My Amazing Day at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Welcome back to my blog! Welcome if your new here and thank you if you are returning. In this second post, I’m excited to share more about my adventures in Abu Dhabi, focusing on my absolute favourite activity of the trip which was SeaWorld!

 

First Impressions

From the moment we got dropped off by our Uber, I felt like an excited child again. The vibrant decorations and aesthetic building layout as well as the themed music set the perfect tone for a day as my boyfriend, and I were starting the day off even more excited and intrigued for the day ahead. My boyfriend and I were oozing with excitement as we walked through the entrance, greeted by themed characters representing the fascinating sea life that awaited us inside, as well as the friendliest, energetic, and most helpful staff.

Exploring the Wonders of the Sea

The design of SeaWorld is incredible, it is centred around the theme of Earth, with various areas showcasing different types of sea life from the warmest parts of the world to animal species from the warmest. We started our journey in the largest multi-species aquarium in the world. As we walked along the pathway, we were mesmerized by mini aquariums filled with colourful fish, hammerhead sharks, and even stingrays. For both of us, it was our first encounter with sharks, and it was exhilarating!    

                                  

The main aquarium is an impressive 65 feet deep and houses over 60,000 species from rainbow fish to starfish, stingrays, and sharks. Spanning three levels, each floor offered unique viewpoints and engaging rooms where the public could observe the sea creatures. One of the highlights from this section of SeaWorld was an escalator, this escalator transported us through the aquarium where there where sharks and fish swimming 190 to watch the sharks swim above us which gave us such a good view of what the sharks look like up close.

Fascinating Facts and Dolphin Encounters

As we wondered through the various exhibits, we learned so much! One of my favourite moments was feeding the dolphins. We discovered that these intelligent creatures have just two instructors per set of dolphins (4-5 dolphins) we also where informed that they love to play and that they just like children. Another fun fact that we were informed about was that flamingos get their pink colouring from the shrimp and prawns they eat!

I’ve always had a soft spot for dolphins, so I couldn’t resist the chance to pay for an extra experience to feed and meet them. It was unforgettable! In a small group, we got to feed the dolphins two fish each and witness some incredible tricks that weren’t part of the regular show. I was in awe of the dolphin trainers and their amazing bond with these animals. And when it came to getting a picture with the dolphin, they had to swim into are hands, this is when I got to feel the texture of the dolphins skin and it was so slippery and rubbery.

                          

Behind the Scenes: Animal Care

Next, we ventured down to the animal hospital, which was a truly heart warming experience. This facility was dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all the animals at SeaWorld. It included theatres, labs, and rehabilitation areas for creatures big and small. This included large pool area for dolphin rehabilitation, the entire area was made from glass walls so that the public could experience first hand the impeccable care that all animals at SeaWorld were treated with. Seeing the level of care provided was incredibly reassuring, especially during demonstrations featuring penguins, sharks, and walruses.

 

Lunch and Thrills

After an action-packed morning, we were ready for lunch as we were starving and the aroma of the amazing food on offer made us even more hungry. With eight different dining options, we decided to keep it simple and indulged in some delicious chicken and chips. Refuelled, we started to go on the roller coasters for a much needed adrenaline rush!

While exploring, we stumbled upon a smaller aquarium where we could pet stingrays. It was an unexpected treat! If you had told me earlier that day I’d be petting a stingray, I would have laughed and said absolutely no way, but much to my surprise I was breath taken by how caring, gentle and fun these animals where. Their silky, slimy texture was surprisingly satisfying, and they seemed to love the attention, as they were showing us their playful side by batting the side of their bodies playfully along the side of the wall looking for the public to pet the and give the attention.

Scuba Diving Adventure

The final adventure of the day was scuba diving walk in the massive aquarium filled with over 60,000 sea creatures. Yes, you read that right scuba diving with sharks! Initially, I was terrified, but the experience was nothing short of incredible.

We were greeted with dicing and animal specialists, then brought to a private section of SeaWorld to be suited up in wet suits and given an in detailed safety demonstration before descending into the chilly water. Helmets specifically designed to rest on are shoulders that enabled us to breath under the water with an unlimited oxygen supply were lowered over our heads by a crane guided by one of the dicing specialists. I was quite panicked but after a few minutes I got used it and became very relaxed, then we embarked on a walking tour of the tank which was so enjoyable. We held beautiful starfish and got up close with sharks and stingrays, this was surreal and a huge pinch me moment. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience, one I’d jump at the chance to do again!

Final Thoughts

Our day at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was filled with magic, education, and heart warming moments. From feeding dolphins to petting stingrays and scuba diving, it truly was a dream come true. I would highly this experience as well as visiting Abu Dhabi. I can’t wait to share more of my adventures with you in the next blog post! Until then, keep exploring and embracing the wonders around you.