The Shamu Adventure

The Shamu Adventure is possibly the most well known attraction found at SeaWorld.  The 35 minute show features a number of Orca, otherwise known as the Killer Whale, which are collectively known as Shamu.

Prior to the actual show, there is an enjoyable pre-show that takes place.  Here, guests are quizzed on their knowledge of the Orca and have the opportunity to sea themselves on the large screen as the cameras pick out guests from the audience to display.  The quiz is fun for guests of all ages, as it is set up as a competition between the kids and the adults – with the kids being a bit favored in the competition. 

Guests also enjoy an educational clip from Jack Hanna as he provides information about the entire Killer Whale family.  Topics covered include the feeding habits of the animals as well as their habitat.

Guests hoping to participate in the show should make a special effort to arrive before the actual show, as some volunteers are selected from the audience prior to the show.

A bald eagle entering the area is the sign that the show, which is both educational and fun, is about to begin.  The excitement begins almost immediately afterward as the trainer introduces the Shamu family and a 5,000 pound Orca suddenly comes leaping up from the water.  After completing some amazing rolls and dives, guests are left amazed. 

All of the action can be watched live, but for those guests wishing to catch some great camera angles of the action, the show is also displayed on the same larger “Shamu Vision” screen that was used to broadcast the quiz and Jack Hanna’s presentation. 

The guests that were selected before the show now have their opportunity to shine along with the Orca as they participate in a competition between the trainers.  The competition is to determine who makes a better trainer – a man or a woman.  This part of the show is quite amusing and the male volunteer inevitably gets quite wet. 

Young guest frequently enjoy sitting in the Splash Zone section of the seating area.  These are the lower 14 rows, where the splashing water created by the Killer Whales leaps are certain to get guests wet.  Even if guests make it past the splashing, there is a point in the show where the Shamu purposely throw water at them.  For those not wishing to get drenched but wanting to sit in the Splash Zone, ponchos are recommended.