How to Buy Discount SeaWorld San Diego Tickets: 13 Cheap Ways to Save (2026)

There are various legitimate ways to purchase discounted SeaWorld San Diego tickets through authorized ticket sellers. How you save money depends on how long you spend in the park, your plans once inside, and the other San Diego attractions on your to-do list.

The information I’ll provide below helps you save time on research, easily choose the right admission, and avoid invalid coupons. While some special groups receive exclusive discounts, most of the listed offers are available to the general public. Additionally, I have a couple of promo codes you can use.

I live on Mount Soledad in La Jolla, and I can see SeaWorld San Diego from my backyard. Plus, I grew up in Orange County and have been visiting the park since I was a child. I get to visit now as a parent, and I still love it!

SeaWorld San Diego Ticket Options at a Glance

The bottom line is that you don’t have to pay the full price! This is good news for the many families we work with who plan San Diego vacations, specifically around visiting SeaWorld San Diego. It’s the theme park I’m asked about the most because it’s one of the activities in San Diego for kids that appeals to toddlers, teens, and all ages in between.

This table provides a quick comparison to help you choose the best option. Click a ticket type to view the expanded details for each ticket below.

1. Discounted 1-Day and 2-Day SeaWorld Tickets + Free Meal Deal (Authorized Seller)

To help you enjoy these excellent marine attractions for less, I offer discount SeaWorld tickets from aRes Travel, a San Diego-based authorized ticket seller for major California attractions.

These SeaWorld tickets can be printed at home or pulled up for scanning on a mobile phone, so you can head straight to the gate without the need to redeem a ticket voucher.

Save $56!

SeaWorld San Diego – Single Day Weekday Ticket – (Monday – Thursday)

Valid for one (1) single-day admission to SeaWorld San Diego, during normal operating hours, Monday through Thursday. Ticket expires six (6) months from date of purchase. Discounted Price: from $66.99/ages 3+

Save now

2. SeaWorld Direct Online Promotions & Tickets

SeaWorld San Diego offers promotional pricing directly on its website, typically lower than gate prices. These online prices and specific offers change frequently, so I recommend buying whenever you see a deal you like.

Common direct purchase options include:

• Single-Day Tickets (Date-Specific): You select the exact date you plan to visit. Prices vary; weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends or holidays.
• Any-Day Tickets: These offer more flexibility, allowing a single visit on any regular operating day within a specified period (e.g., six months from purchase), but may be more expensive than date-specific tickets.
• Ticket + All-Day Dining Bundle: This ticket option includes one-day admission and free all-day dining at participating restaurants in the park. You’ll get one entrée, one side or dessert, plus a fountain drink every 90 minutes.
• Ultimate Bundle: This often includes park admission, the All-Day Dining Deal, and Quick Queue Unlimited, which lets you skip lines on major rides.
• Multi-Day / Multi-Park Tickets: Options for visiting SeaWorld over two days or combining a SeaWorld visit with Sesame Place San Diego.
• San Diego 3-For-1 ticket: This admission ticket grants access to SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park within 7 days of first visit.
• Various Ticket Upgrades: We will discuss these in more detail below.

Key Takeaway: Buying directly from SeaWorld online will save you money compared to purchasing at the gate. Compare their prices and bundles with the authorized seller deals (like the Free Meal Deal above) to see which offers the best value for your specific needs.

3. Combo Tickets With Other Theme Parks

I’ve already mentioned the 2-Park ticket with sister SeaWorld Park, Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista. But you can also bundle other parks together for extra savings. You can also do this with sightseeing passes, which I’ll discuss in a couple of examples below.

4. SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card

SeaWorld San Diego Fun Card holders receive unlimited visits to SeaWorld San Diego through December 31, 2026. This pass has limited blockout dates. Despite that, it’s popular with residents and people who may visit more than once a year and don’t plan to park a car in the lot.

Although it doesn’t offer up-close parking or dining discounts, it remains an excellent deal for exploring the theme park. It’s nearly the same price as one-day SeaWorld tickets, worth $99.99.

5. SeaWorld San Diego Annual Passes

For a bit more than fun cards, a SeaWorld San Diego Annual Pass can add more value. They’ve revised the passes to include even more, available for a limited time.

While the annual pass is generally marketed to locals, you don’t have to be a resident of Southern California to purchase one. While monthly payment options are available, the passes are non-transferable and non-refundable. I’ve listed some pass highlights below:

6. Go City San Diego

The Go City San Diego pass is a popular way to save—offering up to 50% off retail admission to many of San Diego’s top attractions. But if SeaWorld San Diego is on your itinerary, choosing the right pass is crucial.

Go City has updated its options, replacing the old Explorer Pass. Currently, only two versions include SeaWorld:

Which Go City Pass Should You Choose?

All-Inclusive Plus Pass
Ideal for visitors looking to maximize their experience.

• Includes SeaWorld and 50+ other attractions
• Available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day durations
• Valid for consecutive days starting from your first scan

Essentials Pass
Perfect if you want just a few key attractions.

• Includes SeaWorld as your one “premium” choice
• Plus 2, 3, 4, or 6 standard attractions
• Valid for 60 days from first use—great flexibility for locals or longer stays

❗ Heads Up: The standard All-Inclusive Pass does not include SeaWorld, LEGOLAND California, or the San Diego Zoo.

See also: 10 Benefits of the Go San Diego Discounted Attractions Pass

7. Hotel Bundle With Discounted SeaWorld San Diego Tickets

You can often save even more with a SeaWorld San Diego vacation package that includes your hotel and admission. SeaWorld lets you build your own vacation package based on your preferred dates, but we also offer several packages below.

You can read my list of favorite hotels near SeaWorld San Diego for hotel advice.

Explore the Ocean’s Wonders – SeaWorld San Diego Vacation Package

Bundle tickets and a hotel to save up to 30% on your SeaWorld San Diego vacation with 90 hotel accommodations to choose from!

Buy NOW

The Best of San Diego Vacation Package

Customize your own San Diego vacation package! The package includes your choice of tickets to four popular San Diego theme parks: SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and LEGOLAND California. As well as 60 hotel accommodations to choose from.

Buy NOW

8. San Diego CityPASS

San Diego CityPASS attractions include:

• SeaWorld San Diego + 3 Attractions
• LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions
• SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California + 3 Attractions

The three attractions can be your choice of:

• San Diego Zoo or Safari Park (not both—to add the second park use my promo code on a 1-Day ticket)
• USS Midway Museum
• City Cruises
• Old Town Trolley Tours
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps
• Maritime Museum of San Diego

9. AAA Discount Tickets

AAA members can receive various SeaWorld San Diego discount ticket options throughout the year. You can check with your regional office.

However, note that buying directly from SeaWorld San Diego or aRes Travel is often less expensive than using AAA member discounts.

10. Military SeaWorld San Diego Tickets

SeaWorld San Diego honors U.S. military members through its Waves of Honor program, offering special discounts and complimentary admission.

Active Duty Military:

Active-duty personnel, including reservists and National Guardsmen, are eligible for one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld San Diego, along with up to three direct dependents. This offer is valid through December 31, 2025. To redeem, service members must verify their status through ID.me and present a valid active military ID at the park. Spouses can redeem tickets on behalf of a service member deployed overseas.

Veterans:

U.S. military veterans, including retired personnel, can receive one complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego for themselves and up to two guests. This limited-time offer must be obtained and used by December 31st, 2025. Veterans can also purchase up to six additional tickets at 50% off.

Military Pass:

Active-duty members and veterans can purchase the SeaWorld San Diego Military Silver Pass for $113. This pass includes unlimited admission and general parking through the entire year. Each service member may buy up to six passes to share with family and friends.

11. Kids Free Tickets in October

Thanks to the annual Kids Free October promotion in San Diego, kids ages 9 and under receive free park admission with a paid adult. The exact promotion details are usually released in late summer, although SeaWorld San Diego usually participates. 

Our other central theme and amusement parks also participate, so it’s truly an excellent time to plan a San Diego family vacation.

12. Teacher and Preschool Fun Cards

The 2026 Teacher Fun Card is valid for unlimited free admission through December 31, 2026. Blockout dates apply. Your first visit needed to occur before or on May 31, 2025.

Do you live in San Diego or Orange County? If so, the Preschool Fun Card is a great deal! The 2026 Preschool Fun Card is $25.99 for unlimited visits throughout the year for children ages three to five. Blockout dates apply, and the Fun Card is available for purchase until April 28, 2026.

Adults must have their own admission, so I’d recommend a Fun Card or a SeaWorld annual pass for guardians of young kids to take full advantage of these savings.

13. Costco Discounts

Costco typically does not sell individual SeaWorld San Diego tickets online. I am leaving this here because people frequently ask about it as a savings option. 

They stopped selling theme park tickets as frequently as before. Every once in a while, one might appear in a store, although it’s random, and you can’t rely on it as a way to save money.

Popular Upgrades & Add-Ons

Beyond your park admission ticket, SeaWorld San Diego offers optional upgrades that can enhance your visit, save time, or provide unique experiences. Book these online in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Quick Queue: If riding the roller coasters and popular rides is a top priority, consider Quick Queue, especially on busy days (weekends, holidays, summer). You’ll be able to access a shorter, faster line at select participating attractions to save on wait time.

• Types: Options often include a standard Quick Queue (allowing one front-of-the-line access per participating ride) and Quick Queue Unlimited (allowing unlimited front-of-the-line access at participating rides). Prices vary based on the date (dynamic pricing).
• Participating Rides: Typically includes major coasters like Emperor, Electric Eel, Manta, Journey to Atlantis, Arctic Rescue, and Shipwreck Rapids. Check the SeaWorld website for the current list when purchasing.

Reserved Seating: You can reserve a seat in a designated section for popular shows like the Orca Encounter or Dolphin Adventures without having to arrive 30-60 minutes early.

All-Day Dining Deal: While included in our discount bundle mentioned above, the All-Day Dining Deal can also often be purchased as a standalone add-on to any admission ticket. It allows you to get an entrée, side/dessert, and drink at participating restaurants throughout the park (usually once every 90 or 99 minutes) for one flat price. Check online for participating locations and specific rules on the date of your visit.

Animal Encounters & Exclusive Tours: A lot of our clients book these separately ticketed, up-close animal interactions and behind-the-scenes tours. Examples might include:

• Dolphin Interaction Programs
• Penguin Encounter
• Beluga Interaction Program
• Sea Lion Interaction
• Dine with Orcas (a unique dining experience with poolside views)
• VIP Tours

Parking: Daily parking is typically not included with single-day tickets, multi-day tickets, or Fun Cards (it is included with Annual Passes). You should purchase General Parking or Preferred/Up-Close Parking (located closer to the entrance, at a higher cost) in advance. I have always been fine in General Parking, but consider paying extra if anyone in your group has mobility concerns.

How to Buy: Most upgrades can be added when purchasing your tickets online through the official SeaWorld San Diego website or purchased separately later via their site. Some may be available via the park’s mobile app or at Guest Services inside the park. Quick Queue is popular and best purchased in advance because there’s a limited supply.

Understanding Gate Prices vs. Online Tickets

What is the Gate Price?

The “gate price” is what you pay if you walk up and buy a standard 1-day ticket at the SeaWorld entrance on the day of your visit. It is almost always the most expensive way to buy.

• Current Example: As of April 2025, the standard 1-day gate price is $126.99
• Why It Matters (Dynamic Pricing): SeaWorld and authorized sellers utilize dynamic pricing for online ticket sales. This means tickets bought online in advance (either directly from SeaWorld or via authorized sellers) are always cheaper than the gate price. Advance online prices often start from $61.99 – $98.99+, depending on the visit date.
• Bottom Line: To save money, never pay the gate price. Always buy your tickets online before your visit.

Other Pricing Factors to Note

• Add-Ons Cost Extra: Upgrades such as Quick Queue, Reserved Seating, and Animal Encounters have additional costs. Refer to our section above regarding upgrades for details.
• Check Policies Before Buying: Most theme park tickets, including SeaWorld’s (whether purchased directly or through third parties), are non-refundable and non-transferable. Always review the specific terms and conditions before completing your purchase.
• Watch for Special Promotions: Keep an eye on SeaWorld’s official website for limited-time deals like BOGO offers or seasonal sales.

Top Things to See and Do at SeaWorld San Diego

Rescue Jr. area appeals to toddlers, the new roller coasters thrill teens, and there’s plenty to do for ages in between.

Must-See Animal Encounters & Shows

It’s best to plan your visit around the popular encounter shows, arriving early to secure seats. You can find the showtimes in the app.

• Orca Encounter: Learn about majestic killer whales in a stunning presentation.
• Dolphin Adventures: Witness the agility and intelligence of bottlenose dolphins.
• Sea Lion & Otter Spotlight: Enjoy the comedic and informative interactions between sea lions and otters.
• Explorer’s Reef: Get hands-on at the touch pools near the park entrance.
• Shark Encounter: Walk through an underwater viewing tunnel surrounded by sharks.
• Penguin Encounter: See multiple species of penguins waddling and swimming in a chilly habitat.

Thrilling Rides & Roller Coasters

• Emperor: California’s tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster.
• Electric Eel: A multi-launch coaster with high-speed twists and inversions.
• Manta: A launch coaster simulating a manta ray’s glide.
• Journey to Atlantis: A water coaster with a significant splashdown.
• Arctic Rescue: SeaWorld’s newest straddle coaster, simulating a snowmobile rescue mission.
• Shipwreck Rapids: A classic river raft ride with guaranteed splashes.
• Tentacle Twirl: A fun wave swinger ride.

For Younger Guests

Low-Thrill Rides at SeaWorld offer gentle, family-friendly experiences suitable for every age group. After a long day, this is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy scenic views or mild excitement without the intensity of more adventurous attractions.

• Bayside Skyride: Relaxing gondola ride offering spectacular park views.
• Sea Dragon Drop: Kid-oriented ride featuring controlled ascents and descents, providing mild thrills.
• Tentacle Twirl: Traditional swing ride that lifts and rotates children, simulating flight while showcasing park surroundings.

Interactive Exhibits

Particularly if you’ll be bringing kids to this Mission Bay theme park, you can maximize your SeaWorld San Diego tickets by going to the interactive exhibits for an immersive ocean discovery experience.

• Explorer’s Reef Touchpools: Located at the park entrance, these touch pools allow visitors to touch reef sharks while animal care ambassadors share stories and facts.
• Bat Ray Shallows: In addition to allowing you to interact with bat rays, this underwater aquarium features white sturgeons and shovelnose guitarfish.
• Tidepools: With a hands-on learning experience with starfish, here you can learn the vital role of these creatures in the oceans.
• Ocean Explorer Animals: Be amazed and see the giant Pacific octopus, California moray eel, and Japanese spider crabs.

Retail Stores

After saving up with the help of SeaWorld discount tickets, you can now have some extra bucks to purchase souvenirs and unique items from shops around the park. Note that these stores typically accept a Visa prepaid debit card as a form of payment.

• Build-A-Bear Workshop: Create personalized plush toys with exclusive SeaWorld accessories.
• Discoveries Fresh Market: Get healthy snacks, convenient meals, and unique gifts.
• Sea Pixels: Book photo services to capture memorable moments throughout the park.
• Sea Rescue Merchandise: Purchase exclusive items to support marine life conservation. 5% of purchases are donated to the SWBG Conservation Fund.

How to Plan Your Day at SeaWorld San Diego

A little planning goes a long way to making your SeaWorld visit smooth and enjoyable. We have a huge post with our best SeaWorld San Diego tips, but here are a few highlights.

Before You Go

• Download the App: I use it frequently to check what’s open and closed.
• Check Park Hours: Verify the opening and closing times for the specific day you plan to visit on the official SeaWorld website or in the app. Hours can vary.
• Review the Daily Schedule: Look at the show and presentation schedule in advance to get a general idea of the timings. You can also pick up a park map upon arrival, which will include printed times.
• Check the Weather Policy: SeaWorld San Diego offers a Weather-or-Not Assurance Policy for most tickets (excluding some complimentary and other tickets). You can request a return visit if the weather isn’t cooperating.

On the Day

• Arrive Early: Some people arrive at the park entrance at least 30 minutes before the official opening time to clear security and head to the most popular rides first. I don’t think this is necessary on nonpeak days.
• Prioritize Your Must-Dos: Decide as a group what rides, shows, or animal encounters are most important to you. Head towards your top priorities early in the day when lines are typically shorter. If major coasters are a must, consider hitting them first.
• Utilize the SeaWorld App: Not only does it provide a park map and current show times, you can see estimated wait times for major rides, which is invaluable for planning on the fly.
• Consider Quick Queue: On potentially busy days (weekends, holidays, summer), the Quick Queue pass can be a worthwhile investment if rides are a high priority. You’ll skip the regular lines on most major attractions for an additional fee.
• Plan Your Meals: If you purchased the All-Day Dining Deal, familiarize yourself with the participating restaurants and plan meal breaks around showtimes or when you’re near a location. Mobile ordering is available at select restaurants via the app, which saves time waiting in line.
• Personal Care: San Diego weather can be warm and sunny. Bring refillable water bottles to use at water fountains throughout the park (because drinks there are pricey) and wear sunscreen.

Don’t Forget: Keep an eye out for seasonal events such as the Christmas Celebration, Halloween Spooktacular, and the Seven Seas Food Festival, which offer additional entertainment and themed activities.  

Here’s where you can see the park’s location

FAQs About SeaWorld San Diego Discount Tickets

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose SeaWorld annual passes or single ticket discounts, the key is to find the right entry that will reduce your trip’s costs.

See also: Top Things to Do in San Diego and Best Things to Do at Mission Bay

Learn also how to buy discounted:

• SeaWorld Orlando tickets
• LEGOLAND California tickets
• San Diego Zoo tickets
• San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets
• Disneyland tickets
• Universal Studios Hollywood tickets
• Knott’s Berry Farm tickets
• Universal Orlando tickets
• Sesame Place San Diego tickets
• Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets
• Walt Disney World tickets
• SeaWorld San Antonio tickets