Information

The Blue Barnacle is a pirate ship ride located in the Shipwreck Coast area at Chessington World of Adventures. It has become a popular attraction since its opening in 2021. Following the demise of the Black Buccaneer, a new ship has made port, and it’s ready to welcome passengers. Despite the stormy seas that delayed its arrival. The ship now swings back and forth with a lighter crew of sailors.

At first glance, the ride may look like a classic childhood ride on a swing set at a local park. However, a ride on this ship is far from that. The high-flying ride provides plenty of weightless moments creating a thrilling experience that appeals to all ages.

As it swings back and forth, guests feel the rush of air and the weightlessness of the ride. The ride’s speed and height create a sense of excitement and adventure. Transporting guests to a world of pirate tales and swashbuckling adventures.

The theming of the Blue Barnacle adds to the immersive experience, with its shipwrecked aesthetic and pirate-inspired decor. Its location in Shipwreck Coast enhances the overall atmosphere, making guests feel as though they are part of the crew.

The Blue Barnacle is a fantastic addition to Chessington World of Adventures’ roster of rides. The exhilarating experience, theming, and location in the area make it a must-ride attraction for all visitors to the park. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a fun time, the Blue Barnacle is a ride that won’t disappoint.

Manufacturer:
Metallbau Emmeln

Ride Model:
Santa Maria

Height:
36ft / 11m

Passengers:
42

Theoretical Capacity:
650 Guests Per Hour

Cost:
£800,000

Minimum Height:
1.10m. Guests Under 1.30m must be accompanied by an adult aged 16+

Chest Restriction:
51 Inches Max.

Attraction Type:
Wild Rides

Disabled Access:
Available

Reserve & Ride:
Available

Ride Photos:
Not Available

  News

Shipwreck Coast Coming July 15th

Shipwreck Coast Coming July 15th

Shipwreck Coast Coming July 15th

  June 29th 2022

Chessington World of Adventures has announced Shipwreck Coast, coming July 15th. The new land, designed and developed in-house is…
Bobbing Barrels Arrives

Bobbing Barrels Arrives

Bobbing Barrels Arrives

  June 10th 2022

Thanks to our roving reporter, we can now exclusively reveal that Bobbing Barrels arrives at Chessington. Following on from…
Project Anchor speeds ahead

Project Anchor speeds ahead

Project Anchor speeds ahead

  April 10th 2022

Project Anchor speeds ahead following planning approval earlier this week. Chessington has wasted no time getting to work on…
Shipwreck Coast Is Full Steam Ahead

Shipwreck Coast Is Full Steam Ahead

Shipwreck Coast Is Full Steam Ahead

  April 4th 2022

That’s right, Shipwreck Coast is full steam ahead after confirmation of planning permission today. With final permission now granted…
New For 2022: Shipwreck Coast

New For 2022: Shipwreck Coast

New For 2022: Shipwreck Coast

  March 7th 2022

New For 2022: Shipwreck Coast! Chessington is planning a new land for 2022! The pirates have abandoned this old…
Two New Rides For 2022

Two New Rides For 2022

Two New Rides For 2022

  February 16th 2022

That’s right. Chessington is planning to add two new rides for the 2022 season. Today, a planning application has…

  Photos

  Video

  Planning

  Construction

December 5th 2020

We finally get to see what the Blue Barnacle will look like now that the ship has arrived at the park, and Chessington has reopened for its annual Winters Tail event. The ship, which we can now confirm as being manufactured by German company Metallbau Emmeln, is fully on site, with the rides structure tucked away by Griffin’s Galleon.

The drive motor for the ride is in place, and work has started on replacing the ride control system in the operator cabin. The ship itself is in place and the park are starting to pump out water from within the rides pit following the recent heavy rain.

The ship is bright and colourful and has 10 rows, seating a total of 42 passengers per ride. Barriers on one side of the boat make it clear that guests will exit the ride on the same side they embark.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 5th December 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

November 14th 2020

It’s official, Blue Barnacle has arrived. In this photo posted by Chessington on their social media Channels, it’s been confirmed that the ride has arrived. With a single image showing the ride being craned into its final location.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 14th November 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

October 17th 2020

Although there are once again no major updates to the site, park management were spotted on the Blue Barnacle site. We believe they were discussing the arrival of the ship and we’re therefore hopeful it will be arriving soon.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 17th October 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 17th October 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

October 1st 2020

As per our previous few updates, no visible work has taken place on site.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st October 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st October 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st October 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st October 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

July 27th 2020

No work appears to have taken place over the last month, with it likely that Chessington have postponed the ride until next season due to the ongoing global pandemic. Ground works appear mostly completed however, so it could be an easy thing to pick back up again once things have gone quiet once more? Time will tell!

Blue Barnacle Construction, 4th July 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 4th July 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 4th July 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 4th July 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

June 20th 2020

In our first update post lockdown, we can see how much work has been done on site once more. Large amounts have been completed, with water proofing in place around the lagoon area. All the foundations are in, the queue-line fences are in and the tarmac has been laid.

Planting has been done on the mound of fresh earth which was set up behind the rocks. It looks very nearly ready for the new ride to be installed. Only changes to be completed are the installation of the exit path behind the ride. We cannot be sure if the ride will feature an unload on the opposite side as before, but it looks likely.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th June 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th June 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th June 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th June 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

March 19th 2020

Just 4 days after our last update, work is still moving ahead, with the queue-line fence being replace. Sections that were removed are being put back in, with gravel in place ahead of sections being tarmacked.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 19th March 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 19th March 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 19th March 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

March 15th 2020

Huge changes have happened in the past month! It appears that all of the new rides foundations are in place, including those for the rides drive system. Large amount of soil has been moved alongside the site, with new rocks in place also. It certainly looks as though the rides pond will be returning!

Blue Barnacle Construction, 15th March 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 15th March 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 15th March 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

February 20th 2020

Large progress has been made over the last few days. Two of the concrete foundation tubes are now in place. The rebar cages which will form the rides footers have been made and will be concreted inside the tubes to support the ride.

Large volumes of ground have been moved around on site. Could this hopefully mean that the Black Buccaneer’s lagoon setting will be returning?

Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 20th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

February 15th 2020

Now we’re talking! A lot has changed on site, with new foundations being poured through concrete tubing. A lot of ground has been moved to make way for the new footers and a trench has been dug out beneath the ride. We believe this is for the rides new drive motors. Progress is being made rapidly!

Blue Barnacle Construction, 15th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 15th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 15th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 15th February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

February 1st 2020

With it now officially confirmed that Chessington is set to replace the Black Buccaneer for the 2020 season, we will be keeping an eye on site. Work has not yet moved on since December, with work on clearing out the operator cabin suspended.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 1st February 2020, Chessington World of Adventures Resort

December 7th 2019

According to our sources, Chessington will be replacing the tired Black Buccaneer ride with a new ship for the 2020 season. It appears that some work has taken place here, with a clear out of the rides operating cabin. This is of course unconfirmed and subject to change.

Blue Barnacle Construction, 7th December 2019, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 7th December 2019, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Blue Barnacle Construction, 7th December 2019, Chessington World of Adventures Resort