Sea World is one of the most popular theme parks in Orlando, Florida. There are some amazing animals to see, and it can be really educational as well. Here are the best things to do in a day at Sea World, Orlando.
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Is it ethical to visit Sea World, Orlando?
There’s a lot of debate about the ethics of visiting Sea World, and other places where killer whales and dolphins are kept in captivity and perform. The best things to do in a day at Sea World, Orlando can be amazing, but they can also feel ethically questionable. My views on it are mixed.
On the one hand, I think it’s so much nicer to see killer whales and dolphins in the wild. It’s so special seeing them free in their natural habitat. For me, nothing can replace seeing them in the wild.
However, for some people, it’s not an option for them to go on a long boat trip to see killer whales and dolphins in the wild. And for children, it’s also less of an option. So in these cases, places like Sea World can be the best way some people and children are able to see these animals. For children, being able to see killer whales and dolphins up close can spark a life-long love for whales and dolphins, and a desire to help their conservation in the wild. So it’s a difficult balance.
Sea World does look after the animals, and also contributes a lot of money to conservation and research. But I completely see that it’s not ideal.
I think the best option is to do plenty of research yourself on both sides of the debate. Then you can make a decision for yourself. And you can do what feels right for you.
What should I take for a day in Sea World, Orlando?
If you decide that it feels right for you to visit Sea World, Orlando, it’s best to be prepared for your day. Florida can get very hot, especially in the summer. Spring and autumn can also be very hot. To enjoy the best things to do in a day at Sea World, Orlando, take plenty of water. Make sure you also take sun cream, sun hat and sunglasses. And take a camera as well to capture all the amazing animals! There are places in the park to buy food, or you can take a picnic lunch as well if you want to save some money. Check out a map of the park here.
I’d also recommend getting this travel guide to Florida ready for your trip (affiliate). It gives some great tips for Sea World and other things to do in Orland as well.
The best things to do in a day at Sea World, Orlando
Dolphins
My favourite attraction at Sea World, Orlando is the dolphins. The dolphin show is just amazing. It’s like you’re watching a real life Disney show, as you watch the dolphins jump to the happy music. It literally brought tears to my eyes.
I was so jealous of the trainers who get to work with the dolphins everyday, it looked like the best job in the world. I already completely loved dolphins, but seeing them at Sea World just solidified my love for this beautiful animal. It was wonderful to see all the children being enchanted by the show as well, and seeing their love for dolphins develop at a young age.
Killer Whales at Shamu Stadium
The killer whale show is one of the most controversial attractions at Sea World, Orlando. The killer whales are huge.
And while it was amazing to see them so close, it did feel uncomfortable to see such a huge animal in a relatively small tank. I think I’d prefer it if Sea World didn’t have the killer whales. They just seem too big for captivity.
The show was impressive and I did enjoy it, but it still felt a bit uncomfortable to watch for me.
Manatees
Another great animal to see at Sea World, Orlando are the manatees. But these don’t perform! They just mooch around slowly, looking huge and ungainly but also really cute. They were really fun to watch.
Sea Lion show
The Sea Lion show at Sea World, Orlando is great fun. It’s well acted with a fun story line. If you sit at the front in the ‘splash zone’, be prepared to get very wet! It’s a really good fun show to watch.
Sea turtles
I always love seeing sea turtles, and the ones at Sea World Orlando are amazing. They’re so huge and so graceful.
Aquarium and Rays
The final animal to see at Sea World, Orlando is the Rays in the aquarium. You can touch these rays as well, and feel them brush past your fingers. It’s great!
Enjoy the best things to do in a day at Sea World, Orlando! Remember to check out this great guide to Florida ready for your trip (affiliate). Florida is a great destination, with so many other places to visit. Why not spend some time in Miami, see alligators in the Everglades, or relax in the Florida Keys. Or visit some other Orlando parks like Universal, Disney and Kennedy Space Center.
