About SheiKra
SheiKra is a dive coaster in the Stanleyville area of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, United States. Designed by Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), it opened on May 21, 2005. Its name comes from the “shikra,” an African hawk known for speed, agility, and precise hunting. The ride’s 200-foot vertical drop, floorless train design, and magnetic braking system have helped make it an iconic attraction (Wikipedia; BGT History).
History and significance
SheiKra was the first dive coaster in North America and the first in the United States. Its debut also marked the first time a dive coaster featured a 90-degree vertical drop. Construction involved installing over 3,000 feet of track and using advanced engineering techniques to ensure safety and durability. The ride’s red and blue color scheme makes it recognizable from various parts of the park.
In 2007, two years after opening, SheiKra received floorless trains. This change gave riders an unobstructed view of the ground during the drops. Its magnetic brakes provide smooth, reliable deceleration while reducing wear and tear on ride components.
SheiKra’s introduction boosted Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s popularity and attendance, and it became one of the park’s flagship attractions. Its success helped pave the way for other high-thrill rides, including Cheetah Hunt and Iron Gwazi. The ride also helped popularize dive coasters in the United States and set a benchmark for later roller coasters. Its African theme contributes to the park’s diverse environments, and the ride has appeared in travel guides, theme park reviews, television shows, and promotional materials.
As SheiKra approaches its 20th anniversary, it remains a cornerstone of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Its continuing popularity and iconic status suggest it will remain a key attraction; future enhancements and technological upgrades may further develop the ride experience. Further information is available in the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay guide and Coaster101.
What to see and experience
SheiKra begins with a slow ascent up its 200-foot lift hill, with views of the park and surrounding area. At the edge of the first drop, the train pauses before plunging into the 90-degree descent and an underground tunnel. The ride also features a second vertical drop of 138 feet, an Immelmann loop, several inversions, tight turns, and a splashdown finale that sends water into the air.
SheiKra is described as one of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters. It reaches speeds of up to 70 mph and has seven quick drops over 3,188 feet of twisting steel track (Travalour).
Practical visiting information
Hours and tickets
SheiKra operates during Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s regular park hours. The park generally opens at 10 AM and closes at 6 PM, though hours vary seasonally. Check the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay website for current hours.
General admission is listed at $139.99. Ticket options include single-day tickets, multi-day passes, and annual passes; SheiKra is included with general admission and does not have separate individual tickets. Tickets are available online and at the park entrance. Purchasing online in advance is recommended for deals and to avoid long queues. A Quick Queue pass offers unlimited front-of-the-line access to the park’s top attractions, including SheiKra. Check the park’s closure schedule for planned maintenance that could affect a visit.
Navigating and accessibility
The Busch Gardens App provides an interactive park map, mobile food ordering, and real-time ride wait times. The park’s Accessibility Guide has information about ride restrictions and accommodations for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance.
Safety and maintenance
Riders must be at least 54 inches tall. The ride is not recommended for guests with heart conditions, back or neck problems, or those who are pregnant. Loose articles should be secured before boarding; lockers are available nearby.
Busch Gardens technicians conduct daily inspections and routine maintenance, checking the track, trains, and braking systems and running tests before the park opens. The park also follows safety protocols, including height and health restrictions.
Events and tours
Busch Gardens offers special events and guided tours, including behind-the-scenes tours of SheiKra and exclusive ride times during certain festivals. Howl-O-Scream Tampa Bay runs from September to November and features haunted houses, scare zones, and live entertainment. Tickets start at $34.99 (Busch Gardens Tickets). Check the park’s official website for current event and tour information.
Tips
Weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons of late fall and early spring, are less crowded. Arriving when the park opens can also help avoid long lines.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for Florida’s warm climate, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats help protect against the sun. Refillable water bottles can be used at water fountains and refill stations throughout the park. Lockers are available for rent near the entrance and at various locations in the park.
Busch Gardens offers animal encounters with animals such as sloths and giraffes, as well as more than 200 species. Tickets can be upgraded to include one of the park’s animal tours.
At Zambia Smokehouse in Stanleyville, dining options include barbecue, mac n cheese, and apple crisp. Portions are generous, so sharing plates is an option. Mobile ordering through the app can help avoid long lines. The restaurant is described as one of the park’s best places to eat, though its food may not be homemade quality (Foursquare).
Nearby places
Other rides in the park include:
- Tigris 0.1 km from SheiKra, with steep drops and unexpected loops; it reaches speeds of over 62 mph.
- Falcon’s Fury 0.24 km away, offering a free fall from 335 feet.
- Kumba 0.36 km away, with seven inversions.
- Serengeti Safari 0.33 km away, where visitors can observe more than 50 species of animals up close and feed them.
These ride and safari details are listed by Travalour.
Family-friendly options include Congo River Rapids, a water ride at 10165 N McKinley Dr, and Stanley Falls Flume, a log flume ride in Stanleyville (Foursquare).
The Tampa Bay area’s historical sites include the Ybor City Historic District, the Tampa Bay History Center, and the Henry B. Plant Museum. Ybor City is known for its Cuban influence and cigar-making history.
Complimentary daily round-trip transportation from Orlando to Tampa is available; reservations are highly recommended due to increased demand (Busch Gardens Shuttle).
FAQ
What are SheiKra’s visiting hours?
SheiKra operates during Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s park hours, which generally run from 10 AM to 6 PM but vary seasonally. Check the park’s official website for current hours.
How much are tickets to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay?
General admission is listed at $139.99. Ticket prices and options vary and include single-day tickets, multi-day passes, and annual passes. Advance online purchase is recommended.
Can I buy a SheiKra ticket separately?
No. SheiKra is included with general admission to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Are there special events or guided tours for SheiKra?
Yes. Busch Gardens offers special events and guided tours, including behind-the-scenes SheiKra tours and seasonal events. Check the park’s website for details.
What nearby Tampa Bay attractions can I visit?
Nearby historical sites include Ybor City, the Tampa Bay History Center, and the Henry B. Plant Museum. Other park attractions include Tigris, Falcon’s Fury, Kumba, Congo River Rapids, and Stanley Falls Flume.
