SeaWorld San Diego’s new exhibit, Jewels of the Sea, was created to reimagine zoological experiences and deliver a next-generation attraction that inspires and engages guests in an entirely new way. The park had not launched a new animal attraction since 2014’s Explorer’s Reef, and there was growing demand for immersive, meaningful, and visually stunning encounters. While jellyfish had been displayed before, the park had never built a dedicated, fully immersive jellyfish aquarium - an unprecedented opportunity.
Jewels of the Sea is SeaWorld San Diego’s first exhibit to integrate immersive AV technology on this scale with live animals. Synchronized lighting, video, and audio respond dynamically to the space, creating an environment that feels alive and constantly shifting. Guests are encouraged to slow down, notice details, and engage more intentionally, transforming passive observation into a sensory-rich encounter.
The exhibit features 18 aquariums, including 10 circular aquariums embedded into video walls like portholes into the ocean. Because jellyfish are not significantly affected by light or sound, the team could push creative boundaries with bold AV effects, soundscapes, and seamless transitions. The result is a responsive, sensory journey rather than a traditional exhibit.
The Experience
The former animal habitat was transformed into a contemplative, magical environment that pulls visitors deeper into the world of jellyfish through three galleries:
- Realm of the Jellies: A Story of Water and Light – Introduces anatomy, life cycles, stinging mechanisms, and evolutionary history alongside live species.
- Jellyfish Passage – Explores the bizarre, often unbelievable aspects of jellyfish biology and the many mysteries that remain about animals that predate dinosaurs.
- Medusa Gallery – The star of the exhibit. Guests are surrounded by a three-sided LED video wall that extends seamlessly to the ceiling. Ten aquariums are embedded into the walls. A custom-designed 16-minute film loop of eight distinct video chapters reacts dynamically with the live tanks.
The video chapters highlight different perspectives of jellyfish:
- Submerge – A submarine dive through three ocean depths.
- Macro – Oversized, close-up live footage in shifting colors.
- Neon – A playful exploration of color and vibrance.
- Inky – A waltz-like choreography showing jellyfish moving with currents.
- Science – Animated 19th-century-style scientific illustrations.
- Bioluminescence – The role of light in deep-sea communication.
- Outer Space – Parallels between jellyfish and alien-like mysteries of the ocean.
- Kaleida – A kaleidoscopic display of interconnected marine life.
Industry Firsts
Several features set this attraction apart:
- Immersive AV integration – Curved LED walls and ceilings with porthole cutouts for live jellyfish tanks. Custom content plays in eight ocean-themed scenes across a 16-minute loop. RGB lighting links the video with the live tanks.
- Custom show control – Unites video, audio, and aquarium lighting so each scene transforms the room.
- Flexible playback modes – Options for sensory-friendly hours, after-hours events, and aquarist-led educational talks.
- Sustainability – ZEUS-enabled LED panels power down when not in use, reducing energy, heat, and HVAC strain while supporting delicate jellyfish habitats.
Impact
The results were immediate. Since opening on March 15, 2025, Jewels of the Sea has welcomed more than 100,000 visitors in its first 90 days. Guests and media have praised it as “stunning,” “a must-see,” and “the coolest part of SeaWorld.” Social media coverage across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok has amplified its reach far beyond the park, while local and national outlets, including NBC 7 San Diego and ABC 10News, highlighted its immersive design.
SeaWorld credits the project with blending education and entertainment in a way the park has never done before. The exhibit features nine jellyfish species and transforms a former habitat into one of the park’s most talked-about spaces.
Conclusion
By combining large-scale visuals, responsive lighting, immersive audio, and live animals in a seamless, flexible system, Jewels of the Sea redefines what an aquarium experience can be. It demonstrates how experiential technology can engage audiences emotionally, support animal welfare, and set a new benchmark for themed attractions.
