Explorer’s Reef

Explorer's Reef is an interactive area at SeaWorld San Diego's entrance where guests can touch rays, cleaner fish, and sea stars in shallow pools. The exhibit introduces visitors to marine life through hands-on experiences before they explore the rest of the park.

Touch pools have been shown to increase empathy toward marine animals and improve conservation attitudes. Explorer's Reef uses this approach to create meaningful first encounters that set the stage for deeper learning throughout the park visit.