SeaWorld San Antonio: A Texas-Sized Aquatic Adventure

SeaWorld San Antonio is the world's largest marine education and adventure theme park. From Shamu to dolphins, sharks, seals, sea lions and much more, this 250-acre Texas theme park features 6 rides, world-class shows, animal encounters and exhibits and the Lost Lagoon Water Park. It ranks among Texas's top 5 most popular attractions.

Not only does SeaWorld have Shamu, it also has walk-through habitats where you can watch sea lions, sharks, fish, penguins and flamingos do what they would do in the wild. Animal exhibits at SeaWorld San Antonio include "Penguin Encounter", home to more than 200 penguins and the "Seal and Sea Lion Community", home to California sea lions, otters and the endangered Hawaiian monk seals.

"Dolphin Cove" allows you to touch and feed bottlenose dolphins. Food can also be purchased to feed the flamingos at "Flamingo Cove" and the various exotic birds at the "Aviary Habitats". You can also visit the world famous Anheuser-Busch mascots at the "Clydesdale Hamlet" and the reptilian residents of "Alligator Alley".

At the 450,000-gallon "Sharks/The Coral Reef" exhibit, guests can get face-to-face with some of the ocean's most mysterious creatures, including the only hammerhead sharks on display in North America. Nearby, in a 300,000-gallon "Coral Reef" setting, thousands of fish from the Indian and Pacific oceans create a living rainbow of colors while moray eels reside in another habitat. Moray eels also reside in a separate area within this habitat.

The "Interaction Programs" allows you to get in the water and interact with Beluga whales and sea lions. There are also several behind-the-scenes tours which allow you to interact with dolphins, penguins, sea lions and monk seals without getting wet.

This Texas theme park also includes incredible shows like "Believe", featuring choreography between the killer whales, trainers and beautiful music. Guests get to see the park's most famous resident perform in his high-energy water show that promises to drench more than just the front row.

"Viva!" is a fascinating show that combines the talents of high divers, aerialists and swimmers with dolphins and Beluga whales. You can also enjoy the "Pirates 4-D"movie and see some daredevil waterskiing at the "Rockin' Ski Party" show or. Other popular shows include the too-cute animal show, "Waggin' Tales" and a comedy show starring sea lions and otters called "The Cannery Row Caper".

After the shows, be sure to take in some roller-coaster action with the parks' two world-class roller coasters. You can experience a bout of weightlessness on the 65-mph hypercoaster, "Steel Eel" as well as enjoy a thrill ride on Texas' first inverted steel coaster, "The Great White". Other rides include the "Journey to Atlantis" water coaster, the "Rio Loco" river raft ride and the "Texas Splashdown" log flume ride.

Kids will have a great time at Shamu's Happy Harbor. This 3-acre playground paradise features water play areas, climbing nets, slides and a giant schooner in the harbor complete with water cannons. Kids of all ages can also ride the "Shamu Express" family coaster and play a variety of midway games and win prizes at "Boardwalk Games".

The Lost Lagoon Water Park is included with the cost of your SeaWorld San Antonio ticket and makes cooling off a whole lot of fun. The park features the huge "Wave Wash Pool" and the "Castaway Cruisin" lazy river. Slides include the "Sky Tubin" water slide and the four water slides of "Buckaroo Mountain".

Everyone can enjoy the shallows of the "Activity Pool" that features waterfalls and geysers and a family slide tower. Kids can let loose at the three-story "Splash Attack" fun house while the "Lil' Gators Lagoon" is a water play area just for the little ones.

SeaWorld San Antonio offers a variety of ticket options and is open March through December with varying operating hours and days. You'll save money if you buy your tickets and parking pass online ahead of time, and try to visit in between school breaks and vacations to cut down on the crowds and wait time.

San Antonio is very beautiful but the sun is strong so remember to bring your sunscreen. You can also save money by bringing in your own bottle of water and refill it for free at the park's water fountains. All little pre-trip preparation can save you both time and money as well as add to the overall enjoyment of your trip.

From the fabulous performances and exhibits featuring some of the ocean's most amazing animals, to the cool waters of Lost Lagoon, you're sure to enjoy your time at SeaWorld San Antonio.