Touchpool. Designed to simulate a California coastal environment, the pools contains sea creatures for tactile stimulation, including starfish, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins. For a close-up of the really cute kind, nearly 400 Antarctic penguins are housed in an indoor, 25-degree habitat (ingenious climate control ensures proper warming for visitors) at the Penguin Encounter. There is also a flock of Magellanic penguins playing nearby outdoors.
Additionally, rare and beautiful fish from around the globe are on display in the World of the Sea Aquarium, with exhibits in habitats that are as big as 52,000 gallons.
Rides
At Wild Arctic, guests can "fly" on a jetcopter through the frozen arctic to a remote research station on the Antarctic Peninsula. This electrifying virtual reality tour of this frigid region allows guests to come face to face with polar bears and other creatures of the cold, including beluga whales and walruses.
SeaWorld's new adventure ride lies at Shipwreck Rapids. Here, passengers climb into rafts with the hopes of returning to civilization, but things don't turn out as planned. Instead, the rafts quickly start cruising out of control down a rapidly rushing river while narrowly missing obstacles in their path. A side effect of all of this is that many people end up getting soaked! At the end of the wild ride, passengers land at Shipwreck Reef Café, where they can satisfy the hunger and thirst brought on by the exhilarating adventure while mingling with animal trainers.•
