SeaWorld San Diego took me by surprise when we visited with our 6-year-old Kidsetter. I expected the usual theme park rides, shows and fun atmosphere but what I didn’t expect was the consistent theme of teaching children about marine animals in a fun loving and interactive way.
We began our day at SeaWorld discovering Explorer’s Reef which is a series of touch pools. Our Kidsetter was able to pat a real reef shark ! Animal Care Ambassadors were present and shared interesting insights about these awesome animals.
Next we beyond excited to have the opportunity to see orcas up-close ! SeaWorld have moved away from theatrical shows and now focuses on presenting the orcas in a more naturalistic setting. We were lucky enough to visit shortly after their transformation debut in 2017. They emphasised the love they have for their whales and shared teachings about the ocean’s most powerful predator.
Our Kidsetter was blown away by the sheer size of the orcas let along learning about their masterful hunting techniques and complex communication codes. We felt like we were partaking in a real-life David Attenborough documentary. Of course, we especially loved the ‘Soak Zone’ section watching people anticipate the thrill of the splash coming their way.
We went on to watch the Sea Lions Live show. This was truly hilarious. We didn’t stop laughing. Sea Lions Clyde & Seamore were up to plenty of fun in their family-favourite TV and music spoofs.
Unfortunately for me, my boys wanted to take me on a thrilling ride called Journey to Atlantis. Don’t do it to yourself. They nearly killed me ! Apparently, they had fun….
I had to catch my breath after that ride. Bayside Skyride was the perfect antidote to the Atlantis ride. Gently gliding on a gondola with beautiful views of the park and scenic Mission Bay.
The gentle pace didn’t last very long. Next, we enjoyed the Shipwreck Rapids. A winding river turns to rolling whitewater rapids before plunging through a waterfall finale.
Afterwards we embarked on a Wild Artic journey. Inside a flight simulator we soared through the breathtaking, icy landscapes of the Arctic Circle on a jet helicopter. Manoeuvring the frozen peaks and valleys en route to Base Station Wild Artic was thrilling.
SeaWorld has helped inspire a greater love of marine life in our Kidsetter and he now takes action to help protect wild animals by collecting plastic rubbish wherever he comes across it. He takes great pride in conserving and caring for the wild wonders of our planet.
