SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — SeaWorld San Diego's next thrill ride has been given the all clear by the state.
The California Coastal Commission Wednesday approved the park's request for a dive coaster called Mako, set to open at the park next year. The roller coaster is already being billed as the "tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in California," and the only floorless dive coaster in the state.
The San Diego City Council gave the 153-foot ride unanimous approval last April, allowing SeaWorld to exceed the city's 30-foot height limitation in coastal zones.
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SeaWorld says construction on Mako should begin in the next few months.
The ride, announced in January, will be constructed by Switzerland-based Bollinger & Mabillard. Riders will climb more than 150 feet into the air, suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride as their feet dangle underneath.
Then the drop, plummeting riders 143-feet facedown at speeds eclipsing 60 miles per hour.
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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.
As an educational add, the ride will also focus on shark awareness and conservation and include a partnership with a shark conservation organization.
Mako is set to debut following the park's Electric Eel ride and Tidal Twister coaster opened this summer.
Here's a look at the ride already in operation at SeaWorld Orlando:
