Non-Exclusive Animal Interaction at Sea World

[lschism]

I know that you can feed the dolphins for a fee, but are there other ways to interact with the animals other than taking an exclusive tour. For instance I see lots of photos of people feeding the seals, but I'm not sure if this is part of a tour or not. I think I also remember reading something about purchasing a tray to feed seals, sharks and sting rays on this forum. Anyone know of any opportunities.

Also, for the shows how early do you need to go to get really good seats. Are the splash zone popular or unpopular or does it depend on the season? thanks!

 

[angelmom27]

You can feed the dolphins, sharks, sting rays and seals. Now with the dolphins and sting rays you can pet them when they came for the food. With the sting rays you really don't need to feed them to pet. The seals and sharks you throw the food down to them in the pit area. You would probably have to do an animal interaction tour to get close to a seal.

The shows it really depends on the season on crowds but that has pretty much calmed down. To get really good splash seats with a good view you need to be early. The only show that I think has the best splash is Shamu of course. The others are a hit or miss. Shamu targets the crowd to soak them. Just for the warning Orcas live in cold water. If I remember correctly the temp is 32 degrees. Brrrrrrrr. We have done it a couple of times but will say it is much more enjoyable in the middle of the day with the highest temps. Did it once in Feb. and had to buy a change of clothes. It was at night too.

 

[lschism]

Thanks for your response. We are doing DC so not too worried about feeding dolphins and we have done Stingray City in Caymen, but I have seen video of those seals barking for fish and they just crack me up Are they limited like the dolphins and do I need to get there early. Do they only feed once a day? I just couldn't find anything about it on their site or elsewhere.

How early is early for the good seats? 1/2 hour? 1 hour? We are going to be there at the end of July so I'm sure it will be hot. Also, we are staying right across the street so if for some reason we get uncomfortable it won't be too much of a hassle to go change.

I went to Sea World 35 years ago and don't remember any of it so it might as well be a first time!!

 

[gratefulfred]

Thanks for your response. We are doing DC so not too worried about feeding dolphins and we have done Stingray City in Caymen, but I have seen video of those seals barking for fish and they just crack me up Are they limited like the dolphins and do I need to get there early. Do they only feed once a day? I just couldn't find anything about it on their site or elsewhere.

How early is early for the good seats? 1/2 hour? 1 hour? We are going to be there at the end of July so I'm sure it will be hot. Also, we are staying right across the street so if for some reason we get uncomfortable it won't be too much of a hassle to go change.

I went to Sea World 35 years ago and don't remember any of it so it might as well be a first time!!

The dolphins have selected feeding times but the seals feed all day long.

 

[angelmom27]

Sea world maps with show schedules tells guest to be there 45 mins before. We have gone closer to show time and there have been plenty of seats. 30 mins would be good.

 

[AlliF75]

I have noticed that some days the preferred seating area is opened up to everyone if there aren't many pref ppl sitting there. We've had great seats within 15 mins of show time.