SeaWorld

Located in Mission Beach, SeaWorld® was founded in 1964 to great popular acclaim and it remains a family favourite to this day. One of the most appealing aspects of the park is the interactive dimension to many of the exhibits. There are a number of tanks which allow you to touch and feel some of the resident mammals, and to feed them too. You can even direct the performing bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Point. Alternatively, arrange getting into the water with the magnificent beluga whales for a fantastic experience.The most famous attraction at SeaWorld is One Ocean, a 25-minute show featuring leaping orcas (also known as killer whales) soaring high above the water and performing incredible tricks. Admire the most fearsome predators of the deep from the safety of the glass tunnel in Shark Encounter, and take in the supple bat rays at the Manta exhibit. Sea lions and otters can be relied on for fun and games at the hilarious Sea Lion LIVE show.Adrenalin lovers will delight in the Manta roller coaster, which includes drops at a break-kneck 69 kilometres per hour, while if you get aboard Shipwreck Rapids, you'd better be ready to get wet – it passes under a waterfall! Wild Arctic is a simulated helicopter ride through frozen tundra, a journey on which you’ll encounter animals on land and at sea. Bayside Skyride offers a cable-car ride over Mission Bay, while the 98 metres of Sky Tower will afford you vistas across central San Diego and out on to the Pacific Ocean making it a great place to come at sunset.Children will love Sesame Street in the Bay of Play, a large area of gentler rides which are suitable for toddlers. Big Bird, Bert, Ernie and Elmo are regular visitors, and love to chat and have their photo taken.It's very easy to spend the whole day here, the evening too, and there are fireworks every night during the summer. There are plenty of eateries on site, whether you'd like some quick refreshment or a full meal. Dine with Shamu serves excellent food with a view over the whales' training pool. Make sure to book it in advance if you'd like to eat here as it's very popular.Opening hours vary depending on the season, and SeaWorld is also open longer during holiday periods.