| Manta | |
| Imagedimensions: | 250px |
| Location: | SeaWorld San Diego |
| Year: | 2012 |
| Type: | Steel |
| Type2: | Launched |
| Type3: | Family |
| Status: | Operating |
| Manufacturer: | Mack Rides |
| Designer: | PGAV Destinations |
| Lift: | LSM |
| Height Ft: | 30 |
| Drop Ft: | 54 |
| Length Ft: | 2835 |
| Speed Mph: | 43 |
| Inversions: | 0 |
| Duration: | 1:56 |
| Capacity: | 1400 |
| Acceleration From: | 0 |
| Acceleration Mph: | 43 |
| Gforce: | Between 3 and 4 Gs |
| Restriction In: | 48 |
| Trains: | 4 |
| Carspertrain: | 5 |
| Rowspercar: | 2 |
| Ridersperrow: | 2 |
| Virtual Queue Name: | Quick Queue |
| Virtual Queue Image: | Quick Queue availability logo.svg |
| Virtual Queue Status: | available |
| Rcdb Number: | 9819 |
Manta is a steel launched roller coaster at SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California, United States. The ride was manufactured by MACK Rides and opened to the public on May 26, 2012.[1] It utilizes the same ride system that was used in Blue Fire which opened in 2009 at Europa Park.[2]
Rumors about a new roller coaster for SeaWorld San Diego date back to mid October 2007 when details of a possible 2010 project were leaked.[3] This plan was canceled in mid-2008.[4] In early January 2011, construction documents were discovered which detailed the plans for a $10 million manta ray-themed ride and animal exhibit due to open in 2012.[5] On February 9, 2011, SeaWorld San Diego announced that they would be opening a Mack launched roller coaster called Manta in 2012.[6] [7]
In late 2018, SeaWorld San Diego premiered a Christmas overlay of the attraction called Merry Manta. The first launch area would feature holiday music and dynamic lightning that created three different shows. Riders would also twist through a sea of glowing Christmas trees while the cool holiday air rushed by.[8]
Manta features two launches.[9] Riders reach speeds of up to 43mph on the two-minute, 2800feet long ride. The ride stands at a height of 30feet and features a drop including an underground portion of 54feet.[10] The limited height was required due to height restrictions in place by the California Coastal Commission.[11]
Manta's four trains each feature manta ray shaped fronts. The 5-car trains each seat riders 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 20 riders per train. There is also elevated seating for the second row of each car.
Manta begins with a 270 degree projected media experience at the first launch. The train rocks forward and backward in synchronization with the projected film of a coral reef and school of rays. The media tunnel and film was produced by Falcon's Treehouse. For Electric Ocean, Manta changes after 7PM to Manta re-charged. The film projection for Manta re-charged features an array of colored lights projected on the screen. Various versions of this launch re-purpose Rick McKee's soundtrack from the Mako coaster at SeaWorld Orlando.
The previously existing Forbidden Reef exhibit was incorporated into the attraction, featuring a touch pool above and an aquarium below The 100000USgal exhibit features 65 Bat rays, 10 Shovelnose guitarfish, 2 White sturgeons and more than 400 other fish.[12]