Visitors Guide to SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld's original theme park opened in San Diego on March 21, 1964. The park rents the land it sits on and is limited in its development by the California Coastal Commission, so SeaWorld San Diego traditionally focused more on public education and animal care than thrill rides. But in recent years the park has expanded its roller coaster line-up.

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What to Do

Roller Coasters

  1. Manta
    A 2,800-foot Mack Rides launch coaster with a 54-foot drop and top speed of 43 mph. Height requirement: 48 inches

  2. Emperor
    The first Bolliger & Mabillard dive coaster on the west coast has a 143-foot drop and a top speed of 60 mph on its 2,411 feet of track. Height requirement: 52 inches

  3. Electric Eel
    Premier Rides Sky Rocket II with a multi-pass launch, one inversion and top speed of 62 mph. Height requirement: 54 inches.

  4. Arctic Rescue
    Triple-launch Intamin terrain coaster, with snowmobile-style seats, no inversions, and a top speed of 30 mph. Height requirement: 48 inches

  5. Journey to Atlantis
    A Mack Rides water coaster with a 60-foot drop and top speed of 42 mph. Height requirement: 42 inches

Other Attractions

Family rides

  • Bayside Skyride: Von Roll Ropeway gondola ride
  • Riptide Rescue: Huss Troika. Minimum height: 45 inches
  • Shipwreck Rapids: Intamin River Rapids. Height requirement: Between 42 and 74 inches
  • SkyTower: Observation Tower

Children's rides

  • Rescue Rafter: Rockin' Tug in Rescue Jr. area. Minimum height: 42 inches
  • Rescue Riders: Jets ride in Rescue Jr. area. Minimum height: 48 inches
  • Tidepool Twist: Teacups in Rescue Jr. area. Minimum height: 42 inches
  • Octarock: Zamperla Happy Swing in former Ocean Explorer area. Must be 31 inches to ride accompanied and 36 inches to ride alone.
  • Tentacle Twirl: Zierer Waveswinger in former Ocean Explorer area. Must be 40 inches to ride accompanied and 48 inches to ride alone.
  • Sea Dragon Drop: Zamperla Junior Drop Tower in former Ocean Explorer area. Minimum height: 42 inches

Animal presentations

  • Orca Encounter
  • Dolphin Adventure
  • Flippers, Facts, and Fun: The Sea Lion Experience

Animal exhibits

Park Map

SeaWorld San Diego is located on Mission Bay, about five miles from the San Diego airport.