SeaWorld Orlando and San Diego have announced an all-new event coming to the park in January 2027.
Ocean Discovery Days will invite guests to explore the wonders of the ocean through animal experiences, interactive activities, education, and a closer look at SeaWorld’s conservation efforts.
The new family-friendly event will focus on marine life and the habitats animals depend on, while highlighting the behind-the-scenes work at SeaWorld parks. According to the park, guests will have opportunities to learn more about its animal rescue, research, and animal care programs while discovering ways they can help protect animals and their habitats. While SeaWorld has not yet released a complete lineup of activities for Ocean Discovery Days, the new event could offer guests experiences beyond what they typically encounter during a regular park visit. The emphasis on animal experiences and conservation also puts SeaWorld’s zoological work front and center at the start of the year.
Interestingly, Ocean Discovery Days appears to be replacing SeaWorld’s Inside Look, which has traditionally been held during the same January timeframe. Inside Look similarly focused on animal care, rescue, and conservation while offering special experiences and behind-the-scenes opportunities throughout the park. SeaWorld has not officially announced that Inside Look is being discontinued or directly identified Ocean Discovery Days as its replacement, but the timing and similarities between the two events make the connection hard to miss.
At previous Inside Look events, guests have learned directly from members of SeaWorld’s zoological teams and explored areas of the park not normally accessible during a standard visit. The event has featured experiences centered around marine mammals, the SeaWorld Rescue Center, and other aspects of animal care, giving guests a better understanding of what happens beyond the exhibits and presentations they see every day. Going backstage to see the shark tanks, dolphin food prep areas, and seeing rare rescues at the Rescue Center made this a favorite tradition for many guests.
Ocean Discovery Days joins a busy 2027 event calendar at SeaWorld Orlando. January will also bring back Three Kings Celebration, before the park moves into Seven Seas Food Festival and its accompanying seasonal celebrations later in the year. Electric Ocean, Halloween Spooktacular, and Christmas Celebration are also scheduled to return. And don’t forget about the one-day celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, and Mardi Gras – just to name a few. SeaWorld has plenty of entertainment and festivities throughout the year. Just pick a day!
Ocean Discovery Days are currently planned for January 9-18, 2027, with a complete lineup of activities still to come. These dates could always change, so always check the calendar before planning. We’ll be keeping an eye out for more details – especially which animal experiences will be offered and whether any Inside Look favorites make the jump to the new event. We are crossing our fingers for the return of orca encounters that haven’t been seen at Inside Look recently. We haven’t yet heard whether San Antonio will add this event to its roster, but we’re watching closely.
