by Sarah Williams

Created on: July 24, 2008

When people think of San Antonio, Texas, typically visions of cowboys and horses fill their minds...most are unaware of the fact that this historic city is actually home to the world's largest marine life park, SeaWorld San Antonio.

Opened in 1988, SeaWorld San Antonio (originally known as SeaWorld of Texas) was designed to be the largest educational marine-life theme park in the world. In November of 1988, "Kayla", lovingly referred to as "Baby Shamu", was the first Orca born at the park, and became one of the most celebrated "sea stars" in the world. In 1989, the park was purchased by Anheuser-Busch, and the emphasis on the educational nature of the original displays were changed so that the more "thrilling" and "entertaining" attractions could take their place, including the addition of several roller coasters, stunt shows and a water park, "The Lost Lagoon".

When it comes to a "cool" family fun in the sun, there is truly no better place to visit than SeaWorld San Antonio. The park has truly revolutionized the concept of education and entertainment living in a symbiotic relationship. Guests can enjoy the spectacular "Believe" show, featuring the performance of four amazing orca whales, Kyuquot, Keet, Unna and Tuar, and go straight to the turnstile of one of the five thrill rides located throughout the park. From dolphins and beluga whales to mind-boggling inverted coasters and raging river rapids, SeaWorld San Antonio truly has it all.

Of course, most people are most excited about the wonderfully maintained and presented marine-life exhibits in the park when they visit SeaWorld. This park features some of the most modern animal exhibits in the United States. The Penguin Encounter is truly breathtaking. Guests step on to a moving walkway that guides them through a recreation of the arctic wilderness where over 200 penguins of different species can be viewed in various habitats. Dolphin Cove is also a very popular exhibit, where Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are waiting for guests to interact with them and feed them; trainers are there to explain about behavioral issues, training and handling of these wonderful creatures. Of course, one can't forget to mention the Shark and Coral Reef exhibit, where some of the most deadly species of shark, eel, tropical fish and sting rays can be viewed in an "up close and personal" manner.

If "thrill rides" are your thing, don't discount this wonderful park. There are three truly wonderful rides at SeaWorld that are sure to

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>