Hold On Tight, Texas: SeaWorld’s New Coaster Is Turning Thrills Upside Down in 2026
Texas’s first inverted rollercoaster is coming to SeaWorld San Antonio in 2026. Here’s everything you need to know.
For thrill seekers in Texas (and beyond!), 2026 is already shaping up to be a great year. SeaWorld San Antonio is set to open a new, one-of-a-kind rollercoaster in the spring. Dubbed “Barracadua Strike,” it will be the first-ever inverted coaster in the state. An inverted coaster essentially means that riders will be suspended underneath the track, rather than sitting on top of it, as they would on a traditional coaster. Due to the suspended nature of the ride, there aren’t any floors beneath the rider’s feet—when you’re on the “Barracuda Strike,” your legs will dangle in the air as you complete the coaster’s thrilling circuit. Click here to catch a glimpse of what we’re talking about.
The family-friendly attraction will take visitors across SeaWorld’s water ski lake, allowing for a unique experience and perspective on the iconic park. SeaWorld San Antonio’s Park President, Jeff Davis, said of the upcoming attraction, “Barracuda Strike is a game-changer for family thrill rides, and we are excited to bring another great roller coaster to our guests in the spring of 2026. It will be fast, fierce, and fun—bringing guests closer to the ocean’s energy and mystery in a way only SeaWorld can.”
What exactly makes it fast, fierce, and fun? We’ll go over all of that below.
What you can expect from the “Barracuda Strike” coaster
SeaWorld San Antonio’s “Barracuda Strike” coaster stretches across 1,800 feet of track that takes riders across the water ski lake. It’s themed to mimic the agility and speed of a barracuda, so you’ll be traveling at about 44 miles per hour throughout the duration of the ride. You’ll start up a 90-foot hill, which creates a sense of drama as your adrenaline begins to pump in preparation for the upcoming twists, turns, and dives.
There’s a minimum height requirement of 42 inches, or a little over three feet, so it’s a ride the entire family can enjoy. “Barracuda Strike” is categorized as a type of thrill ride meant to serve as a gateway experience for younger kids who haven’t been on a rollercoaster yet. However, make sure your little ones are comfortable with giving it a try before you get in line.
Access to the inverted coaster will be included with regular park admission, which you can learn more about here. An official date for “Barracuda Strike” isn’t currently available, but should be announced over the next few weeks, given its projected spring opening.
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