feed & pet dolphins at sea world?

[mott]

Do I understand the Sea World web site that if you just show up at the dolphin tank (Rocky Point Preserve) at the feeding times posted, that you can feed and pet the dolphins? My DD8 would LOVE this! She wants to do the DIP, but I think she needs to be a bit older (and this trip is already too much $$$).

Thanks for any insight on this!

 

[marileeh]

Yes this is true. You have to purchase the fish, I think the trays are a couple of dollars and you can feed the dolphins. I would be at the side of the tank and have someone purchase the food and take it to her as it can get busy. This has been my DD21's favorite attraction since she was young. She is now in college studying to be a marine biologist. Just watch out for the birds. She was saving her last piece of food and a bird swept down and stole it out of the tray Good luck and have fun.
Marilee

 

[mott]

So all you have to do is buy the fish? Sounds like fun.

 

[marileeh]

They do only sell a certain number of trays.....so it is good to get there early and get in line. I just googled it and the trays of fish are $5.00.
Marilee

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Feeding the dolphins is one of our favorite things to do at SeaWorld! But definitely get there early. The lines for the fish get very long as the day goes on and I think the dolphins get full! They don't seem to interact with people as much later in the day. And we've also lost our share of fish to the birds! Have fun.

 

[Dizneydaz]

FYI-we've feed both the dolphins and the rays and once we did lose a piece of fish to the birds (they are very agressive). We were able to get the fish replaced. I think you only get 4 pieces of fish. The feeding times are posted and people start lining up early to buy the fish (especially on busy days).

You can still try to pet the dolphins without feeding them but they are pretty smart-if they don't see fish, they stay away. Sometimes they splash you as well! You can pet the rays without feeding them. They too may splash.

Have fun!

 

[Zoemakes5]

It is something that the kids really enjoy doing every time we go. During busy times, you have to get there really early (even as much as 45 minutes) to be able to get in and get food. The time is pretty quick, they want you to move away from the pool as soon as you're done with your four fish.
There are two other options. The dolphin interaction is 160, and that one takes you into the tank in a wet suit. That one is open to ages 6 and older. There is also a Dolphin encounter, info. found here....http://www.seaworldsandiego.com/sandiego/experiences/default.aspx, from what I understand, is the dolphin feeding, but you meet up close with a trainer in a small group with the dolphins with the "general public" not allowed in. I've never done this, but the last time I heard someone talk about they loved it and thought it was a nice compromise and it cost 45.