This sounds great.
SeaWorld San Diego Announces 2026 Plans for ALL-NEW Shark Encounter Experience with New Sharks, Visuals and State-of-the-Art Multimedia
In honor of the all-new Shark Encounter, SeaWorld announced the Launch of the 2026 Fun Cards with Unlimited Visits for all of 2026 Plus the Rest of 2025 for FREE
SAN DIEGO, CA (Aug 19, 2025) – SeaWorld San Diego has unveiled thrilling plans for a reimagined Shark Encounter, set to debut in Spring 2026. As one of the park’s most iconic and awe-inspiring animal exhibits, the ALL-NEW experience will transport guests into a breathtaking aquatic environment—inviting them to explore the ocean like never before and discover the remarkable beauty and power of sharks. The current Shark Encounter has closed to begin work on this exciting renovation.
Sharks have long captured our cultural imagination, and this thrilling new exhibit invites guests to challenge conventional perceptions through a fully immersive 360-degree experience—from watching sharks glide overhead to feeding them. Guests will encounter mesmerizing new species of sharks, alongside a diverse array of marine animals and fish, expanding the current exhibit into a truly unforgettable journey beneath the waves. Through a captivating underwater journey featuring cutting-edge multimedia and revitalized habitats, adults and children alike will be immersed in an environment that elevates both the thrill and educational value of every visit and encourages them to return and discover something new about their favorite shark species.
“This is more than a refresh—it’s a reinvention,” said Tyler Carter, SeaWorld San Diego Park President. “The revamped Shark Encounter is designed to engage the senses and imagination like never before, bringing guests closer to sharks in powerful, memorable ways. This revitalization is part of our ongoing investment in the park to create innovative, immersive experiences that also support marine conservation and education.”
The reimagined experience continues to showcase the incredible diversity of sharks featured at SeaWorld San Diego, with 11 different species including sand tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and the endangered Australian leopard shark—part of a Species Survival Plan through AZA-accredited facilities, as well as new sharks and other fish for our guests to meet and learn about. Almost all of the species at Shark Encounter are listed as vulnerable or near threatened, reinforcing SeaWorld’s commitment to education and species protection.
Combining stunning visual upgrades with immersive and educational storytelling, the all-new Shark Encounter is designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding of shark species and their vital role in ocean ecosystems. Moving away from traditional fear-based portrayals, the refreshed Shark Encounter educates guests about the incredible diversity of sharks—over 400 species worldwide—highlighting their varied sizes, shapes, and fascinating adaptations that contribute to healthy oceans.
Cutting-edge multimedia elements elevate the experience: an overhead video ceiling in the hallway showcases diverse sharks swimming above, leading guests toward the underwater tunnel, while a multi-screen video installation in the finale surrounds visitors with rare live footage of shark diversity in a mesmerizing 8-minute presentation. Informative signage and engaging storytelling throughout debunk common shark myths and spotlight SeaWorld San Diego’s ongoing local and global conservation efforts. Guests will discover a new surge tank that simulates crashing waves washing into a shallow tide pool, providing a sensory, interactive glimpse into the dynamic coastal environments sharks call home.
As part of the all-new experience, SeaWorld will introduce an exclusive VIP Shark Tour, giving adventurous guests the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn up-close how the park’s zoological specialists feed and care for the sharks. The tour also includes access to a brand-new walkway above the shark habitat, offering a dramatic, elevated view of these fascinating animals from a unique perspective. This unforgettable experience promotes deeper understanding, personal connection, and marine life conservation.
2026 Fun Cards Means More Fun
A great way to experience the revamped Shark Encounter and all that SeaWorld San Diego has to offer is with a 2026 Fun Card. SeaWorld San Diego 2026 Fun Card offers unlimited visits through all of 2026 and the rest of 2025 for FREE! With the debut of the newly reimagined Bayside Aquarium, the awe-inspiring Orca Encounter, the iconic Summer Concert Series and an upcoming line-up of exciting events for the remainder of 2025 and all of 2026, there’s no better time, and no better offer, than right now to purchase a 2026 Fun Card. For a limited time, guests can now purchase a 2026 Fun Card for only $126.99 and receive FREE unlimited park admission* for the rest of 2025.
For more information about events and experiences, park hours and to purchase SeaWorld San Diego’s 2026 Fun Card, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest event details and information.
*Some restrictions and blockout dates apply. 2026 Fun Card valid through December 31, 2026.
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