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    Orca Encounter

    4.3 (23 reviews)

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    Shamu Shamu!
    Lance L.

    Hands Down.... Without a Doubt..... The Orca Encounter is the BEST thing about Sea World San Diego. Tell me I'm wrong.... I'll wait! Now... Had you asked me this same question about 15+ years ago, I would have said it's the SECOND best thing at park as Anheuser-Busch (the parent company of Budweiser) used to own Sea World and they had a section in the park where anyone 21+ could drink beer, try new incoming flavors, and try out items that were in the potential test phase before they went to market... I.e Budweisers B-to-the-e" energy beer. (Damn this stuff was good). Sadly, Anheuser-Busch sold off their ownership and this section of the park was reconfigured. And just like that.... The Orca Encounter or whatever it was called back In the day was suddenly numero uno again!! But for me, beer or no beer in hand.... I can honestly say that the Orca Encounter really is the epitome of Sea World. The fact that these orca trainers who work tirelessly to train and learn about these majestic animals that they work alongside and then share their impressive skills/capabilities with the world is beyond cool. The show itself is very informative, fun, and exciting all at the same time. And despite Sea World getting backlash in years past, I think they have done an amazing job at reimagining this show and reinventing themselves as a brand. Sea World also does a great job at acknowledging our U.S. Military, both past and present and they even acknowledge them during this show which is always great to see. After or before the show, you can actually view the orcas even closer at a self-walk through staging tank where they will swim past you right up to the glass... definitely have your cameras ready. And if thats just not enough Orca for you... You can actually dine with the Orcas (see park website for more info). Finally.... Just so you can't say I didn't tell you so.... The SPLASH zone!! Unless you don't want to get SOAKED.... Make sure to sit past the designated soak zone areas. Have fun! And Welcome to Sea World San Diego!!

    Monique W.

    Orca Encounter is the best educational show at Sea World San Diego. This presentation is outside and there are a lot of splashes if you sit in the splash zone! Make sure to download the Sea World application on your mobile phone. You can pull up times when the Orca Encounter is showing. You can reserve seating for this show. Prices typically start at $14.99 but can vary depending on the date. In order to book a reservation, you'll need to visit the Sea World website, or go to the customer service, visitor information when you check into the park. The show will go through the importance of play for orcas and dive deeper into the Orca's techniques. If you're looking for other activities, there is also the Orca Underwater viewing. You can watch the orcas up-close in the viewing area. There are also some paid activities such as the Orca Up-Close Tour and you can also Dine with the Orcas! I'd highly recommend visiting the Orca Encounter if you're spending a day at Sea World!

    WOW!!!
    Bryan And G.

    We attended the ORCA SHOW at NOON, where SeaWorld Cares. It's an enjoyable, engaging and educational experience!!! In years past, it may have been a show, but now it's more informative. Nevertheless, the ORCAS do show off some of their skills, which are impressive. SPLASHING ABOUT!!! SWIMMING FAST, JUMPING HIGH!!! I noticed one thing here and in Dine with Orcas, the animals are permitted to participate or not. It's totally up to them. We appreciate that!!!

    Alex D.

    An educational performance where the orcas swim and splash the crowd, and the trainers talk about orca facts. These orcas seemed happy, well -fed and well-cared-for.

    Dawn B.

    Orca Encounter is what the show is now called, be careful you MAY get wet! The show is really great and helps the audience raise awareness for these beautiful creatures. All in all the show is really entertaining and aside from sitting in the sun it's a really great show.

    Orca Encounter
    Taura G.

    Great show with COVID going on. I liked how they did their show dismissal with social distancing. They explained to guests that they must wait for the employees with the flags to notify each seating section when it is safe to exit. This way the crowds are not super busy running into each other. The "Encounter" is what they are now calling the shows. It was very nice to learn good information about the orcas instead of just seeing them do tricks. I actually found it to be more visually educational. The crowd loved it and the kids were happy too. The only star take off was because of the seating. Some people don't care about the marked seating for social distancing and there is nobody monitoring nor correcting that part. Also, there were families with no masks on during the show and that wasn't checked nor corrected. I get it, we are at an outside amusement park, but just hoped that more would be done to correct this. Even an announcement to the crowd at the beginning of the show, "Guests, we really need you to keep your masks on and abide by the marked and colored seating zones..." would have been nice.

    Beautiful
    Deanne R.

    The show was amazing.... We really enjoyed it... especially our son. (He didn't remember since he was a baby last time we came) very educational.

    Christy M.

    We hadn't seen the show since the Shamu days, when the show was centered around the spectacle. Now, most of Seaworld is very forward with the conservation efforts, which I think is great. The orca show is now more educational than spectacle. With a lot of information playing on the screen about the different eco-types of orcas around the world, the show whales did demonstrations that coincided with the educational content. I found it extremely interesting, and I learned things I didn't know before. I really like the more educational and conservation approach rather than a spectacle show. But, as always, the splash zone is real! We sat down there and got soaked. A lot of people stuck around despite the warnings, and then fled to higher ground as soon as they realized what "splash zone" meant. Especially if you have kids, take the warnings seriously!

    Main area
    Eddie F.

    We came here on a Monday and the crowd was just right. No huge lines, great seating and perfect weather. We've been here many times before and it's just as great as it's ever been. If you sit in the first 10 rows you will get wet. If you sit in the first 3 rows, you could get soaked. They give you some education at the beginning and the wetting action doesn't begin until about 15 minutes into the show

    Jason D.

    We've been to the show many time each trip. They alter each one just a bit to be fun. We have a blast and ita amazing for kids and adults.

    Orca jumping out of water
    Leroy T.

    Well First This Show At SeaWorld is one of my favorites it sits in one of the biggest stadium in SeaWorld . I like it because you can see how the Trainers train the Orcas and the big Screen in the middle is cool also . It tells you how the Orcas live and what the movements they do also how they adapt in there life . The cool thing is the trainers here adapt with these Beautiful Orcas really well . I like how they can tell each Orcas when to do what like splash there tails !! But you got to look out because if your sitting in the Wet Zone you will possibly get wet . The first 10 Rows up front are the wet zone . But it's just cool seeing these orcas performing so well and jumping out of the water !! There will be one trainer that tells you about the Orcas and the others will show you how the Orcas Perform a good show !! This is a great show to take your family or Friends to or just bring your kids to . There is a parking area outside of the stadium for your Strollers because strollers are not Permitted !!! But overall I always return to see this show over and over again !! So make sure you don't miss it !!

    Pink flamingos having a good time!
    Aces P.

    Have a good time on this show! Represents our National heroes who served- recognized and celebrated! It was very organized , staff were very accommodating!

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    Review Highlights - Orca Encounter

    What a spectacular how that must be watched at least once when visiting Sea World San Diego.

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