Six Flags Great Adventure announces Bakunawa, the world’s tallest and fastest spinning launch coaster
The coaster, which will serve as the signature attraction of the park’s Boardwalk area, takes its name from the moon-eating sea serpent of Philippine mythology.
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Six Flags Great Adventure on Tuesday unveiled Bakunawa, formally just referred to as "project purple," a new roller coaster the park says will be the world’s tallest and fastest spinning launch coaster when it opens in spring 2027.
The coaster, which will serve as the signature attraction of the park’s Boardwalk area, takes its name from the moon-eating sea serpent of Philippine mythology.
Bakunawa stands 382 feet tall and ranks among the five tallest roller coasters in the world. It reaches speeds of 100 mph.
The ride features three launches: an initial run from 0 to 60 mph, a second launch that pushes riders from 60 to 80 mph while completely inverted and a third that propels the train to its top speed of 100 mph. At the top of the tower, the train spirals into a 180-degree bank before descending back through the course.
The ride is floorless, with two 20 passenger trains that spin and rotate independently throughout the 3,163-foot course, meaning no two rides are exactly the same. The park says the full experience lasts two minutes and 17 seconds.
Six Flags officials say the coaster breaks six world records:
World’s fastest spinning coaster (100 mph)
World’s tallest spinning coaster (382 feet)
World’s fastest inversion (80 mph)
World’s longest stall inversion
World’s first floorless spinning coaster
World’s first upside-down launch
Park officials framed the coaster as a new era for Six Flags Great Adventure.
“It’s about planting our flag in the ground and saying, we’re here, we’re back and we’re ready to play. We’re bringing dynamic thrills to the area, to the tri-state, to the country and to the world,” said Ryan Eldredge, director of sales and marketing.
Bakunawa is scheduled to open in spring 2027.
