All New Barracuda Strike Opens at SeaWorld San Antonio

SeaWorld San Antonio is making waves once again with the grand opening of Barracuda Strike, the park’s newest attraction and the tallest inverted family coaster in North America. Opening to the public today, Barracuda Strike delivers high-speed excitement and a soaring ride experience designed for thrill-seekers of all ages. The debut marks the beginning of Spring Break, with the park operating daily until March 22. Furthermore, the park is in the midst of its Spring Break Sale where guests can purchase a Season or Annual Pass and get Aquatica for free.

Being that this is Women’s History Month, the ribbon cutting included paying homage to some of the park’s female leadership team who were instrumental in the creation of Barracuda Strike. Also recognized was the local girl’s group, Latinitas, an after-school program for young ladies interested in STEM and leadership training. SeaWorld’s female leadership team mingled with the girls hoping to inspire and encourage their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math journey.

Suspending riders beneath 1,800 feet of track, Barracuda Strike offers a smooth and exhilarating journey that combines sharp turns and breathtaking drops.

The adventure begins with a dramatic 90-foot lift hill before launching guests into a dynamic layout filled with tight turns and swooping dives, reaching speeds of up to 44 miles per hour.

As riders twist and turn above the park’s iconic waterski lake, Barracuda Strike creates a sensation of flight that mirrors the swift movements of its namesake. I love how they designed the coaster to squeeze through the massive supports of Steel Eel, the Morgan Manufacturing airtime machine that opened in 1999.

Designed as a true family thrill attraction, Barracuda Strike features a minimum height requirement of just 42 inches, making it an ideal shared adventure for families and a perfect gateway coaster for younger or less experienced riders ready to take on their first major thrill.

B&M Family Inverted Coasters

Barracuda Strike is the third B&M family inverted coaster to open at a United Park in as many years. I’m glad they all have 100% unique layouts and didn’t all get the same cookie cutter designs. Here’s a comparison of their stats:

• Phoenix Rising – 80 ft tall, 1,831 ft long, 44 mph
• Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge – 67 ft tall, 2,583 ft long, 40 mph (read our review here)
• Barracuda Strike – 90 ft tall, 1,800 ft long, 44 mph

The Big Bad Wolf uses two lift hills, which is how it can be shorter but still longer than the other two. The large, straight-forward drop over the lake on Barracuda Strike makes it look the most thrilling out of the three. Hopefully we’ll see for ourselves later this year.

Barracuda Strike POV

Take a ride on Barracuda Strike by watching the POV below.

The park also sent us some cool drone and off-ride footage as well!

With its record-setting height for an inverted family coaster, dynamic ride layout, and striking waterfront setting, Barracuda Strike becomes a centerpiece addition to SeaWorld San Antonio’s growing lineup of attractions. Guests can begin riding today as the park celebrates the official launch of Spring Break.

Pictures and video provided by SeaWorld San Antonio. Learn more on their website.

Are you excited to ride? Let us know in the comments below!