SeaWorld San Diego

San Diego, California, USA

5/5 Expert Rating

American Humane Certified AMMPA Accredited AZA Accredited

Founded: 1964
Website: seaworld.com/san-diego
Featured Species: Orca, Bottlenose Dolphin, Beluga Whale, Emperor Penguin, Polar Bear
Species: Beluga Whale Bottlenose Dolphin Emperor Penguin Orca Polar Bear Sea Turtle
Accreditation: American Humane Certified AMMPA Accredited AZA Accredited

SeaWorld San Diego is an iconic marine park that opened in 1964 on the shores of Mission Bay. The park houses one of the most diverse marine animal collections in the world, including orcas, bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales, polar bears, and emperor penguins — the only colony of emperor penguins in a zoological facility in the Southern Hemisphere’s off-season.

SeaWorld San Diego serves as a major marine research and rescue center, having rescued and rehabilitated over 20,000 animals throughout its history. The park’s Orca Encounter, redesigned to focus on natural behaviors and conservation messaging, remains one of its most popular attractions.

SeaWorld San Diego holds both AZA and AMMPA accreditation and is one of the most recognized marine zoological parks in the world.