SeaWorld Switches to Drone Shows to Protect Mission Bay Wildlife

After years of fireworks harming local birds, the marine park files permit to launch up to 1,000 drones annually.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:52pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of illuminated drones floating above the waters of Mission Bay at night, with soft, diffused pools of warm pastel colors and light creating an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere.The upcoming drone light shows at SeaWorld San Diego aim to provide a more environmentally-friendly alternative to the park's previous fireworks displays, which had caused harm to local wildlife.San Diego Today

Two years after bird bodies washed up on Mission Bay shores following SeaWorld's fireworks shows, the marine park has announced plans to switch to using mostly drones instead. SeaWorld has filed a permit application with the California Coastal Commission to launch large-scale drone shows for two years, which would allow up to 110 drone shows per year lasting 15 minutes each. This comes after environmental groups sued SeaWorld over fireworks pollution under the Clean Water Act.

Why it matters

The shift away from fireworks is a win for local wildlife and the environment, as the pyrotechnics have caused significant damage to birds and polluted Mission Bay in the past. This change is the result of advocacy from local leaders like City Council President Joe LaCava, who made limiting fireworks a priority after taking office.

The details

Under the proposed permit, SeaWorld would be able to do 110, 15-minute-long drone shows with up to 1,000 illuminated drones above Mission Bay in a year. Currently, SeaWorld is permitted to put on up to 150 fireworks shows per year lasting between 6 and 20 minutes. If SeaWorld launches its maximum permitted number of 110 drone shows in one year, it could still do 40 fireworks shows. However, the fireworks shows leave behind a lot of debris and pollution in the water that doesn't get fully cleaned up.

  • In July 2024, bird bodies including elegant tern adults, chicks, and damaged eggs washed ashore Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve days after SeaWorld and Discover Mission Bay set off over 500 pounds of explosives on July 4.
  • In 2026, SeaWorld filed a permit application with the California Coastal Commission to launch large-scale drone shows for two years.
  • The Coastal Commission will vote on SeaWorld's permit application on April 15, 2026.

The players

Joe LaCava

The San Diego City Council President who declared war on pyrotechnics after taking office and has been working with SeaWorld to limit the number of drone or fireworks shows.

Tyler Carter

The new park president of SeaWorld San Diego who has been working with LaCava on the shift to drone shows.

SeaWorld San Diego

The marine life entertainment business that has filed a permit application to launch large-scale drone shows instead of fireworks above Mission Bay.

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What they’re saying

“When I became council president I realized I had a louder voice to make that change. You were really the first one to hear me say this and made a big deal about it.”

— Joe LaCava, San Diego City Council President

“The new leadership at SeaWorld has been such a game changer.”

— Joe LaCava, San Diego City Council President

What’s next

The California Coastal Commission will vote on SeaWorld's permit application to launch drone shows on April 15, 2026. If approved, SeaWorld would be able to do up to 110 drone shows per year for the next two years.

The takeaway

This shift from fireworks to drones at SeaWorld is a significant win for local wildlife and the environment, demonstrating how advocacy and new leadership can drive positive change for sustainability even at major entertainment venues.