Did you know that you can get through SeaWorld in less than two hours! This is of course if you do not watch any of the shows and go from exhibit to exhibit, but the best part of it all, is that you don’t have to rush. My Dad and I spent time feeding the flamingos, ducks, birds and bat rays throughout the park. I was still able to capture quite a few images, but out of all the images I took only two stood out to me. The first image that stood out was a penguin posing for the camera. The little guy was giving the camera all different kinds of angles while keeping eye contact on the lens. The second image is of a beluga whale. Every time I have been to SeaWorld they were either hiding or the viewing room was packed. Finally being able to capture them was a real treat and I was happy with the shot. Exiting the park was a disaster and those who were entering the park at noon we wished them the best of luck. NBC News was filming an Orcas protest which caused the huge congestion. Personally I don’t understand why people try to protest against places like SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park. I am Pro SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park simply because the benefits out weigh the negative.
San Diego Safari Park is filled with amazing animals and the developers took care to make their habitats closely related to their natural environments. The San Diego Safari Park is one of my favorite places to photograph at for various reason. There habitats are opened and that makes photographing them much easier, since there isn’t a need to photograph through class or fences, except for a few. The staff that do the shows are kind and happily smile for the camera and will be glad to answer any of your questions after the show. Furthermore, they have a lot of educational services to check out and learn about the animals and ways we can help to make sure they will survive for generations to come.
San Diego SeaWorld holds a special place in my heart. SeaWorld is the place that photography found its way into my life and would stick for years to come. Many other photographers will see that SeaWorld is not a place to photograph at, but if you look deep enough and hard enough into the meaning you will too find that they are many photographic spots. Throughout that park there are many locations to do a quick portrait of children and families with outstanding composition. Besides the many photographic opportunities, SeaWorld is also a nice place to relax with family and enjoy the shows and cool oceanic air.
If you love animals… (I love animals): Make time for feeding times: Meal time is the best time to meet some playful Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, and sting rays, who you can even feed by hand—but only at designated times throughout the day. Stop by in the morning to check the day’s schedule, then give yourself some extra time to get a great spot right at the water’s edge. Meet an animal trainer in person: It’s hard to ask animal trainers about their job when they’re racing through the water on the back of Shamu. But here’s something most guests don’t know. Our Dine with Shamu programs are the only time guests get back stage access to our killer whale habitat, where whales and their trainers share an inside look at their remarkable bond and what makes it possible. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. Bring a disposable waterproof camera: There’s wet, and there’s Shamu wet. If you’re in the Soak Zone at Shamu stadium, you’ll have a lot more fun watching kids’ reactions if you don’t have to watch out for an expensive camera. A little tip for parents? Pack a poncho—or pick one up at the gift shop. It’s a great way to keep yourself and a towel or two dry, and still get in on the fun. Feed their imagination: Look for interactive work stations and computers located throughout the park that give kids a fun way to learn about the animals they meet. Kids can test their lung power against a walrus in Wild Arctic or see how a manatee grinds its food at Manatee Rescue. Sesame Street Bay of Play: Watch your kids play at Sesame Streets Bay of Play. The three new rides require children under 48 inches to be accompanied by a Supervising Companion (a Supervising Companion is a person over 14 years of age). Hand held infants may not ride these rides. Some of the Play Area elements have no height restrictions, but the ones that do vary according to the individual characteristics of that element. Make an autograph book: Put together an autograph book with kids ahead of time, then catch the Shamu and Crew characters from 9 a.m. to noon near the front gate. Catch the show before the show: Take your seat for the Clyde and Seamore show at least 30 minutes ahead of time. Late-comers miss out on their zany pre-show antics.
Admission:
$69 for guests age 10+
$59 for guests ages 3 through 9
Free for guests 2 years old and younger
Admission Includes:
All shows, exhibits, aquariums and rides (with the exception of Skyride and Skytower*) are included with park admission. Food, dining experiences, merchandise, Behind-the-Scenes Guides tours and animal interactions are optional and an additional cost. Advanced reservations can be made online under our Experiences section. *Skyride and Skytower tickets may be purchased inside the park for $3 for one ride or $5 for two rides.
Park Hours, Ride Hours and Show Schedule
Opening and closing times vary by season.
Hours are extended during holiday periods and summer evenings (May through Labor Day).
Ride operating hours vary from normal park operating hours. Sesame Street Bay of Play opens one hour past park opening.
