By This sounds like lots of fun.
SeaWorld San Diego is calling all runners and walkers to join the 2nd Annual Fins & Flippers 5K, taking place on Sunday, April 19 at 7 a.m. This exciting event where land meets sea will have a shark-inspired twist as the park prepares for the upcoming debut of the all-new Shark Encounter, opening this spring.
The Fins & Flippers 5K invites participants of all ages and fitness levels to take part in a 3.1-mile adventure through the park’s scenic grounds, featuring stunning views of Mission Bay and passing by SeaWorld’s incredible animals and exhibits. Along the 5K course, participants will enjoy ocean-inspired surprises, aquatic-themed photo moments and the chance to meet lively, sea-inspired characters. The event is perfect for runners and walkers of all abilities, and all 5K participants will receive an official race shirt, race bib with a timing chip and a unique finisher medal, along with the opportunity to qualify for special sea-worthy awards.
In addition to the 5K Run, younger participants can enjoy the Kids Fun Run – the perfect opportunity for little ones to join in on the oceanic adventure. Little runners and walkers will also receive an event t-shirt and commemorative medal.
The event celebrates the beauty of the ocean and promotes the importance of marine conservation, offering a fun and family-friendly experience for everyone. As part of SeaWorld San Diego’s commitment to marine conservation, a portion of the registration funds from the Fins & Flippers 5K will be donated to the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI), a non-profit scientific research organization committed to conserving and renewing marine life to ensure a healthier planet. The HSWRI team of experts provides innovative and objective scientific solutions to challenges threatening ocean health and marine life in our rapidly changing world.
Early bird registration for Fins & Flippers 5k is $45 and will run from now through February 15. Registration pricing will go up to $50 after this date for a limited time*. The Kids Fun Run will start at $25, with price increases as the event gets closer*. SeaWorld San Diego Annual Pass Members receive the best discounts throughout the year, including a discount on race registration. All participants who register early for both 2026 SeaWorld race events – Fins & Flippers on April 19 and Howl-O-Sprint on October 18 – will receive a special discount to each event. Register here https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/fins-and-flippers-5k/. The top three male and female finishers in each age division will receive two single day tickets to SeaWorld San Diego.
The 5K runs are one of many events in a lineup of exciting events and openings in 2026. Opening in Spring this year, a reimagined Shark Encounter is set to debut. As one of the park’s most iconic and awe‑inspiring animal exhibits, the ALL‑NEW experience will transport guests into a breathtaking aquatic world—inviting them to explore the ocean in bold new ways and come face‑to‑face with the remarkable beauty and power of sharks, celebrated as legends rather than villains. The reimagined experience continues to showcase the stunning array of sharks, with over 10 different species including sand tiger sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and the endangered Australian leopard shark—part of a Species Survival Plan through AZA-accredited facilities. Almost all the species at Shark Encounter are listed as at least vulnerable or near threatened, reinforcing SeaWorld’s commitment to education and species protection.
For more information, to register, and purchase tickets, visit www.seaworldsandiego.com. Follow SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram for the latest event details and information.
*Prices do not include mandatory taxes and fees.
