How to Buy Discount SeaWorld San Diego Tickets: 13 Cheap Ways to Save (2025)

Various legitimate ways to purchase discounted SeaWorld San Diego tickets exist 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 allows you to save time on research, easily choose the right admission, and skip invalid coupons. Sometimes, special groups have their own discounts, but most of the offers listed are available to the general public. Additionally, I have a couple of promo codes that you can take advantage of.

I live on Mount Soledad in La Jolla, and I can see SeaWorld San Diego from my backyard. Having grown up in Orange County, I 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 the ticket type to jump to each ticket’s expanded details below.

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

To help you enjoy these awesome marine attractions for less, I offer discount SeaWorld tickets powered by aRes Travel, a San Diego-based, authorized ticket seller to 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.

2. SeaWorld Direct Online Promotions & Tickets

SeaWorld San Diego offers promotional pricing directly on its website, which is typically lower than the gate price. These online prices and specific offers change frequently so I suggest you buy 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, with weekdays 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, allowing you to 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 gets you admission into SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and Safari Park within seven days of visiting the first park.
• Various Ticket Upgrades: We will discuss these in more detail below.

Key Takeaway: Buying direct from SeaWorld online will save you money compared to 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, 2025. This pass does have some 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 provide up-close parking and dining discounts, it’s still a great deal for exploring the theme park. It’s nearly the same price as one-day SeaWorld tickets, worth $114.99.

5. SeaWorld San Diego Annual Passes

For a bit more than fun cards, a SeaWorld San Diego Annual Pass can add more value. And they’ve revised the passes to include even more 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 these. 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

As the most popular San Diego sightseeing pass, the Go City San Diego pass saves up to 50% off of admission to 45 top San Diego attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego.

1. Choose the pass option that best suits you (you can buy an All-Inclusive pass or Explorer pass) and buy your pass in advance.
2. Get your pass on a mobile device or print it at home.
3. Show the pass at any eligible attraction, and you’re in for free.

All-inclusive passes are available in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7-day options at different prices. Among the benefits of the Go San Diego discounted attractions pass, you can choose as you go over the course of 60 days from first use. Make sure that the other Southern California attractions you’d like to visit are listed on the option you buy. 

Use the SeaWorld ticket discount code GOSDO5LJM to apply an extra 5% off ALL Go San Diego sightseeing passes when you buy through Go City! This discount stacks on top of sale rates! Also, check aResTravel, where All-Inclusive and Explorer Passes are currently cheaper.

Pass has limited value for families at many attractions during Kids Free October in San Diego — we recommend individual tickets during this timeframe instead.

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 the cost of admission. SeaWorld lets you build your own vacation package based on your preferred dates but we have some different 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 94 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

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

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

10. Military SeaWorld San Diego Tickets

Active duty military members and veterans receive special SeaWorld theme park discounts through the Waves of Honor program. Active military personnel and veterans receive one complimentary admission to SeaWorld San Diego -they can bring three direct dependents. Also, you can find the most up-to-date information here.

Additionally, the park now offers a SeaWorld San Diego 2025 Military Pass for only $99.99, which provides unlimited visits to the park and general parking for active-duty military personnel and veterans. Military discount pass holders may access SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Sesame Place parks and can purchase up to 6 passes.

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

Do you live in San Diego or Orange County? If so, the Preschool Fun Card is a great deal when available! You’d pay $24.99 for unlimited visits for all of 2025 for ages three to five. The first visit has to occur before April 28, 2025.

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 does not sell individual SeaWorld San Diego tickets online. I am leaving this here because people are constantly asking about this as a way to save. 

They stopped selling theme park tickets for the most part. Every once in a while, one might pop up in a store, although it’s random, and you can’t depend 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 (closer to the entrance, higher cost) in advance. I have always been fine in General Parking but consider paying extra if anyone in your group has mobility converns.

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 $122.99.
• Why It Matters (Dynamic Pricing): SeaWorld and authorized sellers use dynamic pricing for online tickets. 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 $73.99 – $90+, 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 am a heavy user of the app to see 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 beforehand to get a general idea of 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 like the Christmas Celebration, Halloween Spooktacular, or the Seven Seas Food Festival, which add extra 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