Sea Lion Encounter

Program

The crowd clears out, and you’re invited in! Meet and greet the stars of the Aquatheater—ask questions and get up close with our sea lion celebrities. Encounters take place following select performances of our Sea Lion Celebration, listed at the Aquarium entrance. All participants attend a 15-minute educational orientation prior to entering the Encounter area. Professional photos will be taken and made available for purchase.

Ticket Info

Sea Lion Encounter costs $20 per participant. A limited number of encounters are available following select performances of our Sea Lion Celebration, as posted at the Aquarium entrance. TIckets must be purchased at the admissions booth on the day of your visit; reservations and online ticketing are not available. Admission is required and not included in the price of the session. Photos may be purchased for an additional fee.

Cancellations

Sessions may be canceled due to weather or animal needs. If the Aquarium must cancel a session, participants will be offered a rescheduled session or a full refund.

Policies and Procedures

  • Personal photography is not permitted. 
  • The Aquarium reserves the right to refuse or terminate the Encounter for any uncooperative participant.
  • Participants cannot wear jewelry and must remove hats and sunglasses.
  • Participants will come into contact with saltwater and will get wet.
  • Guests with seafood allergies should not participate in the program.
  • Participants must be able to navigate at least one flight of stairs and be able to stand unassisted during the animal interaction.
  • Participants must speak English and be capable of following the instructions of the staff.
  • Participants must be at least 5 years old. No child under the age of 5 will be permitted in the Encounter area, even if accompanied by a participant.
  • Children 5–7 years old must be held by their accompanying adult during any animal interactions.
  • Purchase of Sea Lion Encounter tickets does not ensure seating at a specific Aquatheater show.
  • Participants should gather at the designated spot outside the Aquatheater entrance and will be escorted into the theater by the program facilitator.
  • Friends and family of the participant are invited to a special observation area during the Encounter. They will not be permitted to sit with the participant.