When it comes to heart-pounding thrills and unforgettable adventures, Busch Gardens is a theme park that never fails to deliver. Nestled in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, this world-class attraction boasts a remarkable collection of rides that cater to adrenaline junkies and theme park enthusiasts alike. From towering roller coasters to super-soaking rapids, the best rides at Busch Gardens are guaranteed to leave you exhilarated.
10 Favorite Rides at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
With more than 50 attractions, shows, and rides at Busch Gardens, there's plenty to satisfy everyone. Here's our list of the best Busch Garden Tampa Bay rides.
1. Iron Gwazi
A new roller coaster as of 2022, Iron Gwazi is an absolute beast of a ride. Unlike traditional steel or wooden coasters, Iron Gwazi is a hybrid coaster that incorporates wood and steel elements to create an exhilarating experience that's sure to make it your new favorite roller coaster.
It stands as the tallest hybrid coaster in North America, with a 206-foot tall peak. It's also the world's fastest and steepest hybrid coaster, with a 91-degree drop that reaches a top speed of 76 miles per hour. Iron Gwazi is possibly the most intense rides on this list.
2. Sheikra
Sheikra will pump up the thrill level of your trip by putting you face to face with your fear of heights. This floorless dive coaster takes you up 200 feet, suspends you at the edge of a steep drop, and then plunges you into a 90-degree vertical drop at speeds of 70 miles per hour.
Sheikra runs for nearly two and a half minutes and features an Immelmann loop and a splash section where eager onlookers get soaked on a hot day.
3. Cheetah Hunt
With 4,400 feet of track, Cheetah Hunt is the longest ride at Busch Gardens. Inspired by the world's fastest land animal, Cheetah Hunt is a triple-launch high-speed roller coaster that takes you through tight twists and turns at speeds reaching 60 miles per hour.
You reach the coaster's top speed during the second launch while climbing a 100-foot tall tower. With its smooth track and high speed, Cheetah Hunt offers a thrilling ride that emulates the agility and speed of the animal it's named after.
4. Kumba
With seven inversions during a nearly three-minute ride, Kumba has been thrilling adrenaline junkies since 1993. This classic ride delivers an intense and unforgettable experience with vertical loops, a dive loop, a zero-G roll, two interlocking corkscrews, and a cobra roll.
Kumba is a can't-miss roller coaster.
5. Falcon's Fury
With its 335-foot drop tower, Falcon's Fury can be seen from miles away. This unique and thrilling experience is a ride like no other.
From the beginning, riders climb for 60 seconds to a breathtaking view before being tilted 90 degrees and dropped face-first at speeds of 60 miles per hour. This intense ride is not for the faint of heart but promises a unique experience for true thrill seekers.
6. Serengeti Flyer
Another new ride at Busch Gardens is the world's tallest and fastest ride of its kind. Riders of the Serengeti Flyer will be dropped on a swing-type ride, reaching heights of 135 feet, speeds of 68 miles per hour, and multiple negative G moments.
Beyond the exciting speed and height, the Serengeti Flyer also offers riders a stunning view of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s 65-acre Serengeti Plain.
7. Tigris
As Florida's tallest launch coaster, Tigris is a high-speed thrill ride that will leave you breathless. It catapults you from three launch points at increasing speeds, through a loop, twisting drop, and heartline roll that will keep you on your toes throughout the entire ride.
Although it is not the most intense ride at the park, it surpasses any family coaster and is one you must ride.
8. Montu
Named after an ancient Egyptian God, Montu is an inverted coaster that takes you on a thrilling journey through seven inversions, a 60-foot vertical loop, and a weightless roll that will send your stomach swirling.
The feeling of flying through the air and its unique layout make this a favorite coaster for visitors looking for a day full of gripping fun.
9. Congo River Rapids
Every hot summer day in Florida needs a moment of cooling relaxation — well, not too relaxing. That's why you need to get on one of the best water rides at Busch Gardens.
The Congo River Rapids ride takes you through twisting and turning waterways and stuns you with unexpected splashes and soaking-wet surprises. With room for 12 on the raft, you'll spin down a raging river, traversing water spouts, and passing through caves and past waterfalls that will give you the refreshing break you need during your adrenaline-packed day.
10. Scorpion
The Scorpion roller coaster is a classic thrill ride designed to please both newcomers and roller coaster veterans. It features a 60-foot climb, a 360-degree vertical loop, and reaches speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and 3.5 G-forces.
Lasting about a minute and a half, Scorpion is a great, quick addition to your day.
Plan Your Trip to Busch Gardens With Tampa Bay CityPASS® Tickets
When visiting Busch Gardens Tampa, remember that a Tampa Bay CityPASS® ticket offers deeply discounted admission to Busch Garden's frightening roller coasters and kid-friendly rides, The Florida Aquarium, Tropics Boat Tours, and more.
Tampa Bay Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Tampa Bay, we recommend finding lodging near Tampa Bay's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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