Planning Documents Show Full Layout of Proposed 2020 Dive Coaster for SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is moving forward with their exciting 2020 roller coaster project, a B&M dive machine.  The park recently went seeking approval from San Diego to build the attraction, which the park must do for anything taller than 30 feet.

A presentation was created by the park for the meeting, which is available publicly on the city of San Diego's website.

© SeaWorld San Diego

Before we get to the ride, here's how planning for SeaWorld San Diego's new attractions works, so long as they're taller than 30 feet.  The park was granted permission to build up to 4 attractions between 100 and 160 feet tall as part of their master plan (finalized in 2002) and it's also worth noting that Mako will only be the 2nd of these four rides.  So there's more opportunity for thrills at the park down the line.

© SeaWorld San Diego

Here is a wonderful aerial (updated with Electric Eel) of where in the theme park Mako will be located.  The area is currently parking lot, and is located behind Journey to Atlantis and next to Wild Arctic.  Visitors will pass through a long walkway that goes behind the water ride to get to a small plaza that will hold the entrance to Mako.

© SeaWorld San Diego

Here is how the corner of the park will look once Mako is built.  This also gives us a good look at the ride's layout, but there will be even better images in a moment.

© SeaWorld San Diego

Here is a profile view of Mako, showing the steep lift that will top out at 153 feet above the park.  The drop will head down 143 feet and up into a large Immelmann roll, as seen on many other B&M dive coasters.  The second element is interesting, a tall and heavily banked hammerhead turn.

© SeaWorld San Diego

This overhead layout should answer pretty much any question anyone has about Mako's layout.  The first drop leads directly into the Immelmann, then the neat looking hammerhead turn, then the track will rise into a barrel roll that swoops downward at the end.  A large flat spin comes next, followed by a highly banked 180 degree turn and up onto the brakes.

© SeaWorld San Diego

The park also created some visuals of how the ride will look on the skyline of the surrounding area, one of which can be seen above.  If you're wondering why SeaWorld San Diego keeps using the same teal-based color schemes for their rides, it's because they have to - keeping the rides colors that are similar to the sky was a part of the master planning agreement.

This looks like a wonderful addition to SeaWorld San Diego, can't wait to see the ride go up at the park later this year!