The California Coastal Commission on July 10 approved SeaWorld’s new 153-feet tall dive coaster, Mako, planned to open in 2020. This new roller coaster, which was announced in January, will be the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster in California, as well as the only floorless dive coaster in the state, according to David Koontz, director of communications at SeaWorld San Diego. “We appreciated the opportunity to present our new attraction to the commissioners. We anticipate construction getting underway within the next few months,” Koontz said. The 153-foot ride received unanimous approval from City Council in April, allowing the coaster to exceed the 30-foot height limitation in coastal zones.
Riders will climb more than 153 feet into the air, suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride as their feet dangle underneath. The drop will plummet riders 143-feet facedown at speeds more than 60 mph.
Mako will cover nearly 2,500 feet of track. Floorless cars will hold 18 riders at a time in three six-person rows. SeaWorld will build the attraction next to the Journey to Atlantis ride, where a parking lot currently sits.
This coaster will be SeaWorld’s third new thrill ride in three years. The park opened its Electric Eel coaster in 2018, and its dueling coaster Tidal Twister debuted in May. In 2012 the park opened Manta, its first real roller coaster.