You may have heard that San Antonio is the ideal place to raise a family. Well, it is also the perfect destination for adults who love theme parks. Who says you need kids to splash in waterparks, scream loudly on roller coasters, swim with whales, and eat cotton candy? If you are a grown-up and you revel in excitement as I do, then please, read on. Before you go, pack your fun hats, comfortable shoes, shorts, and sun protection of at least 50 SPF. San Antonio has an abundance of sunshine.
If you take I-10 West to Texas 151 access road west, you will find yourself in San Antonio, our nation’s seventh largest city. While you are there, please check into the Hyatt Hill Country Resort and Spa, at 9800 Hyatt Resort Drive. You will be glad you did because they consistently get high ratings from their visitors; this one included. And, I plan on making my way back soon because I loved the tranquil lazy river.
Photo Credit: Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa
What makes this accommodation so special? Well, they cater to people of all generations. Whether you enjoy water slides, beaches, porch rocking chairs, or a golf matters not. The rural-inspired ranch-house style gives it a rustic appeal that is calming. The restaurants and food choices will demand that you leave your special diet at the door. It is because of this establishment that my San Antonio excursion will forever be embedded in the pleasure centers of my mind and heart.
Photo Credit: Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa
Did someone request body services? Ahh! Get a facial and a full-body massage that will make you feel as if you are miles away from the city hustle when in fact, you are just minutes from SeaWorld San Antonio, home of the latest attraction, the Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster®, which looks like jet skis. I was one of the first to get sent on a mission to rescue sea lions in the deep. I will have you know, that those friendly and playful creatures are alive, well, and enjoying the waters in which they were born.
Photo Credit: Sea World San Antonio
“Wave Breaker tells the story of what the animal rescue professionals do every day,” said Jon Peterson, Manager, Rescue Operations. “We have rescued over 30,000 animals.”
According to Peterson, and Lara Croft, Sr. Veterinarian, we can do our part in the animal rescue efforts such as recycling trash such as plastics so that they do not end up in waters which harm our beloved sea-dwellers. “Avoid releasing balloons into the air because they can wind up in the ocean,” said Croft. “Those balloons must come down at a point.” “Instead, release butterflies because they pollinate which helps our environment to thrive.”
“Rescuing is the final option,” said Peterson. “Many times, animals heal themselves.” Peterson and Croft strongly encourage you to come and visit SeaWorld because the ticket prices fund animal rescue endeavors.
“Wave Breaker is an exciting and novel coaster for families to ride together, and adds to SeaWorld’s strong lineup of top-rated coasters,” said SeaWorld San Antonio Park President Carl Lum. “But what truly delights me is that this attraction best represents what SeaWorld is all about — it brings together the best of SeaWorld in one thrilling ride, and carries a message that leaves guests feeling inspired.”
The Wave Breaker® is the birth-coaster of Mike Denninger, VP Theme Park Development. He believes this ride is unique because it fills the gap between kiddy and adult rides that may be too scary for young adolescents. “We wanted to find a way to engage our visitors in our rescue mission,” said Denninger. “It took two to three years to develop and seven months to build.” Currently, it races across its path at 44 MPH and is six feet tall with 2600 feet of track. Ninety percent of the ride is over water. However, you will stay dry; I promise. Youngsters must be 48 inches tall to ride.
“The Wave Breaker®, is the first of its kind to place riders in the animal rescue mission,” said Denninger. “It is a coaster ride with meaning. It is more than just a ride; it is an experience.”
After I successfully fulfilled my mission to rescue those beautiful sea lions, I decided to go meet the Beluga Whales. Yes, you can meet whales and dolphins up close and personal at SeaWorld San Antonio. I had the pleasure of meeting Imaq—pronounced E-Mack—the male and Natasha—the female Beluga whales. The pair is quite loveable although, Natasha was a bit shyer. She took a little more time to warm up to the human touch.
Imaq, well, he is charming and enjoys flirting. He let me feed, pet, and give him a high-five—hand to fin style. Then, he allowed me to hug his wet squishy body, and he gave me a wet blubber-filled kiss. As he swam away, he waved with his tail-fin and splashed me! I was literally all wet. When you hang out with Beluga Whales, you will get soaked! Imaq and Natasha are well worth struggling to pull on a wetsuit. My new knowledge about Belugas has enhanced my ken.
The Beluga Whales immense bodies are mostly blubber which keeps them warm in frigid arctic waters. Their stark white coat protects them from dangerous predators such as polar bears and killer whales that await them. They would rather exercise the flight option than fight because they scare easily. I strongly encourage you to go and meet Imaq and Natasha. They have a lovely home in the cool waters at SeaWorld Discovery Point, and you are cordially invited.
Photo Credit: Syneetra Williams
If you appreciate warm smiles and hospitality, the staff has an abundance of it at SeaWorld San Antonio. While dining on a sumptuous lunch with Shamu, the killer whale, I met Takara the 25-year old matriarch of the Orca pod. She gave birth to a calf on April 19, 2017, which is the final one born at SeaWorld. She proudly swims with her baby. Shamu, along with the other killer whales take direction from Takara because their society is matriarchal. When she speaks they, all listen!
Takara is such the lady because she came over to my table during lunch and posed for a picture. I knew it was her because of the marking under her chin. She is amazing in that she teaches her calf how to swim and nurse. There is just one thing missing. The calf has not been named because the sex is unknown. “Takara will continuously swim with her calf as it begins to nurse and learn,” said Sigman, the trainer. “We take our lead from mom, Takara will let us know when she is ready for us to meet the calf and at that time we should be able to determine the gender.” SeaWorld is committed to continuous research to learn more about Orcas in the wild.
As I continued to enjoy the sights and sounds of SeaWorld San Antonio, I made my way into the Sea Star Theater to watch Pets Ahoy, a show that featured all rescue animals. I was astonished at how the dogs, cats, a pot-bellied pig, and a rat — yes, a rat cooperated with each other to entertain the audience with some fun tricks and other zany antics.
Photo Credit: Sea World San Antonio
The most interesting part was when the cats climbed polls, walked tightropes upside-down, and peered out the windows on the stage set. I wondered, how did the trainers get kitty-cats to follow instructions? And, how did they get the dogs to respond to limited voice commands? Maybe you can help me figure it out. But first, you must put SeaWorld at San Antonio on your list of fun and exciting places to visit for a few days — one day is not enough. While you are there, be sure to visit the Sea Star Theater.
Photo Credit: Syneetra Williams
Adults can revel in the surprises that SeaWorld offers its visitors. It is the place where people of all ages can relax and have fun. You can also be confident that SeaWorld San Antonio loves its animals, and is doing their part in educating all of us in its work to rescue them if needed and keeping our waters clean by recycling all trash. We all can follow SeaWorld San Antonio’s lead in disposing cans, bottles, plastics, and other litter in the proper receptacles which are situated in key areas around the park. Our environment will continue to thrive and love us for being mindful of it.
You will find SeaWorld San Antonio at:
10500 Sea World Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78251
210-520-4732, operation hours vary
