I attended a Media Day as a guest of SeaWorld San Antonio. All opinions are my own.
Last weekend SeaWorld San Antonio Discovery Point unveiled it’s newly redesigned interactive area. Discovery Point has something for everyone in the family to enjoy, bringing together educational and interactive experiences. You can learn about how SeaWorld works with various marine rescue organization to help rehabilitate injured animals. The grounds of Discovery Point are beautiful and covered in more than 7,100 plants made up of 80 different species; ranging from native trees and palms to tropical ferns and bamboo to create this tropical oasis.
Explorer’s Reef allows for an up close view of the reefs. Watch the sharks swim, an exotic display of fish and my favorite the poisonous tree frogs. I could spend house sitting in this peaceful (and air conditioned) area watching the beautiful underwater world.
The underwater dolphin viewing area allows you to get a below-the-surface look at the bottlenose dolphins through expansive underwater viewing windows. It is the only dolphin watching of its kind in Texas! SeaWorld San Antonio is home to 21 Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, 15 females and 6 males, ranging in age from 1 to 43 years old. While most of the dolphins were born at SeaWorld, four made SeaWorld their home after being rescued by the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network and deemed non-releasable by the National Marine Fisheries Service (including my new friend Gilly).
While visiting Discovery Point make sure to plan ahead and schedule a signature swim. This is the only location in Texas where you can not only get an up close look at the dolphins, but also swim with them! Discovery Point also offers interactive experiences with their Beluga Whales and Sea Lions.
While I was at Discovery Point I participated in a signature dolphin swim. It was an amazing opportunity, and I was very unpressed with the entire experience from start to finish. Upon arriving I was escorted to an area near the Lagoon where I was assisted in getting a wet suit and water shoes. With all of my gear in hand I made my way to the changing area to prepare for my swim. The changing are was clean and comfortable; complete with changing areas, showers and restrooms. With my belongs locked up in a secure locker (you pick the code) I made my way to the lagoon beach. After a brief instructional session and introduction to the trainers I was lead out into a shallow area of the lagoon where the dolphins can become comfortable with you. Not only did I get to swim with, feed and KISS the beautiful animals, I learned about the anatomy of the animal as well as some of their personal history.
After my amazing swim I gathered my belongs and made my way back to the changing area. After showering I was able to get dressed and get ready for a fun day in the park. The changing area had everything I needed from shampoo to a hair drier. I also noticed that there were no paper paper towels, in an effort to continue conservation they have eliminated paper waste where possible.
Stay for the day and enjoy everything SeaWorld, Discovery Point and Aquatica have to offer.
Today I am crossing this one off my bucket list!
