Shambhala: The Jewel of PortAventura Park
Shambhala is Europe's tallest hypercoaster and one of PortAventura Park's most popular attractions. Opened in 2012 as part of the park's 15th anniversary celebration, this spectacular Bolliger & Mabillard roller coaster has won multiple international awards and has become a benchmark of modern roller coaster engineering.
Its name "Shambhala" comes from the mythical Tibetan kingdom of perfect happiness and peace, although the experience of riding it is more about extreme adrenaline combined with sensations of flight and freedom. Since its inauguration, Shambhala has been one of the main reasons roller coaster enthusiasts travel from all over Europe to visit PortAventura.
Shambhala Technical Specifications
📏 Dimensions
- Maximum height: 76 meters (249 feet)
- First drop: 78 meters (256 feet)
- Total length: 1,650 meters (5,413 feet)
- First drop angle: 85 degrees
⚡ Speed
- Maximum speed: 134 km/h (83 mph)
- Duration: 2 minutes 30 seconds
- Trains: 3 trains with 32 seats each
- Capacity: ~1,900 people/hour
🎢 Elements
- 8 airtime hills
- 1 splashdown
- Multiple moments of weightlessness
- Height restriction: Minimum 140 cm
The Shambhala Experience
Riding Shambhala is unlike any other roller coaster experience. Here's what you'll experience:
1. The Climb
The train climbs the 76-meter lift hill at a relatively slow pace. This climb takes about 30 seconds and gives you time to see spectacular views of the park and Costa Dorada. From the top, you can see the Mediterranean Sea on clear days.
2. The First Drop
The first drop is 78 meters (taller than the highest point) with an 85-degree angle. It's a nearly vertical drop that gives you an incredible sensation of free fall. Your stomach rises to your throat and you reach 134 km/h in just 3-4 seconds.
3. The Airtime Hills
After the first drop, Shambhala has 7 more hills specifically designed to provide "airtime" - that sensation of weightlessness where you lift off your seat. These moments are Shambhala's signature and what makes it so special. Each hill is carefully calculated to maximize the sensation of flight.
4. The Splashdown
Near the end of the circuit, the train passes through a water element where the track dips into a pond. The train's speed creates a huge splash that soaks spectators watching from a nearby bridge. Riders get slightly wet but not drenched.
Where to Sit on Shambhala?
Seating choice significantly changes the experience:
- Front row: Best views and pure sensation of speed. You see everything coming. Wait is longer (10-20 min extra) but worth it
- Back row: Maximum airtime intensity. You're "whipped" over hills with more force. Also requires longer wait but offers most extreme experience
- Middle rows: Balanced experience with less wait. Good if it's your first time
Requirements and Restrictions
- Minimum height: 140 cm to ride alone
- Not recommended for: Pregnant women, people with back/neck problems, heart conditions
- Loose items: Must be stored in lockers (free for duration of wait time)
- Photos/videos: Not allowed to carry cameras or phones on ride
Tips to Enjoy Shambhala
🎯 Expert Strategies
- Ride early: Go directly at park opening when wait is 0-10 minutes
- Use Express Pass: During high season, regular queues reach 90-120 minutes
- Try different rows: If you visit more than one day, try front, middle and back to compare
- Check weather: Shambhala closes in rain or strong winds
- Ride photo: Available for purchase (€15-20) or free with annual pass
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shambhala scary?
Shambhala is EXTREME but not terrifying. There are no inversions (loops), just drops and hills. If you've ridden similar coasters, you'll love it. If it's your first big coaster, it might be intense.
Do you get wet?
Slightly, in the splashdown. Nothing significant, maybe some drops on your face and arms.
How long is the wait?
Varies greatly:
- Low season weekday: 10-30 minutes
- Mid season: 40-60 minutes
- High season/weekends: 80-120 minutes
- With Express Pass: 5-15 minutes
Can children ride?
Yes, as long as they're at least 140 cm tall. There's no maximum age, but intensity is very high.