If you love animals…

Make time for feeding times: Meal time is the best time to meet some playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions, who you can feed by hand at designated times throughout the day. Stop by in the morning to check the day’s schedule, then give yourself some extra time to get a great spot right at the water’s edge.

See what goes on behind-the-scenes: Up-close tours like our Behind the Scenes or Ultimate Seafari Tour times aren’t listed on the park map, so they’re easy to miss. An insider’s tip? Book online ahead of time, or stop by the tour desk just inside the Main Entrance.

If you like to save time...

Pay once and dine all day: With the All-Day Dining Deal, purchase your meal tickets at one time and get a wristband that allows you to go through the restaurant lines as many times as you'd like that day. An Adult is $29.95 plus tax and Children 3-9 are $13.95 plus tax. Children under 3 may share with an Adult. Purchase in the park at any Ticket Booth, the Animal Connections Reservation Center, or Guest Services.

Skip the lines: With Quick Queue and Quick Queue Unlimited, you'll get front of line access to our major rides. Spend less time waiting in line and more time enjoying the park with either one of these passes. Learn more!


If you’re bringing young kids…

Bring a disposable, waterproof camera: There’s wet, and there’s Shamu wet. If you’re in the Soak Zone at Shamu Theater, you’ll have more fun watching kids’ reactions if you don’t have to watch out for an expensive camera. A little tip for parents? Pack a pancho—or pick one up at the gift shop. It’s a great way to keep yourself dry and still get in on the fun.

Head to Shamu’s Happy Harbor: This enclosed area is just for kids and a great place to let them burn off a little energy. Plus, there are plenty of shady spots for parents and a special play area just for toddlers.

Make an autograph book: Put together an autograph book with kids ahead of time, then catch Shamu & Crew characters costumed from 9 a.m. to noon near the Main Entrance.

Catch the show before the show: Take your seat for Clyde and Seamore's "The Cannery Row Caper" show at least 30 minutes ahead of time so you don't miss out on their zany pre-show antics.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite…

Beat the crowd: Plan to have lunch during show performances and you’ll get ahead of the crowd.

A few last tips from those in the know…

Choose your seats wisely: You will get drenched if you sit in the front seat of Journey to Atlantis and we mean drenched.

Beat the heat: Temperatures can get quite high, especially in the middle of the day. Plan to take in these "cool places" when the thermometer rises: Shamu Theater, Penguin Encounter®, Sharks/The Coral Reef and Nautilus Amphitheater.

Remember the kid in you: Don’t be surprised if you find yourself choked up in the presence of Shamu. Or, your arms covered with goose bumps in 85 degree weather as your hand touches a dolphin. There’s an incredible connection between humans and animals, one we celebrate here every day. Take a few deep breaths and drink in when you feel the connection move through you, and you’ll carry the feeling home with you.