Even in the heart of Texas Hill Country, lumbering walruses, playful otters, lovable dolphins, and giant killer whales find Texas as homey as the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans at Sea World's 250-acre
park. Five performing stadiums for marine animal shows. The undisputed star is Shamu, the killer whale whose intelligence, grace, and beauty have won the hearts of millions. In addition to marine animals, there is a 12.5-acre lake for the graceful water-skiers show; playground for children; aquariums displaying sharks, rays, sawfish, and hundreds of vibrantly hued fish; colorful waterfowl, including bright pink flamingos, competing for color with the park's floral beauty. The Texas Splashdown flume ride twists 1/2 mile through water rapids, dropping five stories at one point. Rio Loco, Spanish for crazy river, aptly describes this wet and wild ride down an 1,800 ft.-long raging stream. "Shamu's Happy Harbor," features sand sculpting, face painting, and other entertaining activities for children. "Lost Lagoon" features a 5-acre adventure with surf, sand, and fun. "Tropical Aviary" is a spacious, walk-through area with colorful birds that roam in a lush, free-flight environment. "Alligator Habitat" lets guests come "eye to eye" with nature's menacing-looking reptiles in a naturalistic setting.
Nights become magical as the sun goes down. "Mermaids, Myths and Monsters" is a must for park visitors. The "mystical" extravaganza features images of King Neptune, mermaids, sea monsters, and others materializing on a screen of water 40 feet high and 80 feet wide at Sea World's Water Ski Lake. The larger-than-life images emerging from the dark waters at night are spectacular. Fireworks and full-color laser light displays enhance the show.
Open weekends spring and fall; daily during summer. Superstar concerts feature top recording artists. At Ray Ellison Dr. & Westover Hills Blvd. off Texas 151, 15 miles NW of downtown. Admission.
