SeaWorld San Diego announced that its new coaster, Arctic Rescue, will open in spring 2023. Joining other thrill rides at the theme park, Arctic Rescue will be the longest and fastest straddle coaster on the West Coast. This family-friendly multi-launch ride invites guests to hop on a snowmobile and launch at up to 40 mph on a chilly adventure as they race through the unpredictable arctic climate to help animals in danger.
The new coaster will feature a unique indoor launch station where passengers will start their journey inside of the “Wild Arctic” exhibit and launch outside straddling a unique snowmobile-style vehicle. Guests will race through the Arctic and experience three launches, each faster than the last, at 34, 38, and 40 miles per hour.
The straddle snowmobile-style seats allow for an immersive ride experience for each rider as they lean into banks and turns and glide up heights as tall as 30 feet along the 2,800 feet of track. Manufactured by Intamin Worldwide, each train will hold 16 riders in eight, two-person rows.
“We’re continuously looking for ways to add new experiences to the park for our guests and this new coaster is a great addition to our ride line-up and a perfect complement to the Wild Arctic exhibit,” said Jim Lake, SeaWorld San Diego park president.
Unpredictable climate fluctuations and global warming is happening in the Arctic three times as fast as the rest of the planet. As a result, the Arctic sea ice that many animals rely on for survival is melting, threatening the survival of many species and forcing them to change the way they hunt, breed, and migrate. The ride is inspired by the heroic efforts of the SeaWorld Rescue Team and their dedication to rescuing animals in distress and in need of care.
Riders will race the unpredictable arctic climate to save these animals in danger. Arctic Rescue is incorporated in the Wild Arctic exhibit, which is home to a ringed seal, walruses, and belugas, some of the species most impacted by Arctic sea loss. The new ride will bring awareness to the pressures the Arctic is facing and allow guests to visit, see and learn more about each animal whose species call the Arctic their home.
“The ride is also an educational opportunity for guests to learn more about climate change, how it impacts animals in the Arctic and what they can do to help the issue. I truly feel that seeing these animals up-close at SeaWorld allows guests to build a stronger connection and encouragement to take action to help protect them,” Lake said.
Arctic Rescue will be an addition to the park’s ever-growing ride portfolio, which includes Journey to Atlantis, Manta, Electric Eel, Tidal Twister, and Emperor, voted one of 2022’s top best new attractions in the country by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice poll. With its 48-inch height requirement, adventure seekers of all ages can ride Arctic Rescue.
All pass members will receive exclusive ride times to experience Arctic Rescue before the ride opens to all guests in 2023. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com.
