Visitors flock to the family-friendly SeaWorld San Diego for three things – animal encounters, shows, and thrilling rides.
Most visitors check out the animals, attend shows, and then head out to SeaWorld San Diego’s rides for their adrenalin rush.
SeaWorld has five high thrill rides, four of which are roller coasters.
Emperor, the fifth roller coaster of the attraction, the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster, is now open!
SeaWorld also has two water rides and nine rides for smaller kids.
This article shares everything about the different types of rides at San Diego SeaWorld.
Table of Contents
Electric Eel
The Electric Eel is the tallest, fastest roller coaster in San Diego and is 260 meters (853 feet) of adrenalin rush. Yes, that’s how long this ride is.
Its multi-launch coaster with high-energy twists, electrifying loops, and inversions makes it popular with everybody.
During this roller coaster, the riders drop from heights of 46 meters (150 feet) while getting boosted 96 kph (60 mph) forwards and backward through looping twists.
Don’t miss the upside-down view of picturesque Mission Bay on the Electric Eel.
Thrill Level: High
Ride Type: Roller Coaster
Height Required: 137 cm (54 inches)
Journey to Atlantis
Journey to Atlantis opened in SeaWorld San Diego in 2004 with many improvements to its Orlando counterpart.
The most significant was removing the large interior scenes of Atlantis and adding a much larger roller coaster ride.
The Atlantis ride is a thrilling action-adventure with some splashing involved.
Thrill Level: High
Ride Type: Roller Coaster
Height Required: 107 cm (42 inches)
Splash Level: Some splashes
Note: The ride is temporarily closed.
Manta
The Manta Ride at Seaworld San Diego is a manta ray-themed ride and animal exhibit.
It starts with a 270-degree projected media experience at the first launch.
The riders’ car rocks forward and backward in synchronization with the projected film of a coral reef and many Manta Rays.
The roller coaster reaches up to 69 kph (43 mph) during the two-minute-long experience.
The 850 meters (2800 feet) long ride stands at a height of 9.1 meters (30 feet) and features a drop including an underground portion of 16 meters (54 feet).
Thrill Level: High
Ride Type: Roller Coaster
Height Required: 107 cm (42 inches)
SeaWorld San Diego tickets get you access to all the rides at the attraction. Select ‘Eat Free’ tickets on the booking page to book your food and drinks at SeaWorld in advance. Book Now!
Arctic Rescue
The wildlife of the Arctic is in danger as the ice melts.
Now is the perfect time to mount your snowmobile and head for the help!
Join the team and experience the thrill of the West Coast’s fastest and longest straddle coaster, spanning 2,800 feet of track.
Navigate three thrilling launches and reach wind-whipping speeds of 64 kph (40 mph) to experience every ice delight.
Thrill Level: High
Ride Type: Family, Roller Coaster
Height Required: 122 cm (48 inches)
Shipwreck Rapids
Shipwreck Rapids at SeaWorld San Diego is one of Southern California’s favorite water rides.
A winding river turns to roll whitewater rapids before plunging through a waterfall finale. It is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
The water ride is themed as a South Pacific island where four ships – Implausible, RMS Royal Star, Wholly Mackerel, Dream Boat II – and their crew members are stranded.
Thrill Level: Medium
Ride Type: Water
Height Required: 107 cm (42 inches)
Splash Level: Soaked
Riptide Rescue
Riptide Rescue in SeaWorld San Diego is an all-new, exciting spinner ride.
During this classic spinner ride, riders sit in speedy Sea Rescue boats and soar through the skies on a simulated sea turtle rescue mission.
Riptide Rescue’s 12 gondolas seat two riders, so riders sit in pairs.
Thrill Level: Medium
Ride Type: Family
Height Required: 114 cm (45 inches)
So, have you decided to visit SeaWorld San Diego?
Buy SeaWorld TicketsRescue Rafter
Board the Rescue Rafter, a fully equipped rescue boat that rides the waves like the dedicated teams at SeaWorld Rescue!
Experience the gentle swaying and surprising spins the ocean can bring to rescue missions.
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
Height Required: 107 cm (42 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
Aqua Scout
The Aqua Scout ride has six mini-submarines that spin, bump, and bounce you around.
Riders must be at least 91 cm (or 36 inches) or accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years or older.
Thrill Level: Low
Height Required: 91 cm (36 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
Note: This ride is temporarily closed.
Bayside Skyride
Bayside Skyride is the oldest ride at the theme park.
Inaugurated in 1967, the Skyride is an excellent opportunity to take in the scenic Mission Bay’s stunning views.
Riders 3 years and above must pay a US$6 entrance fee for a roundtrip on Bayside Skyride.
A supervising companion older than 14 must accompany all riders under 142 cm (56 inches) tall.
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family, Outdoors, Leisure
Rescue Riders
Prepare to feel the rush of adventure and the wind in your hair when you go on Rescue Riders, the ultimate experience for young heroes who want to save creatures on the water!
Put on your seatbelt and take to the water on your jet ski like a true hero!
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
Height Restrictions: 122 cm (48 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
Octarock
Octarock riders swing high and reach for the sky as they rock back and forth.
It is ideal for toddlers (3 to 5 years) and slightly older kids (6 to 12 years).
Kids must be at least 79 cm (31 inches) tall to ride, and adults over six aren’t allowed to ride Octarock.
Image: Makelifelovely.com
A supervising companion older than 14 must accompany all riders between 79 cm (31 inches), and 91 cm (36 inches).
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
Height Restrictions: 91 cm (36 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
Tidepool Twist
On Tidepool, twist, turn, and discover.
Turn around!
Follow the tide as it moves around you to discover the distinctions between the various kinds of sea life found in tide pools through educational graphics.
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
Height Restrictions: 107 cm (42 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
SeaWorld San Diego tickets get you access to all the rides at the attraction. If you also want to book your food and drinks at SeaWorld, opt for ‘Eat Free’ tickets on the booking page. Book Now!
Tentacle Twirl
Riders take to the skies in this exciting, jellyfish-themed swing ride, ideal for kids of all ages.
Guests must be at least 122 cm (48 inches) to ride alone.
A supervising companion 14 years or older must accompany all guests between 102 cm (40 inches) and 122 cm (48 inches).
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
Height Restrictions: 122 cm (48 inches)
Sea Dragon Drop
Sea Dragon Drop at SeaWorld California is ideal for toddlers (3 to 5 years) and older kids (6 to 12 years).
The exciting ride is a drop-down tower scaled for kids.
Guests must be at least 91 cm (36 inches) or accompanied by a supervising companion (14 years or older).
Small children must demonstrate the ability to walk unassisted.
Image: Melodymatheny.com
Thrill Level: Low
Height Restrictions: 107 cm (42 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
SkyTower
Inaugurated in 1969, SkyTower is yet another old attraction at Sea World San Diego.
It is 98 meters (320 feet) tall and offers the passengers a six-minute view of SeaWorld and San Diego.
It rises at a rate of 46 m/min (150 feet per min) while spinning slowly (1.02 rpm).
The ride offers breathtaking views up to a hundred miles in every direction.
You get to enjoy the beauty of Mission Bay, check out the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, and marvel at San Diego’s historic skyline.
A supervising companion must accompany guests under 122 cm (48 inches).
SkyTower is a paid ride – all guests three years and older must pay US$6.
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family, Leisure
Emperor – SeaWorld San Diego’s new ride
The Emperor will be SeaWorld San Diego’s best ride when it gets launched in 2021.
So much so it is one of USA TODAY‘s Most Anticipated Coasters of 2021.
With a height of 46.6 meters (153 feet), the Emperor will be the tallest, fastest, and longest Dive Coaster in California.
SeaWorld San Diego’s all-new coaster will reach peak speeds of 97 kph (60 mph).
California’s first floorless dive coaster is a tribute to the Emperor Penguins’ journey from chilly, frosted cliffs to their deep dive into the ocean’s depths.
Similarly, riders will dangle and drop over 44 meters (143 feet) on Emperor before plunging 90 degrees into exhilarating loops.
So what are you waiting for?
Buy SeaWorld TicketsPopular attractions in San Diego
# SeaWorld San Diego
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# USS Midway
# San Diego Bay Cruise
SeaWorld was a blast! The shows were a hit, especially when the dolphins splashed us. My great-grandkids were totally mesmerized by the orca, and with no lines midweek, the roller coasters were a breeze.