California - San Diego

SeaWorld

On the shores of Mission Bay is one of San Diego 's best-known attractions whose mascot, the resident killer whale Shamu, has for many become synonymous with the city. SeaWorld is a leader in marine conservation and plays an important role in rescuing and rehabilitating animals found beached along the West Coast. It is also one of the world's largest marine entertainment parks and is a source of education as well as family recreation. The park is best known for its work with killer whales (Orcas) and dolphins, and the Dolphin Interaction Program provides the experience of feeding, stroking and wading with bottlenose dolphins (requiring advance booking and an additional fee). SeaWorld's favourite attractions are its arena shows that run throughout the day, highlighting the behaviours and talents of trained marine mammals such as sea lions, walruses, otters, dolphins and killer whales. Most of the exhibits are walk-through marine environments like the Penguin Encounter that passes through a glass-enclosed Antarctica with remarkable emperor penguins sliding over glaciers into the icy water. The walk-through glass tube that passes through the Shark House affords frightening face-to-face encounters. Adventure rides are a new attraction at SeaWorld and include the Shipwreck Rapids ride with its turbulent rivers and underground canyons - an unavoidably wet encounter! The virtual-reality trip to the world of beluga whales, polar bears and walruses of the Wild Arctic is also popular. During summer peak hours the shows and more popular exhibits can be very crowded with long queues.

Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive , Mission Bay;

Telephone: (619) 226 3901;

Website: www.seaworld.com;

Transport: Bus 9 or 24 from downtown;

Opening time: Open daily from 9am to 10pm (summer) and from 10am to 5pm (September to May);

Admission: US$44.95 (adults), US$35.95 (children aged 3-9)

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