SeaWorld San Diego Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

Shows & presentations

Fish & Turtle Feeding

Watch aquarists feed sea turtles and tropical fish while sharing fun facts about their care and conservation.
Timings: 10:45am

Flippers, Facts, and Fun

Meet playful dolphins up close as trainers highlight their athletic abilities, natural behaviors, and how they’re cared for.
Timings:11am, 1pm, and 3pm

Sea Otter Trainer Talk

Learn how rescued sea otters are trained, fed, and rehabilitated, with adorable moments guaranteed.
Timings: 11:15am and 1:15pm

Spooktacular DJ

A family-friendly Halloween dance party with upbeat music, costumed characters, and festive energy.
Timings: 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm

Orca Encounter

A powerful, educational presentation showcasing orca behaviors and their role in the ocean ecosystem.
Timings: Noon, 2pm, and 6pm

Pirate Sea Shanty Band

A live musical crew of pirates performing sea shanties and playful interactive tunes for all ages.
Timings: 12:30pm, 2pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6:30pm

Aviculturist Talk

Hear from bird experts about the park’s feathered residents and their specialized care and training.
Timings: 12:30pm

Sea Lion Keeper Talk

Get insider stories about sea lions and seals while keepers demonstrate enrichment and feeding routines.
Timings: 1:15pm

Dolphin Connections at Dolphin Point

A short presentation where trainers share how dolphins communicate, cooperate, and thrive in their habitats.
T1:30pm and 4:15pm

Spookley Meet & Greet

Meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin for a cute Halloween photo op and quick character interaction.
Timings: 2pm and 5:30pm

Magellanic Penguin Feeding

Watch penguins dive and feed as animal care staff share facts about their quirky habits and conservation.
Timings: 2:30pm

OP Potter’s Spooktacular Surprise

A lively Halloween-themed show with magic, music, and comedy that keeps families entertained.
Timings: 3:30pm and 5:30pm

Dolly Delightful

A high-energy nighttime performance mixing music, dance, and spooky fun with a delightfully whimsical twist.
Timings: 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, 10:30pm, and 11:30pm

Misfortune

A mysterious show filled with eerie storytelling and supernatural surprises—perfect for the Halloween vibe.
Timings: 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, 10:30pm, and 11:30pm

Dark Magic

A dramatic magic performance with haunting illusions and a spooky stage atmosphere.
Timings: 7:30pm, 8:30pm, 9:30pm, 10:30pm, and 11:30pm

Summon the Spirits

A special-effects show where music, lights, and spooky characters bring Halloween spirits to life.
Timings: 8pm, 9pm, 10:30pm, and 11:30pm

Monster Stomp

A percussion-driven, monster-themed stage show featuring dance, rhythm, and rock-the-night energy.
Timings: 8:30pm and 10pm

Moray Eels Talk

Learn about the hidden world of moray eels, their behavior, and how they’re cared for behind the scenes.
Timings: 10:15am

Frequently asked questions about SeaWorld San Diego timings

Is SeaWorld San Diego open on public holidays?

Yes. SeaWorld San Diego is open on most public holidays, often with extended hours due to seasonal events. Holiday schedules can vary year to year, so check the app before you go.

On what days is SeaWorld San Diego least crowded?

Weekdays outside school holidays are the quietest, especially on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Arriving at the opening helps you enjoy major rides before lines grow. Avoid weekends, holiday breaks, and seasonal event nights for the shortest waits.

Do show times differ from park opening hours?

Yes. Shows and animal presentations run on separate schedules that may start later and end earlier than the park's regular hours. Always check the daily show schedule or SeaWorld app, as timetables change by season and event.

How many hours should I spend at SeaWorld San Diego?

Plan for 5 to 6 hours for a complete visit, which includes a mix of shows, animal exhibits, and thrill rides. If you're only interested in highlights, 3–4 hours can work.

What’s the best time to go to SeaWorld San Diego?

Morning visits right at opening offer the lowest crowds and shortest ride waits. If you're looking for nighttime entertainment or seasonal events, consider attending on select evenings, but be prepared for increased crowds.