July 4th Night Paddle & SeaWorld Drone Show

Celebrate the Fourth of July on the water with Aqua Adventures during one of our most popular events of the year! This special nighttime paddle through Mission Bay offers a unique way to experience San Diego’s holiday atmosphere from a kayak or stand up paddleboard.

This year, SeaWorld San Diego is debuting an all-new nighttime drone spectacular, Ocean of Dreams, featuring 600 synchronized drones creating breathtaking displays inspired by marine life, ocean conservation, and the beauty of the sea. Watch glowing formations of dolphins, sharks, sea otters, and a majestic orca illuminate the night sky while floating on the calm waters of Mission Bay.

Our tour begins with a scenic sunset and moonlight paddle toward SeaWorld, where your guide will lead the group to one of the best viewing locations on the bay. Before launch, we’ll conduct a full safety briefing and go over the route and event procedures.

The experience doesn’t end after the show. As we paddle back beneath the night sky, we may encounter California sea lions, shore birds, and even seasonal bioluminescence—nature’s own underwater light show.

This once-a-year event is always one of our biggest nights of the summer and spots are expected to fill quickly.

Event Details

July 3: SeaWorld Drone Show begins at 9:00 p.m.
July 4: SeaWorld Drone Show begins at 9:30 p.m., with Big Bay Boom and other coastal fireworks displays beginning around 9:00 p.m.

Important Information

• To ensure we arrive in time for the show, we will head directly toward the viewing area after launch.

• Please arrive early to allow enough time for check-in and the safety briefing.

• Free parking is available across the street in the large dirt lot.

• The gated lot directly in front of our shop is privately operated and charges hourly parking fees, which may increase during the holiday weekend.

Age Requirements

• Minimum age is 8 years old.

• Children under 14 years old must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult.

Please Note

• No pets are permitted for this event.

• Due to the busy holiday boating conditions on Mission Bay, all participants should have basic paddling experience.

• Weather and visibility conditions may affect the experience, and event schedules are subject to change by SeaWorld and local organizers.

Join us for an unforgettable evening on Mission Bay and experience San Diego’s Fourth of July celebration from a whole new perspective.

Please note: Aqua Adventures is not affiliated with or operated by SeaWorld San Diego. Drone show schedules, start times, performances, and cancellations are determined solely by SeaWorld and are subject to change without notice. While we do our best to position groups for the best possible viewing experience, Aqua Adventures cannot guarantee show timing, duration, visibility, or specific performances.