behind the scene tours

[Isafari]

Anyone been on any of the behind the scene tours at Seaworld?
Got information from the Seaworld section of these boards and they mention 3 tours, all one hour long. I would love to hear about anyone's experience of these tour's and if they were worth doing.

Predators Tour:
Have you ever wondered who rules the oceans? Explore the myths behind shark attacks and uncover the mysteries of shark behavior as you handle fascinating bio-facts and touch a shark! Then, join us backstage at Shamu Stadium as we explore the awesome power of killer whales. You decide – if you dare – who is the ocean's top predator?

Polar Expedition Tour:
Travel from pole to pole and visit exclusive behind-the-scenes areas at Wild Arctic to explore the amazing world of polar bears and beluga whales. Then, enter the chilly environment of the South Pole to meet and touch a Magellanic penguin!

To The Rescue Tour:
Go behind-the-scenes for an inside look at SeaWorld's animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Visit manatees, sea turtles and birds to discover what it takes to care for these endangered species.

Pricing per tour:
· $8.95 for adults

[Deb]

Hi Isafari, only just seen this question!

It was a few years ago now, so I can't remember all the detail, but I went on the Rescue Tour at Seaworld and found it well worth the money. It was fascinating to hear and see at first hand the sort of stuff that goes on behind the scenes. We saw the pools with the rescued manatees in close up. The CM that took us around really knew her facts. Sorry I can't remember much more, but I know I found it thoroughly fascinating and fun.

Deb

[Isafari]

Thanks Deb - I think we will do a couple of them later in the year if they are still running whenb we go.

Am I correct in thinking that you book them as you enter Seaworld?

[Deb]

Yeah, that's right. At the kiosk after the entrance where they give out the maps.

[SonshineK23]

I am also wondering about the extra tours you can take at SeaWorld, in particular the Polar Bear Tour...has anyone been on this one?...I'd love to hear about it!
Also, any comments on the Polynesian Luau...thanks!

[AdGuy]

Just back from a weekend at SeaWorld and took the Predators backstage tour yesterday morning. Tickets are available for all three tours near the Lost & Found area to the left as you enter the park. Times of the tours vary but usually all three tours are offered once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Our Predators tour started at 10:45am and there were only 6 adults and 1 child in the group (they allow up to 20 people for each tour).

We met near the Shamu Stadium and entered the back pool area where the trainers were preparing for the 11:30am show and working with the seven killer whales scattered across the five pool sections. Our educator explained how killer whales track and hunt prey and also how their natural behaviors are used in their training. This portion ran about 15 minutes.

We then travelled to a back area of the Shark Encounter exhibit where we learned about shark behaviors, myths, and the different types of sharks. Next, we were allowed to 'pet' small live leporad sharks and then climbed to the top of the Shark Encounter tank to view a shark feeding and look at this interesting exhibit from another perspective.

Prices for the tours are now $10/adult (though many of the tourist magazines have $1 off coupons and annual passholders receive a 10% discount). The tour, which lasted almost one hour on the nose, was filled with facts and the guides are very good about answering questions.

BTW, I've heard the Rescue tour is being enhanced to include guest feedings of rescued birds in SW's aviary. This new change should be in place by mid-February, 2004.