SheiKra

Located in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, SheiKra is a steel dive coaster known for its adrenaline-pumping drops, dramatic vertical angles, and smooth inversions. Opened in 2005, SheiKra was the first dive coaster in North America, designed by the globally renowned roller coaster manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M). It remains a must-ride attraction for thrill-seekers visiting the park and offers a unique combination of suspense and excitement.

Design and Theme The name "SheiKra" is inspired by the word "shikra," which refers to an Asian-African hawk known for its hunting prowess and precision. The coaster’s theme reflects a bird of prey as it swoops down on its unsuspecting target. The ride’s striking red and black track soars high above the park, evoking an intimidating presence. With an African-inspired village setting, SheiKra’s environment also features lush greenery and thematic architecture that immerses riders into the sensation of taking flight.

Ride Experience SheiKra is a floorless dive coaster, which means riders experience the sensation of having their feet dangling freely throughout the ride. It begins with a slow, suspenseful ascent up a 200-foot lift hill, providing a panoramic view of the park and the surrounding Tampa landscape. At the top, the train pauses momentarily on the edge, holding riders over the first 90-degree drop. This moment of weightlessness builds suspense as riders stare directly down, anticipating the plummet.

After a thrilling five-second hold, the train drops vertically down 200 feet at a speed of 70 mph. This initial drop is followed by a series of high-speed elements, including an Immelmann loop, a second vertical drop of 138 feet, and a dramatic splashdown finale. The splashdown section, where the train skims over water, creates a visually spectacular wave effect and cool mist for both riders and spectators.

Key Ride Features

1. Height: 200 feet
2. First Drop: 200 feet, 90-degree vertical angle
3. Second Drop: 138 feet, near-vertical angle
4. Speed: 70 mph
5. Track Length: 3,188 feet
6. Inversions: 1 (Immelmann loop)
7. Ride Duration: Approximately 3 minutes
8. Rider Capacity: 24 passengers per train, featuring a 6-row, 4-seat-per-row configuration
9. Height Requirement: 54 inches (137 cm)

Innovations and Impact When it debuted, SheiKra was the first dive coaster in the United States and the first in the world to include a splashdown feature. It was also the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster at the time. Its groundbreaking design set the standard for future dive coasters and influenced the development of similar attractions at other theme parks globally.

SheiKra’s floorless trains were introduced in 2007, adding another layer of thrill by enhancing the feeling of freedom during the ride. This modification made the experience even more exhilarating, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding park and further intensifying the sensation of plunging through the air.

The Splashdown and Visual Impact One of SheiKra’s most iconic features is the splashdown at the end of the ride. As the train exits the second drop, it travels through a low-water trench, triggering two massive water sprays that shoot up and outwards. This effect is purely for spectacle, as it doesn’t slow the train down but creates a visually captivating finale. The splashdown is visible from outside the ride’s perimeter, drawing spectators’ attention and adding to the coaster’s allure.

Accessibility and Safety SheiKra is equipped with safety harnesses and overhead restraints to secure riders during the extreme drops and inversions. Guests with certain physical conditions or mobility limitations should check with the park’s accessibility services, as SheiKra’s intense dynamics may not be suitable for everyone. The coaster also offers a "test seat" outside the entrance for visitors to check their comfort before boarding.

Rider Tips

• Best Seats: For maximum intensity, choose the front row, where the five-second hold over the first drop feels especially dramatic. The views from the front row are completely unobstructed, adding to the sensation of flight.
• Avoiding Long Wait Times: To minimize your wait time, try riding early in the morning or during peak dining hours. Busch Gardens also offers a Quick Queue option for those looking to skip the lines.
• Embrace the Splashdown: While the splashdown doesn’t drench riders, it does offer a refreshing mist. If you want to avoid getting slightly wet, opt for the middle or back rows.

SheiKra remains a flagship attraction at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, embodying the thrill and innovation the park is known for. Its sheer drops, inversions, and floorless trains deliver an exhilarating experience that keeps both new visitors and coaster enthusiasts coming back for more. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to conquer one of the world’s most iconic dive coasters or a casual park-goer curious to see what all the hype is about, SheiKra promises a ride you won’t soon forget.