Dare to face a hawk’s dive? That’s precisely the thrill Sheikra at Busch Gardens Tampa offers. This isn’t just any roller coaster it’s a Dive Coaster.
Sheikra got its name from the shikra hawk, known for diving vertically for its prey. Fitting considering what you are about to experience. Proposed by Mark Rose, Busch Gardens’ vice-president, Sheikra’s initial design was rejected for not being thrilling enough. Rose then enhanced the design, increasing its height and adding features.
Finally, Sheikra was approved. Opening on May 21, 2005, Sheikra broke records as the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest Dive Coaster. Later, Griffon and Dive Coaster surpassed it. But Sheikra was North America’s first Dive Coaster. It was also the first of its kind to feature a splashdown and an Immelmann loop.
Initially, Sheikra had floors, but in 2007, it transformed into a floorless ride. Imagine sitting 200 feet high with nothing beneath your feet. Sheikra then closed temporarily in 2013 for a complete repaint.
The ride experience on Sheikra begins with a climb up a 200-foot lift hill. The lift hill is so steep, that you are almost facing the sky. At the top, you pause. Then you plunge down a 90-degree drop. Reaching speeds of 70 mph, you then enter a 145-foot Immelmann loop. Next comes a second 90-degree drop into an underground tunnel. Finally, brace yourself for the splashdown. Two 60-foot lines of water erupt as you pass through. The whole ride lasts about two minutes and twenty seconds.
The red track and blue supports of Sheikra stand out against the Florida sky. At night, white lights illuminate Sheikra’s track. The trains are wide and can accommodate 24 riders. Over-the-shoulder restraints keep you secure as you experience the ride.
When Sheikra debuted, its 90-degree drop was a first for Dive Coasters. The splashdown and Immelmann loop were also unique. Though opinions vary, many regard Sheikra as a majestic, one-of-a-kind experience.
Ready for Sheikra? Prepare for a dive like no other.