Best Rides at SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is well know for its amazing animal shows. But there are some roller coasters and rides that should NOT be missed. My eight-year-old and I put together a list of the best rides at SeaWorld San Diego, taking into account he is eight and I am 40.

My son also helped put together a rundown of the best rides at LEGOLAND California. And if you’re in southern California, that’s a spot worth checking out, too.

Manta is the Best

The best part of Manta for me was the length of the ride. It’s not a roller coaster packed into a small footprint. In fact, the ride has long straightaways, banking turns and fast speeds. We’re not talking light-speed fast, but fast enough to make it a fun ride.

The ride starts with some visual presentations, making it more than just a roller coaster ride. And while this ride is great for adults, it’s even better for the child who is 48″ tall. That’s the height requirement for this ride.

Electric Eel is Intense

During our trip last summer to SeaWorld San Diego, Electric Eel was our first ride. We were there right as the ride opened and the lines were pretty short. Since we had a child with us who was too short to ride, they allowed us to do a child swap. But since the line was so short, there wasn’t much of a benefit.

To be honest, I was a little nervous waiting in line for this ride. It looked pretty intense. Electric Eel is San Diego’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. But I set my fear aside and went with it. I now must admit it was probably one of my favorite rides in the park. Lots of twists and turns, and the forward and backward motion is unique. At least when compared with the other roller coasters I’ve been on at Disneyland or LEGOLAND.

You must be 54″ tall to ride Electric Eel.

Water Rides at SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego has a few water rides worth checking out.

Journey to Atlantis is a roller-coaster type ride, with drops and splashes. You can get wet from this ride without even riding it. Just stand in the splash zone as you approach the ride’s entrance. Riders must be 42″ tall for this ride. There is a high chance you will get at least a little wet on this ride. But if you really want to cool off, check out this next ride.

Shipwreck Rapids is a tubular ride that almost guarantees that you will get wet. You may even get soaked! Experience some whitewater rapids and expect waves of water to splash over the side and through the doorways. But every ride down the river is different, and there isn’t a dry spot in the whole boat. Riders must be 42″ tall for this ride.

Kid Rides at SeaWorld San Diego

Just inside the park’s entrance and to the right is where you’ll find rides for kids of all ages and heights. Beyond a kiddie land full of rides, there’s Bay of Play for even younger kids. Here’s a rundown of what kid rides are available at SeaWorld San Diego.

AquaScout: Children can step onto a submarine and take an up-and-down and round-and-round journey around the ocean. A photo of my son on the ride is shared above. Riders must be 36″ tall to ride.

Octarock: A back-and-forth swing ride that for an adult is nothing more than a playground swing shared by several people. But for a kid, maybe it’s even more fun. Riders must be 36″ tall to ride.

Riptide Rescue: Riders must be 45″ tall for this ride, which is a little taller than some of the other rides in this area. Riptide Rescue has a few more twists and turns as it circles around.

Sea Dragon Drop: Kids can experience an up and down drop on Sea Dragon Drop. Will your child be brave enough to keep their hands in the air the whole time? Riders must be 36″ tall for this ride.

Tentacle Twirl: Better than any swing at your local park, Tentacle Twirl spins riders around and several feet off the ground. Since it’s a little more intense, riders must be 48″ tall to ride.

Sesame Street’s Bay of Play

Just north of the kiddie rides I shared above, Bay of Play is a Sesame Street themed area, complete with three rides and a play area for even the youngest children.

Abby’s Sea Star Spin is similar to the teacups ride at Disneyland. I don’t do well with spinning rides like that, so we didn’t actually give that one a try during our visit. Riders must be 42″ tall to ride this one.

Elmo’s Flying Fish is similar to the Dumbo ride at Disneyland. It’s a low-key up and down, round and round ride. Riders must be 48″ tall.

Oscar’s Rockin’ Eel is a back and forth, rocking boat ride that’s great for the whole family. Riders must be 42″ tall.

Rides that Cost Extra

SeaWorld San Diego does offer a few additional experiences that aren’t included in your admission ticket. The cost is an additional $6, which isn’t too expensive if you want to experience theses added attractions.

Bayside Skyride is a gondola ride that offers specatular views of not just SeaWorld, but of Mission Bay. Guests under 56″ must be accompanied by an adult. The $6 admission fee is for each person over the age of two.

Skytower offers you an aerial look up to 100 miles around southern California. You can look down on Mission Bay or out into the great Pacific Ocean. I always find it breathtaking to look out over the landscapes, especially in an area as beautiful as San Diego. Guests under 48″ must be accompanied by an adult. The $6 admission fee applies to each person over the age of two.

Summary

One other ride available at SeaWorld San Diego is Tidal Twister. I didn’t list it here, because when we were there last June, the new ride kept breaking down so we were unable to ride it. We had waited in line for about 15-20 minutes, but to no avail. It looks fun, but I just don’t have the experience to add this to the list.

With so many rides to choose from at SeaWorld San Diego in California, get all the details on each ride.

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