The limited height was required due to height restrictions in place by the California Coastal Commission. The ride stands at a height of 30 feet (9.1 m) and features a drop including an underground portion of 54 feet (16 m). Riders reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour (69 km/h) on the two-minute, 2,800-foot (850 m) long ride. On February 9, 2011, SeaWorld San Diego announced that they would be opening a Mack launched roller coaster called Manta in 2012. Front Riders Perspective on Manta (Mack Rides: LSM Coaster) at SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California, USA. In early January 2011, construction documents were discovered which detailed the plans for a $10 million manta ray-themed ride and animal exhibit due to open in 2012. Riders reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour (69 km/h) on the two-minute, 2,800-foot (850 m) long ride.
Rumors about a new roller coaster for SeaWorld San Diego date back to October 2007 when details of a possible 2010 project were leaked. The ride was manufactured by MACK Rides and opened to the public on May 26, 2012. It utilizes the same ride system that was used in Blue Fire which opened in 2009 at Europa Park. Manta is a steel family launched roller coaster at SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, California, United States.