Overview
- SeaWorld San Diego, which announced the date Tuesday, set May 22 for the return of Shark Encounter after more than a year of reconstruction.
- The walk-through features a moving tunnel that gives a 180-degree underwater view, plus surface-level viewing and a floor-to-ceiling wall with LED multimedia.
- The habitat showcases 11 shark species, including sand tiger and blacktip reef sharks, as well as the endangered Australian leopard shark, with messaging built to dispel fears.
- Guests can book a Shark Up Close experience that adds behind-the-scenes access and a safe chance to feed sharks over the water, while passholders get early entry before opening day.
- The upgrade replaces a 1992 exhibit and follows SeaWorld San Diego’s recent AZA accreditation, a signal on animal-care standards as the park positions this as a summer draw focused on ocean advocacy.