Arctic Rescue straddle coaster sets June 2 opening date at SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego will open Arctic Rescue, the west coast’s longest and fastest straddle coaster, on June 2, 2023. The addition is part of a full summer calendar of new attractions and entertainment.
On Arctic Rescue, guests will mount a snowmobile ride vehicle as the coaster zips through three launches and reaches 40 miles per hour. According to the ride’s backstory, riders are on a quest to save Arctic animals from the melting ice, as the SeaWorld Rescue Team does in the wild.
After riding the coaster, guests can visit the Wild Arctic habitat to see real beluga whales, walruses, and ringed seals.
Arctic Rescue is just one of several new additions guests can experience this summer at SeaWorld San Diego.
“This is the biggest summer launch our park has had in years, and there is no better time to visit,” said Jim Lake, park president of SeaWorld San Diego. “We have new and amazing experiences for park visitors, including two new attractions for families to enjoy that teach our guests about rescue efforts and animal conservation in a fun and playful way. SeaWorld is going to have an amazing energy all summer long, and we’re really going to wow our guests with a lively entertainment lineup, a new ride, new area for kids, amazing animal presentations, live performances throughout the park, great food, and a star-studded concert lineup of amazing artists.”
Rescue Jr.
A new kids area, Rescue Jr., is now open. It provides young guests with the chance to imagine themselves as part of the SeaWorld Rescue Team. Through hands-on learning experiences and encounters with real rescued animals, Rescue Jr. educates and entertains.
The area contains a splash pad, climbing structures, and an obstacle course, as well as three flat rides. Ride to the Rescue is a hub-and-spoke attraction in the style of Dumbo, Tidepool Twist is a teacups-like ride, and Board Rescue Rafter is a calm spinning ride along a halfpipe-like track.
Live Entertainment
On June 17, 2023, SeaWorld San Diego kicks off its annual Summer Spectacular. Before that, though, guests can enjoy some early summer entertainment:
FantaSEA of Dreams
- What: Fireworks spectacular
- Dates: Fridays and Saturdays now through June 17, and nightly June 18 — Aug. 20, 2023
- Time: 10 minutes prior to park closing
Polynesian Fire Dancers
- What: Dancers and storytellers
- Dates: Now through June 18, 2023
- Times: Consult daily schedule
SeaWorld Good Vibrations Band
- What: Beach Boys cover band
- Where: SkyTower Lawn
- Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Times: Consult daily schedule
Once Summer Spectacular officially begins on June 17, 2023, guests can enjoy a new stunt show, a parade, mermaid meet and greets, and concerts, in addition to continued performances of FantaSEA.
SeaWorld San Diego joins its sister parks in Orlando and San Antonio as all three destinations open new experiences this summer.
Memorial Day Sale
Guests can currently receive 20% off SeaWorld San Diego tickets, fun cards, and annual passes as part of the park’s Memorial Day sale. For more info, click here.
