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, then head out to SeaWorld San Diego’s rides for their adrenalin rush.
SeaWorld has five high thrill rides, out of which four are roller coasters.
Emperor, the fifth roller coaster of the attraction, which is 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.
Top SeaWorld San Diego Rides Tickets
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 cms (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 cms (42 inches)
Splash Level: Some splashes
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 cms (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!
Tidal Twister
The Tidal Twister at San Diego SeaWorld is a unique dueling roller coaster ride featuring high-speed turns and upside-down twists.
During this exhilarating experience, riders accelerate to 30 mph, even as they twist and bank as if riding the tide.
The tight figure-8 track also includes a dynamic Zero-G roll in the center.
As if a roller coaster by itself was not scary enough, two trains, holding 16 passengers each, load at opposite ends of the figure-8 and cross in the center twice.
Thrill Level: High
Ride Type: Family, Roller Coaster
Height Required: 122 cms (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: High
Ride Type: Water
Height Required: 107 cms (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 cms (45 inches)
So, have you decided to visit SeaWorld San Diego?
Abby’s Sea Star Spin
Abby’s Sea Star Spin is the classic spinning teacup ride popular with kids all over.
The best part is that the riders control the spin with the wheel at the center of the starfish-inspired riding cup.
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
Height Required: 107 cms (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 cms (or 36 inches) or accompanied by a supervising companion 14 years or older.
Thrill Level: Low
Height Required: 91 cms (36 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
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 $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
Elmo’s flying fish
Younger kids love this up-and-down SeaWorld San Diego ride across an imaginary ocean.
The riders sit on a flying fish resembling a favorite Sesame Street character – Elmo.
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
Height Restrictions: 122 cms (48 inches)
Perfect for: Smaller kids
Octarock
Octarock riders swing high and reach for the sky as it rocks 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
Oscar’s Rockin’ Eel
Oscar’s Rocking Eel is another family ride at SeaWorld in San Diego.
Riders board a small eel-themed ship, which slides up and down a half-pipe track, rotating as it goes.
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: 91 cm (36 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 $6.
Thrill Level: Low
Ride Type: Family
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), 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 depths of the ocean.
Similarly, riders will dangle and drop more than 44 meters (143 feet) on Emperor before plunging 90 degrees into exhilarating loops.
As of early 2021, the Emperor ride at SeaWorld, San Diego is under construction.
So what are you waiting for?
Popular attractions in San Diego
# SeaWorld San Diego
# San Diego Zoo Safari Park
# San Diego Zoo
# Legoland California
# USS Midway
# San Diego Bay Cruise
Sources
# Seaworld.com
# Visitcalifornia.com
# Wikipedia.org
# Laughingplace.com
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