sea world safari park

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Wildlife Safari

$92 & up*.

Price is per person

At A Glance

• Ages 3 & up
• $92 & up per person
• Savanna habitat

Ages 3 and older. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Maximum 3 children ages 15 and younger per adult. 

A separate admission ticket or membership is required for Safari Park entry; parking is not included.

Wildlife Safaris are an all-weather event, however during periods of inclement weather please call 619-718-3000 to check the status of your tour. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park reserves the right to cancel or reroute a tour due to inclement weather, animal health, and/or safety concerns. In the event of cancellation, efforts will be made to reschedule you on a later tour. 



For the safety of our animals and the comfort of our guests, outside food and beverages, selfie sticks, and tripods (except tripods used as monopods) are not permitted. Drinking water in closed-lid containers is recommended.

If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit. ​​​​​​​ Change/Cancellation:   Reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the program. Changes made 3 days or less prior to the program are not permitted. Cancellations received more than 3 days before the scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made 3 days or less prior to the program, payment is non-refundable.



Wildlife Safari Deluxe Twilight

• Ages 6 & up
• $142 & up per person
• Select weekends and holidays
• Savanna habitats

Ages 6 and older. Ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult. Maximum 3 children ages 15 and younger per adult. 

A separate admission ticket or membership is required for Safari Park entry; parking is not included. 

If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit. Change/Cancellations: Reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the program. Changes made 3 days or less prior to the program are not permitted. Cancellations received more than 3 days before the scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made 3 days or less prior to the program, payment is non-refundable.

This 90-minute adventure takes you into the Safari Park’s expansive savanna habitat during the twilight hours.  Your expert guide will share stories and insights while you experience this exclusive opportunity to be the only ones in the savanna at twilight. The tour also includes a stop to visit some of our nocturnal wildlife that can only be seen at dusk.

Each tour visits one habitat representing areas of Africa. Tour routes vary; you may have the opportunity to view species of giraffe, rhinos, antelope, gazelle, cattle, birds, and more.

The tour also includes a stop to visit one of our nocturnal species.

Feeding and/or touching of wildlife is not offered or permitted.

Mimosa Wildlife Safari

• Ages 21 & up
• $140 & up per person
• Offered select dates

Ages 21 and older. Guests will be required to show ID or proof of age at check-in to be served alcohol. A separate admission ticket or membership is required for Safari Park entry; parking is not included.

Wildlife Safaris are an all-weather event, however during periods of inclement weather please call 619-718-3000 to check the status of your tour. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park reserves the right to cancel or reroute a tour due to inclement weather, animal health, and/or safety concerns. In the event of cancellation, efforts will be made to reschedule you on a later tour.

For the safety of our wildlife and the comfort of our guests, outside food and beverages, selfie sticks, and tripods (except tripods used as monopods) are not permitted. Guests may bring drinking water; closed-lid containers are recommended.

If anyone in your party requires the use of a wheelchair during the tour, after booking, please call 619-718-3000 so we can notate your order prior to your visit. For the health and safety of wildlife, service animals are not permitted on Wildlife Safaris.

Restrooms are available during the stop at Amani Point. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended. Change/Cancellations: Reservations may be changed up to 3 days before the program. Changes made 3 days or less prior to the program are not permitted. Cancellations received more than 3 days before the scheduled program are subject to a $25 Cancellation Fee. Cancellations made 3 days or less prior to the program, payment is non-refundable.

Enjoy sipping mimosas among the wildlife of the African savanna! Begin with a meet & greet mingle and your first mimosa in a souvenir aluminum glass. Next, board a covered, open-air safari truck and venture into an expansive habitat for up-close views of giraffe, antelope, and more. Then it’s off to a breathtaking viewpoint for more yummy mimosas and pastries while taking in the sights and sounds of African wildlife. A scrumptious way to start your day!

Deluxe Wildlife Safari

• $117 & up per person
• Offered daily

Spend even more time with your favorite wildlife! On this 90-minute safari, you’ll venture into habitats representing Africa and/or Asia for up-close views of giraffes, rhinos, and many other species. Enjoy amazing photo opportunities while learning about how caring for wildlife here helps us to conserve wildlife around the world.

• Age 3 & up

Venture into one of our expansive savanna habitats to get an up-close view of a variety of birds and mammals—including some of our newest babies! You'll travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck, with an expert guide.

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Behind-the-Scenes Safari

These Safaris are guaranteed to thrill and amaze! Your guide will escort you to a variety of locations around the Park to see animals up close and share stories of wildlife care and conservation.  

Reservations

Let us answer your questions and create your day at the Safari Park!

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SeaWorld San Diego – tickets, prices, timings, what to expect, shows & rides

SeaWorld San Diego is an aquatic theme park with many animal interactions, exciting shows, and some of the world’s most thrilling rides. 

This family-friendly attraction gets around five million visitors annually. 

This article shares everything you must know before booking your SeaWorld San Diego tickets. 

• Top Tickets

# Regular San Diego SeaWorld tickets

Table of contents

What to expect, where to book tickets, how do online tickets work, seaworld san diego ticket prices, seaworld san diego `eat free’ tickets, how to reach seaworld san diego, seaworld san diego hours, how long does the tour take, best time to visit seaworld, explorer’s reef, bat ray shallows, sea lion point, animal attractions, dolphin encounter, sloth encounter, flamingo encounter, sea otter encounter, sea lions live, dolphin days, orca encounter, sesame street meet‑and‑greets, magellanic penguin show, rescue tails, reserved seating at shows, seaworld san diego rides, seaworld san diego map, faqs about the seaworld san diego.

SeaWorld San Diego is known for its diverse marine life exhibits. Visitors can observe and learn about various sea creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sharks, and more.

There are interactive touch pools where you can touch and feel certain marine animals under the supervision of park staff.

The theme park is famous for its entertaining and educational shows featuring marine animals.

SeaWorld offers a mix of rides and attractions suitable for different age groups. Some popular rides may include roller coasters, water rides, and themed attractions.

The park has various dining options, ranging from casual to more upscale restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines.

Gift shops are scattered throughout the park, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, apparel, and marine-themed merchandise.

Tickets for SeaWorld San Diego are available online and at the attraction box office.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.

Because the theme park sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

Once you purchase SeaWorld San Diego tickets , they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.

You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.

The San Diego SeaWorld’s regular ticket for all visitors above three years of age costs US$92 (Monday to Thursday).

Any day SeaWorld Single Day ticket for visitors above three years is priced at US$98.

Any day with a dining bundle, a SeaWorld Single Day ticket costs US$128 for all visitors above three years.

SeaWorld and Sesame Place 2 park tickets are priced at US$139 for 3+ visitors.

Infants up to two years do not require a ticket.

The Go San Diego Pass is another fantastic way to reduce ticket costs. The all-inclusive attraction pass offers free admission to the SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and 35 other attractions. 

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SeaWorld San Diego tickets

This popular skip-the-line SeaWorld San Diego ticket gets you access to all the animal exhibits, all the shows (except Rescue Tail), and all the rides.

You can meet creatures of the deep, like orcas, sea lions, dolphins, and more, via live interactive shows with their trainers.

Enjoy thrilling rollercoasters, flumes, sky-high gondolas, and more. There are loads of rides here for kids and adults.

Touch and feel the starfish, urchins, and other creatures in the touch pool, and learn about animal rehab.

The SeaWorld Rescue team has given over 30,000 animals a second lease on life!

Animal Encounters are paid activities and aren’t included with this ticket.

Ticket Prices

Regular Ticket(3+ years Monday to Thursday): US$92

Any Day Ticket (3+ years): US$98

Any Day – All Day Dine Bundle (3+ years): US$128

SeaWorld & Sesame Place Ticket (3+ years): US$139

Infants up to two years can get in for free.

The SeaWorld `Eat Free’ ticket is also known as the ‘Drink and Dine’ bundle and helps you reserve your food, brews, and cocktails at the attraction. 

Besides entry into SeaWorld, the ‘Eat Free’ tickets also include – 

For adults: Six food and drink items of your choice (including beer, wine, and cocktails) For kids: Four kids food and drink items of your choice

Ticket price (3+ years): US$103

Kids below three years can enter for free. 

This ticket costs US$134 at the attraction’s entrance, and by booking it in advance, you save US$31 per person.

*On the ticket booking page, select ‘Eat Free Ticket’

SeaWorld San Diego is a theme park in Mission Bay Park, San Diego.

Address: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, United States. Get Directions . 

It is 15 minutes northwest of downtown San Diego and San Diego International Airport (SAN).

You can reach the theme park by car or public transport.

San Diego Santa Fe depot is the most important transportation center in Downtown San Diego.

You can board the Pacific Surfliner train or the Coaster from San Diego Santa Fe to get to  Old Town Center , the closest transit stop to SeaWorld San Diego. 

You can board Bus No 8 or 9 to get to San Diego SeaWorld from just outside the bus stop ( SeaWorld ) 

SeaWorld is approximately 4-minutes walk from the theme park.

Turn on Google Maps and get started to reach the park.

SeaWorld San Diego has enough parking slots and offers three-car parking packages. 

General Parking costs US$32, and Up-Close Parking, where you can park your car in the first six rows near the park entrance, costs US$53.

For US$74, you can enjoy a reserved parking spot in the closest parking section near the park entrance.

You can decide which slot you prefer on the day of your visit. 

Parking for RVs and campers is US$40, and parking for motorcycles is US$20.

There are numerous parking garages around the theme park.

SeaWorld San Diego opens at 10 am every day of the year. 

From Monday to Thursday it closes at 7 pm and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday it remains open till 9 pm. 

The closing hours change; please check your ticket details before booking.

Most families spend six to seven hours at SeaWorld San Diego. Staying longer helps you see the shows, animal exhibits, encounters, and rides.

The best time to visit SeaWorld San Diego is when they open at 10 am. 

Early in the day, the animals are fresh and active, and the crowd is yet to come in, resulting in shorter queues. 

If you purchase your tickets in advance, you don’t need to stand at the ticket counter and can start visiting the animals as soon as you arrive. 

The summer months and school holidays are the busiest at the San Diego attraction. 

However, during the crowded days, SeaWorld has extra shows and stays open longer. 

SeaWorld San Diego animals

SeaWorld San Diego is home to about 13,000 animals, including mammals, fishes, birds, and reptiles.

You can explore these animals through interactive animal exhibits, animal attractions, and animal encounters.

Interactive animal exhibits 

There are three animal exhibits where you can touch the marine life forms. 

The regular Seaworld San Diego tickets get you access to all interactive exhibits.

Explorer’s Reef is just inside the park entrance and is the first opportunity to interact with sea life.

It is a series of touch pools where you can see and touch several reef shark species, horseshoe crabs, stingrays, etc.

Feel free to ask for insights from the Animal Care Ambassadors nearby. 

Kids can interact with touch-friendly bat rays at Bat Ray Shallows.

Visitors can also go downstairs (beneath the touch pool) for an underground aquarium with white sturgeons and shovelnose guitarfish.

At the Sea Lion Point of SeaWorld, kids and adults can feed and enjoy the antics of seals and sea lions. 

These animals are always active, so expect a crowd. 

Like the interactive animal displays, access to the animal attractions is also included with the regular SeaWorld ticket . 

Attractions are animal exhibits that visitors can see and enjoy, but they can’t interact with them. 

The most popular animal attractions are – Dolphin Point, Orca Underwater, 

Bat Rays, Flamingos, Sea Lion Point, Otter Outlook, Moray Eels, Magellanic Penguins, Macaws, Sea Turtles, Sloths, Sting Rays, Tide Pools, etc. 

Animal Encounters

SeaWorld San Diego has four animal encounters – with Dolphins, Sloths, Flamingoes, and Sea Otters.

All encounters are paid activities; all participants under 18 need a paying parent or guardian present. 

This 15-minute tour is an exclusive trainer-guided, poolside opportunity to meet, feed, and learn to communicate with Bottlenose Dolphins. Image: Seaworld.com

For this encounter at Dolphin Point, a paid parent or guardian must accompany participants under 122 cm (48 inches) tall.

For a group of up to six members, the encounter costs US$79, and you must reserve in advance. 

During the Sloth Encounter, you go behind the scenes at Dolphin Amphitheater for an up-close experience with a two-toed sloth.

Image: Seaworld.com

A #Slothie (Sloth selfie) is one of the highlights of the 15-20 minute session.

Participants must be at least six years old (and accompanied by a paid adult participant) if they are below 18.

The Sloth Encounter costs US$89 for one person, and reservation is a must.

Flamingo Encounter is a 20-minute session inside the Flamingo’s habitat, where an Aviculturist shares unique facts about the birds.

It costs US$24 for one person, and reservation in advance is mandatory. 

The Sea Otter Encounter is a 30-minute session where you will feed the Sea Otter and learn about the fascinating animal. 

This session with the curious and playful sea otters happens at the ‘Otter Outlook’, you must reserve it in advance. 

SeaWorld San Diego shows

Five shows at SeaWorld San Diego Sea Lions Live, Dolphin Days, Orca Encounter, Magellanic Penguin, and Sesame Street Meet‑and‑Greets are free for all ticketholders. 

The sixth show, Rescue Tails, is paid. 

Tip: Ask for the day’s show schedule and times at the attraction’s entrance. It will come in handy to plan your day’s itinerary. 

The Sea Lions Live is a free show at the Sea Lion Amphitheater. 

Visitors join Sea Lions Clyde, Seamore, and their buddy O.P. Otter for some splashy action.

This San Diego SeaWorld show is funny and educational and a favorite among most families. 

During this show, visitors see the SeaWorld aquarium’s family of Bottlenose Dolphins and their incredible athleticism.

This free show happens at the Dolphin Amphitheatre. 

If you sit close to the Dolphins, be ready for some splashing.

This show is a fantastic opportunity to meet Orca, the ocean’s most powerful predator.

Spectators learn about orcas’ masterful hunting techniques and complex communication codes. 

This free show at the Orca Encounter venue can get very splashy. 

The Sesame Street Meet and Greet at SeaWorld San Diego is highly popular with younger kids.

During this free activity, kids and adults meet their favorite Sesame Street characters, such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby, Oscar the Grouch, Grover, Zoe, Rosita, Telly, Bert, and Ernie. 

Visitors get to see the keepers feed the penguins during this free show at the outdoor Magellanic penguin exhibit.

The keepers also tell stories and answer questions about the penguins. 

Ask for the park schedule to know the feeding times.

Visitors learn about SeaWorld’s commitment to animal care and rescue at the Rescue Tails show at Nautilus Amphitheater. 

Visitors meet many of the park’s rescued animals, such as birds of prey, primates, and reptiles, and learn about their unique stories.

Besides meeting the animals, you also get to take photos of the fantastic animals. 

Entry to this show is paid and costs $14.99 per person. 

Visitors who prefer front-row action at the SeaWorld San Diego shows can reserve seats.

Unlimited single-day reserved seating at all participating shows costs US$30 per person. 

Reserved seating upgrades guarantee front-row action at Orca Encounter, Dolphin Amphitheater, and Sea Lion & Otter Amphitheater.

It won’t be valid at Cirque Electrique, Nautilus Amphitheater, or Mission Bay Theater shows. 

Seating is reserved only until the show starts, after which unused seats are opened for general seating.

Most visitors check out the animals, attend shows, and then head out to SeaWorld San Diego’s rides for their adrenalin rush. 

SeaWorld has five high thrill rides, four of which are roller coasters. 

Emperor, the fifth roller coaster of the attraction, is now open. 

SeaWorld also has two water rides and nine rides for smaller kids.

Some of SeaWorld San Diego’s most popular rides are Electric Eel, Journey to Atlantis, Manta, Tidal Twister, etc.  

Spread over nearly 200 acres in Mission Bay, SeaWorld San Diego is a significantly large tourist attraction. 

Carrying a map and being aware of the location of the exhibits helps save time and energy.  

Besides the animal enclosures, a map helps you identify rides and visitor services such as restaurants, restrooms, souvenir shops, etc.

San Diego SeaWorld’s layout is even more necessary for visiting with kids.

The SeaWorld app for Android and iPhone has an interactive map to help you find your way during your visit.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the SeaWorld San Diego:

Tickets can be purchased online , or you can buy them at the park’s entrance. Online purchases often come with discounts, and it’s a convenient way to skip the ticket line.

No outside food, drinks, or coolers can be brought into SeaWorld San Diego, except you may bring a water bottle. Exceptions may be made for Guests with special dietary needs, including food allergies and baby food/formula. You may contact Park Security or Guest Relations when you arrive at the Park for approval to bring in special dietary foods.

Both strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent at SeaWorld San Diego. Rentals can be made at the park entrance. Wheelchairs and strollers are also available to rent  online .

SeaWorld San Diego is home to many marine animals, including dolphins, killer whales (orcas), sea lions, penguins, sharks, and many more. The park is dedicated to the conservation and welfare of these animals.

Sources # Lajollamom.com # Funex.com # Tripster.com # Mousesavers.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Sea World San Diego

Updated July 3, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

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10 Best San Diego Safari Park Discount Ticket Deals | 2024

Quickly find cheap San Diego Zoo Safari Park discount tickets. My chart compares the zoo, Costco, AAA, Groupon & 6 other deals. Including a coupon code that always works, even if you’re at the gate! But first, here are the basic deals that you should know about.

San Diego Safari Park ticket discounts include 50% Discount Admission Coupons and Complimentary Guest Passes bundled with certain memberships. Seniors, students, and groups with 15 or more get 10% off. Groups of 100+ get 15% off. Active US military, teachers on field trips, and kids in October get in free.

Discover the cheapest legitimate Safari Park admission tickets (plus unpublished deals!) for you and your family in the chart below. Then scroll down the page for the need-to-know details for each cash-saving offer.

If you make purchases through the links in this post, I may be compensated. Read my Advertising Disclosure for more info. Thanks! ~ Nancy

* Save with a secret promo code on each San Diego Zoo or Safari Park 1-Day Pass. Go any day. Go directly to the gate. Click  HERE  to get your code, instructions & discounted tickets by email. By clicking the link above you agree to receive an automated email message. Valid only at aRes Travel , San Diego’s local authorized ticket seller. Read my full privacy policy .

San Diego Safari Park Discount Tickets Comparison Chart

Is it better to buy san diego safari park tickets at the gate or online.

Buying Safari Park tickets online is cheaper, faster, and safer. Safari Park encourages you to purchase your Safari Park tickets online and in advance. But it is not required.

Buying your passes on the internet costs less. If you purchase in advance through the San Diego Zoo Global website you’ll save $2. Get my promo code from local aRes Travel to save 10% off the $71 gate price.

Buying online reserves a spot for you and your group. This is especially important on busy weekends and holidays. You don’t want to drive 30 miles to Escondido from downtown San Diego only to be turned away because they’ve reached their guest headcount limit for the day.

You’ll also avoid the sales ticket window lines if you buy online. With a mobile ticket, you’ll go straight to the gate. Wouldn’t you rather get right to seeing exotic animals rather than being one of the herd waiting in line for a ticket?

NOTE: San Diego Zoo Global charges a $1 convenience fee for online purchases.

Online Ticket Discounts are Becoming Harder to Find

Due to increasing costs due to economic inflation, San Diego Safari Park has asked websites to stop publishing some of our best discounts. You can understand their position. They’re a non-profit and feeding the animals has got to come first. You’re not the only one hurting from the high price of energy and groceries.

Fortunately, my favorite authorized ticket source, aRes, has gone the extra mile for SanDiegoing readers and carved out the best possible deal for you under the circumstances. Click on the koala below for details.

How Much Are San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets At The Gate?

San Diego Safari Park ticket prices at the entrance are:

• $71 for adults
• $61 for children up to 12 years old
• FREE for toddlers and infants under 3 years old with a paid adult

Parking is not free at this attraction. It costs $20 per normal-sized passenger vehicle.  If you’re driving an RV the fee is $38. Call 619-718-3000 to see if they’ve restarted preferred parking. 

What’s Included In San Diego Zoo Safari Park Admission?

A San Diego Safari Park ticket one-day pass includes:

• Animal Exhibits
• All Gardens
• Africa Tram
• Cheetah Run
• Frequent Flyers Bird Show
• Tiger Keeper Talk
• Training Talks

NOTE : Please call 619-718-3000 to find out which (if any) of these activities have been canceled due to county COVID-19 restrictions. Read this section on another page of my site which details what’s included in San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets .

Also, visit my page on the best places to eat at Safari Park . In addition to details on all their restaurants, I’ve included tips on how to save a few bucks while eating well there.

When Are San Diego Zoo Safari Park Free Admission Days?

The best-discounted deal at San Diego Zoo is free entry, right? Here’s the scat on all of the free days at San Diego Zoo.

How Kids Free in October at the Safari Park Works

Kids get San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets free in October. Children under the age of 12 can get in free. There are some limits:

• They must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Only 5 children are permitted per adult. 

Your cheapest option is to buy a discounted adult ticket that allows you to bring in children for free. 

Unfortunately your Southern California CityPASS , and Go San Diego passes are not eligible for special events like this. AAA discounts won’t work either because they cannot be combined with any other discount offers.

You’re going to have to purchase a separate adult ticket. But you don’t have to pay full price. Click HERE for a discount code that will work on adult tickets during Kids Free in October.

Discover more kid fun for less! Check out my page where I uncover all the  discount ticket deals at Sesame Place San Diego  for you.

Seniors Get in Free During February at San Diego Safari Park

1-Day Passes are free for everyone over 65 all of February. This deal is only available at the entrance. Present a valid photo ID with a birthdate showing that you’re over 65 at a Safari Park ticket window. Only one ticket per senior. You still have to pay for parking.

Which San Diego Zoo Annual Membership Is the Cheapest?

San Diego Zoo Annual Memberships include unlimited Safari Park entrance privileges. If you love animals and walking in beautiful surroundings this is one of the best ways to get cheap tickets for the San Diego Safari Park. You can save up to 99.6% off the standard 1-Day Pass price if you visit the zoo daily for a year with the Resident Adult Premium membership. The cost is 29 cents per daily visit.  But what if you don’t want to come every day?

If you want to visit often on weekends, buy the San Diego Resident Premium Adult membership ($109). If you plan to see the animals during the week, purchase the San Diego Resident Adult Membership ($95). This membership level has all weekends and major holidays blacked out, that’s 123 days. Yes, I counted them all on their blackout date calendar. You can find the current year’s blackout dates calendar in the membership sections  HERE .

You’ll find a chart with the least expensive San Diego Zoo membership options and their restrictions below:

Annual adult membership plans cost from $99 to $10,000 per year. Here’s the San Diego Zoo annual membership page so that you can check them all out for yourself.

Bob and I are  Wildlife Protector Premium  members. At this level, we get free parking and unlimited entries to both the Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo. We usually visit Safari Park on Saturdays. Our favorites are Tiger Trail , Elephant Valley, Africa Tram, and eating lunch while watching herds of antelope and rhinos from a bench above Kijamii Overlook. If it’s a special occasion, we’ll dine at The Watering Hole restaurant.

Free Guest Admission coupons are one of the major perks of most San Diego Zoo annual memberships. Each of these printed tickets is like a 1-Day Pass – good for a one-time visit for one person. Guests can use these without a member being present.

How to Get and Use Free Guest Passes for Safari Park

You can visit San Diego Safari Park for free if you’ve got Complimentary Guest Passes. But the only way to get them is if you know a member who is willing to give them to you.  

You do NOT have to be with a member to enter the park using a San Diego Zoo Guest Pass.

Longtime members are more likely to have unused Guest Passes. Chances are that they’ve taken their visiting family and friends to the zoo and Safari Park many times. Members love sharing their passion for animals and they feel bad about letting their passes expire without being used. So asking them doesn’t cost you anything and may make them feel better. 

Buying Guest Passes online is risky . San Diego Zoo Global says that the resale of guest coupons is fraud and a violation of the seller’s annual membership agreement. They’re just printed tickets with a barcode. Anyone with a scanner and a printer can fake them. And you will not know that you’ve paid for a fake until you try to present it at the gate. You may be turned away because the scanner says that code has been used. 

How to Get 50% Off Discount Admission Coupons for Safari Park

This half-off San Diego Zoo Safari Park admission deal is legit. But they are also only available from someone who has an annual membership.

But these discounted tickets are MUCH easier to find than the free Guest Passes. Most of the annual membership options include 2 of these per year. Once again, ask the zoo members in your network if they have any unused coupons.

And just like the Guest Passes, buying these discount admission coupons online is not recommended.

Are Safari Park Shoppers Passes Worth It?

A Safari Park Shoppers’ Pass is another free way to enter the park. Actually, it’s a 1-Day Pass that will be refunded if you meet certain conditions.  Those conditions are:

• You’ve purchased a 1-Day Pass at the standard rate
• You’ve returned to the ticket sales window at the entrance within 45 minutes

Start back to the gate when you’ve shopped for 35 minutes because there may be people waiting in line at the ticket booth.

Are There Group Discounts at San Diego Zoo Safari Park?

You get 10% Off 1-Day Passes for groups of 15 or more paying visitors at Safari Park San Diego. This is a wonderful way for large families to get together while maintaining social distancing.  Of course it’s also ideal for businesses and social group outings. 

15% off the 1-Day Pass for groups of 100 or more. Call 619-718-3000 (Reservation Sales Department) well in advance of your trip. They will make sure that your group numbers will be counted in that day’s total. Also, they have meal vouchers for many of the eateries inside Safari Park for an extra fee. This can save your group members some money off of buying entrees à la carte.

What is the San Diego Zoo Tickets Senior Discount?

You can get 15% off a 1-Day Pass for guests over 65 at the gate . You must present a valid photo ID at a zoo ticket sales window to get this discount. They do not offer this deal online or by phone.

Save More Than 10% With Authorized Ticket Seller Deals

San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG) works with a limited group of vendors who have the right to legally sell Safari Park tickets. They are tied into the Safari Park reservation system. They have to maintain strict standards of customer service and abide by the rules set by SDGZ. 

These rules include maintaining their agreed-upon ticket parity so that the non-profit zoological organization can maintain its funding for conservation projects.

SanDiegoing Ticket Deals From aRes Travel

aRes Travel and San Diego Zoo Global have been partners since 1993. The Zoo and Safari Park online reservation system was developed and is being maintained and updated by aRes. All of the other authorized ticket sellers use that system to sell tickets according to SDZG’s standards.

Here’s why I recommend aRes:

• Many thousands of San Diego visitors have saved money with their worry-free discounted Safari Park passes and tickets
• 100% authentic tickets Guaranteed. All passes come directly from the Safari Park, Zoo, and other attractions like SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND, Disneyland, and many attractions in southern California
• They’re always cheaper than Safari Park gate prices (call for their unpublished rates at 800-719-8961 .)
• Fast, automated delivery via email to your inbox
• Never wait in line at a ticket sales booth. Go straight to the gate entry turnstiles.
• Save up to 30% on tickets/lodging for multiple theme parks and 100’s of hotels
• They’re a local San Diego company . They’ve got longtime relationships with hotel managers, attraction companies, and tour groups so they can put together great deals for us
• Their CEO is a nice guy . I dropped by their office one day and he spent at least 40 minutes answering my questions. At the time, no one was reading my blog but me, my husband, and sometimes my Mom. It was a gracious gesture.

One thing to note is that aRes charges a $2 online convenience fee ($1 + the SDZG’s $1 online fee) for Safari Park tickets. But that doesn’t bother me too much.  Because… you can actually TALK to them if you need help by calling 800-719-8961 . How rare is that? Google them to check out their great online reviews.

1-DAY PASSES

Save more than 10% Off 1-Day Passes to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park . Click HERE for a special unpublished discount code for SanDiegoing readers. Get your tickets by clicking the orange button below.

The tickets are easy to use. 

• Call 800-719-8961 to get your unpublished discount on your tickets
• Your tickets will be emailed to you after your purchase
• Print out your tickets or show them on your mobile device at the gate
• The Safari Park ticket attendant will scan the QR code
• You enter the park and have a great time 

Parking is not included at either park with this package.

ZOO MULTI-ATTRACTION TICKET BUNDLES

LEGOLAND® California & San Diego Safari Park Combo Deal

Save $24 for each adult vs buying each of these tickets separately. You get a 1-day LEGOLAND ® admission ticket and a 1-Day Safari Park Pass. Both allow you to bypass the ticket sales window and head straight to the entry gate. Safari Park parking costs extra. Guided Safari Park tours need to be purchased separately. Check out my Safari Park tours review page  

This ticket package is great for families traveling from Los Angeles and Orange counties for a weekend. You stay up in north San Diego county and avoid the worst of the traffic jams around downtown.

• $159 99 per adult (aged 12+)

Legoland California, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park Combo Deal

Save $24.49 for each adult vs buying each of these tickets separately. You get a 1 day pass to each of these popular attractions. Parking at Safari Park is not included. NOTE: Legoland California is not yet opened. This entry is for your planning purposes. Please check the operating hours prior to booking.  

This is a great bundle for a 3-day weekend getaway. Each of these attractions has enough to hold your interest for a full day. And kids will love it. 

Legoland California, San Diego Zoo & Safari Park Combo:

• $196.50 per adult
• $172 for children under 13 years old

Or call 800-719-8961 to get questions answered and for assistance.

HOTEL AND ZOO MULTI-ATTRACTION PACKAGES

Lions, Tigers, and Baby Elephants, Oh My! – The San Diego Zoo or Safari Park Package

You can save up to 30% off if you book your hotel and a San Diego Zoo 2 Visit Pass together. Of course the discount depends upon which hotel you choose. 

This deal is perfect for a short staycation for locals or a quick getaway for those traveling from Los Angeles or Orange counties. Choosing a hotel may be a difficult choice though, there’s over 110 to choose from. My advice is stay close to where you’d like to spend your evenings. 

If you’re looking for more of San Diego’s wild side, stay in the Gaslamp Quarter at the Horton Grand Hotel (scroll down the linked aRes page a bit to find this one). This historic boutique hotel has cozy fireplaces in every room. And you’ll be right in the middle of our nightlife district. 

Or call 800-719-8961 and let them help you create a memorable weekend.

San Diego Family Fun Vacation Package

This bundle is kid-friendly and you can save up to 30% off on your hotel plus San Diego Zoo and other attractions . This build-your-own custom package includes the Safari Park and the Old Town Trolley Hop-on, Hop-off Tour, and many more San Diego sights. Many of the hotels have FREE breakfast and parking. 

One of the more than 125 hotels featured in this deal is the beautifully situated Cape Rey Carlsbad . It’s a Hilton property located in Carlsbad with direct access to Carlsbad State Beach. It’s also a AAA 4 Diamond Resort with a great restaurant (Chandler’s) and an award-winning spa. Summer beach picnics, bonfires and watching the sun fall beyond the Pacific Ocean from an exquisitely designed fire pit will be highlights of your stay.

Or call 800-719-8961 and let them help you customize great family memories.

Other Hotel and attractions bundles from aRes Travel.

Costco San Diego Safari Park Tickets

If you search the internet you’ll see many references to super-cheap San Diego Zoo and Safari Park tickets sold at Costco. There’s just one problem, all of those posts are old and the offers are expired.

I spent hours scouring online forums, coupon code sites and large travel websites and the most recent  example of a Costco zoo ticket deal is from 2010. And in that comment thread they didn’t even give the price for the 1-Day Pass. 

I suspect that the killer Safari Park Costco deals will not be coming back. In the last couple of years San Diego Zoo Global, the Safari Park’s parent organization, has instituted a policy of price parity among authorized ticket sellers. SDZG doesn’t want other companies significantly undercutting their own gate prices. 

They’re not just being greedy. It’s for a good cause. Their mission is to end extinction and promote conservation awareness worldwide. And they aren’t subsidized or run by their local city like many other zoos. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are mostly self-funded through ticket sales to people like you.

Go ahead and check Costco’s Ticket Savings page to see if they’ve got Safari Park passes. But if you don’t find any, don’t be surprised. 

Costco San Diego Zoo Safari Park Ticket Bundles – There’s still a PDF for the Go San Diego Card discounts on the Costco website, but it’s an orphan. The Go San Diego Card is not on their ticket page, just links to a few restaurants. If you want to buy the Go San Diego Card click the link to go to aRes, our local San Diego authorized ticket source.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets On Groupon

Up to 70% off a 1-Day Adult Pass – This is misleading clickbait. Groupon’s last significant discount offer was in September 2020. If you go to their website you’ll get the standard 3% off deal that you’d get directly from Safari Park. Granted, 3% off is technically “up to 70% off”, but the wording is sneaky.

To get a better deal anytime, anywhere, buy your tickets from my travel partner aRes Travel of San Diego. Use this Safari Park Discount Ticket Form to get a discount code and the link where you can use it to buy your cheap tickets. Or, call 800-719-8961 and ask aRes for the unpublished San Diego Safari Park discount instead.

San Diego Safari Park AAA Discount

10% off a 1-Day Pass – You can only get this deal at the gate and if you’re a AAA member.  It’s good for you and 5 more in your group.

Present your AAA membership card and a valid ID at the ticket sales booth and purchase a 1-Day Pass for your ten percent discount. You cannot get this offer online or if you buy your ticket on the phone.

You can’t combine a AAA discount with any other coupons or offers. So you can’t use it during Kids Free in October or the Seniors Free in February events. But you CAN call 800-719-8961 ahead of time. Save yourself a bit of cash. Load the ticket onto your mobile device (or print it). Skip the ticket window line!

Public Service & Trade Associations Ticket Deals

San diego safari park ticket discounts for military.

FREE 1-Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo

Active duty US military are entitled to a free 1-Day Safari Park Pass. You’ll need to show your Uniformed Services ID Card or Common Access Card (CAC) at the entry turnstiles. You will not be allowed free access without that ID.

Military Family Discounts at Safari Park

10% Off 1-Day Pass at the Gate – Spouses and immediate family members must show their valid dependent ID cards at any ticket sales booth to get this discount.  

Get a 15-20% Discount at your local base’s Ticket and Travel Office. However you must buy in advance of your trip to Safari Park. You cannot get this deal at the gate. The percentage you will save varies by the service branch, the location of the base and other factors.

You can also find better deals on annual memberships and 2-Day San Diego Zoo/Safari Park admission bundles at your base travel office. For an example,  here’s a San Diego ticket price list from Camp Pendleton . Scroll down to the “ Download ITT Price List ” button to see it.

Veterans & Retired Military Safari Park Discounts

15% – 20% off 1 Day Pass – MUST BUY ON BASE. Free entry to San Diego Safari Park is only available to active duty military personnel. Retired military must buy their 1-Day Pass from their base’s Ticket and Travel Office. . Veterans and retired military can also get 2-Day San Diego Zoo Admission Passes and annual memberships at a discounted price at the base. For an example link over to the Latitudes Travel Information, Tickets and Tours page . Scroll down to the “Download ITT Price List” button. Click to open the PDF.

Law Enforcement Discounts on San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets

18% off 1 Day Pass – MUST BUY THROUGH SDPOA.org. San Diego Safari Park does not offer any discounts for those who serve as San Diego law enforcement and their families. But you can get significantly cheaper tickets if you buy through the San Diego Police Officers Association website. Login, click on the Members tab and you’ll see the Theme Park Tickets category.

On the SDPOA.org members’ page you’ll see these ticket deals:

1 Day Passes:

• $49 for Adults 
• $39 for children 3-11 years old

2 Day Admission Passes:

• $89.60 for Adults
• $79.60 for children 3-11

Tickets purchased through SDPOA.org will be delivered via email or sent to your mobile device.

Firefighters Free in September at Safari Park

Active US firefighters with a valid ID can get a free 1-Day Pass for the San Diego Safari Park during September “Firefighters Appreciation Month” . Safari Park is located in the rural San Pasqual Valley and has sometimes been threatened by wildfires. So everyone who loves the animals here is VERY appreciative of the firefighters efforts to keep it safe. 

To get free entry under this program you must present your active firefighter ID with a photo. It doesn’t matter if it’s a department ID or a Union ID. This complimentary ticket is not available by phone or online.

Firefighters’ Family Discount

10% off 1-Day Passes for Family & Friends of Firefighters.  

During September, San Diego Safari Park offers 10% off each admission for up to 6 people accompanying an active duty US firefighter who has a valid department or union photo ID.

Do AZA Members Get a Discount at San Diego Safari Park?

There is no American Zoological Association (AZA) member discount at Safari Park . San Diego Zoo Global is a member of AZA, but unlike most zoos in the United States, it is self-funding and cannot afford to offer reciprocal AZA benefits and fulfill their primary mission which is to end extinction.

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are both self-funded by your entry fees, food and concession sales, and extra add-on experiences like tour safaris. Most of the zoos in the AZA discount ticket program receive the majority of their budget from municipal coffers.

Travel Industry

Airline and cruise lines employee discounts.

10% off 1-Day Pass at San Diego Safari Park.   Airline and cruise company employees and one guest are eligible for ten percent off one day admission. This deal is not available if you pay online or by phone.  You must present your company-issued photo ID or CLIA card before paying at the zoo ticket window.

San Diego Safari Park Travel Agent Discounts

10% off 1 Day Pass to the Safari Park. If you’re a member of IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), you and a guest are eligible for a ten percent discount at the gate. If you’re a tour operator, travel agent, or wholesaler you can get this deal. All you need to do is show your up-to-date ITAN card prior to paying at any Zoo ticket window.

Deals for Educators and Students

San diego safari park teacher discount.

15% off a 1-Day Pass to Safari Park in San Diego for teachers directing curriculum-focused student trips. For more details, check the Zoo’s education and field trips page. The CTA Member Benefits website is a good resource for discounts and offers that teachers can use on personal trips to San Diego Safari Park.

San Diego Safari Park Student Discount

15% off 1 Adult 1-Day Pass to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the standard deal for students . All students 12 years of age and older are eligible. You must present your valid student ID before payment at any ticket sales booth to get this deal.

This offer is good for high school, community college, and university students as well as those working towards graduate degrees.

Is There a Diego Safari Park Residents’ Discount?

There aren’t any discounts for locals on 1-Day Passes for San Diego Safari Park. The best way for residents to save on Safari Park tickets is to buy an annual membership . These memberships offer significant savings for California residents in the 91900-92899 zip codes. The lowest tier costs $115 for a single adult. That means that your Safari Park and Zoo entries are free after just 2 visits.

How to Avoid Safari Park Online Ticket Scams

1) If the price for San Diego Safari Park tickets sounds too good to be true, you’re probably right. That’s the first rule to avoid being the victim of any online swindle. Pay attention to your little voice which says, “So what’s in it for them?” Sometimes it’s not just money, but your identity that’s at stake.

2) The Craigslist About Scams page says that most online fraud can be avoided if you insist on meeting face-to-face with the person selling the tickets. 

3) Guard your identity online by using payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Payoneer. If you are asked to make payment via PayPal, add on the Buyer Protection fee. It’s inexpensive, only 3.1% + $0.30 per transaction. Otherwise you are not shielded from having someone take off with your money without giving you a valid ticket in return.

Reselling of San Diego Safari Park Tickets is Prohibited

The sale or transfer of guest coupons, complimentary tickets, or unused memberships is a violation of the legal terms of the San Diego Zoo Global annual membership agreement. Words to that effect can be found on all Safari Park tickets. 

Buying tickets from someone who is not an authorized ticket seller is a chancy proposition. Someone could have purchased a ticket online and printed more than one copy at home. There’s no way for you to tell if that ticket is good until it gets scanned at the gate. 

I understand that sometimes vacations are canceled due to illness or emergencies. But it doesn’t happen very often. Keep in mind that there’s a good chance that an amazing deal on Safari Park passes is a scam.

Never purchase an unused membership to San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Annual pass holders must show a valid photo ID with their Zoo membership card at the gate. You’re out of luck unless your name is the same as the one on the card.

Don’t Buy Safari Park Tickets on Craigslist

Buying cheap San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets on Craigslist is a gamble with the odds against you. None of the authorized ticket sellers list their inventory on Craigslist. And although you may find the occasional person who had to cancel a trip posting their unused tickets it is rare.

Before you put money down on cheap Safari Park tickets posted on Craigslist read Craigslist’s Avoiding Scams page . PLEASE.

Some people have had success if the Craigslist post says “pay after entry”. That usually means that the person selling the entry pass is a member who is selling their guest passes. The zoo member brings you in through the gate as their guest and you pay them the agreed amount after you’re inside. 

This activity is prohibited by the members’ agreement with San Diego Zoo Global. Thus it’s morally questionable. It’s up to you whether you feel right about not doing the right thing to support endangered species. 

eBay – That incredible Safari Park ticket deal on eBay could be real or could be a steal (with you being the victim). Before you try to purchase them, read the eBay  how to recognize scams section.

Reddit –  I’ve read about a few meetings for transfers of San Diego Zoo or Safari Park tickets arranged in these forums. The ones that were successful were of the “pay after entry” type.

Closing Thoughts on Buying San Diego Safari Park Discount Tickets

EVERYONE can save some money on admission to San Diego Safari Park. There’s no reason to pay the gate price. And I hope that I’ve proved that to you in this article. Between the SanDiegoing readers unpublished discount that you can get by calling 800-719-8961 and my discount tickets chart I’m hoping that you’ve found a San Diego Safari Park discount ticket deal that will work for you.

Nancy Ulrich

I'm nuts...about animals, polymer clay, mixed media art & husband Bob. Happily planted in San Diego among good friends, family that I would have chosen if given the choice and optimism for a bountiful future for us all.

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