Marine World Park in San Diego is one of the most popular theme parks in the United States, with approximately 5 million visitors per year. There is a marine mammal park, an aquarium, a public aquarium, as well as a marine animal rehabilitation center.
History
University of California graduates George Mill, Ken Norris, David Demoth and Milton Shedd planned to open an underwater restaurant and organize an exhibition of marine animals. During the discussion of the details of the project, it was decided to create the Marine World Park in San Diego. In 1964, the opening ceremony of the first SeaWorld theme park took place. At first, several sea lions and dolphins lived on its territory, and 6 attractions operated. In the first year, the number of visitors was 400 thousand people.
The Marine World Park in San Diego became widely known after the Shama killer whale began to live in the park in 1965. She was brought here after being injured while hunting. A young female cetacean from the dolphin family recovered and became the star of the "Sea World", and guests from different countries came to her performances. The park began to expand, the entertainment program was updated annually, and there were more animals. In 1989, the facility was sold to Anheuser-Busch, and development continued under the leadership of this company.
Description
The Marine World Park in San Diego is dedicated to the world ocean and its inhabitants, with a wide range of attractions. Entertainment shows with and without animals are organized for visitors, and educational programs are conducted. There are about 20 performances a day, so it is recommended to come here in the morning and spend the whole day off. Examples include:
- Previously, cetaceans weighing about a ton jumped out of the water and performed various tricks, including synchronized flips. Since 2016, there have been fewer performances, attention has been focused on the animals themselves, and meetings with killer whales have become more natural.
- "Dolphin Days" was a show featuring the bottlenose dolphin family for a long time, now it's "Dolphin Adventures". The performances are accompanied by music and applause.
- "Sea Lions and Otters in the Spotlight" is presented as a presentation of California sea lions and clawless otters.
Approximately 13,000 animals live in the Marine World Park in San Diego, including dolphins and killer whales, penguins, including imperial penguins, fish, birds, and reptiles. Aquariums with rare marine species, including sharks and other tropical fish, are installed. There is an animal rehabilitation center at the park, where experienced specialists work.
Attractions
In 1967, a cable car was launched here, with which you can drive over Mission Bay in about 5 minutes, stop on the other side and return. There are 3 children's attractions, which are presented in the form of a falling sea dragon, a swing and a smaller jumping tower. The Skytower attraction is popular with a platform-an observation deck that allows visitors to climb to a height of several tens of meters. In addition, the theme park has more than a dozen exhibits, ranging from a turtle or coral reef to a shark encounter. Cafes and restaurants are open, where you can order both breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner.
How to get
You can get to the Marine World Park in San Diego by Metropolitan Transit System buses, many hotels offer transfers to and from the "Marine World". Visitors often arrive by taxi, and when ordering a car from any company, a fast delivery service is provided. You can use carsharing services and park your vehicle in the parking lot. If you take the I-5 highway, you need to exit Oceanside from State Route 78 East and head east to Interstate 15 South, get to Via Rancho Parkway and then follow the signs that lead to the park.
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