Top 7 Waterslides that you Must Try on your Next Family Vacation
Let’s face it, the only reason to go to a water park is not for the wave pool or lazy river but rather the tall, fast, and slippery water slides! They offer riders the best of both worlds - that refreshing feeling of a pool and excitement of a roller coaster. And although the ride is over in seconds, it’s the thrill that keeps people coming back from more! With summer almost over, why not grab the whole family and discover some of the world’s best waterslides before it’s too late.
With 1 in 5 Canadians (21%) believing access to amenities such as a pool helps them switch into holiday mode, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has uncovered seven of the world’s best waterslides and some of the best places to stay nearby. So, grab the gang, don’t forget your bather, and get ready for some family fun!
The Canada Vortex: Canada
Located minutes from the beautiful Niagara Falls, Great Wolf Lodge offers guests a more than unique vacation experience. Its onsite waterpark is a combination of both indoor and outdoor pools, three hot tubs, and seven different waterslides providing an exhilarating experience for all ages. For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, head to the park’s most popular slide, the Canada Vortex. Spin around a funnel down a 40-foot drop in just a few seconds. When it’s time to wind down, parents can enjoy a relaxing treatment at the spa, or an evening dinner at one of the several resort restaurants. Don’t worry about all the kids, they’ll stay occupied with a Great Wolf Lodge babysitter in one of the many kid-friendly hangout spots.
The Leap of Faith: Atlantis, Bahamas
Breath taking views and picturesque beaches is just a fraction of what Atlantis offers. With a 14-acre dolphin cave, visitors can snorkel and scuba dive with manta rays, dolphins and sea lions. The waterpark includes 11 different pools, river rides, and nine different slides, including the nearly vertical 60-foot drop waterslide The Leap of Faith, which attracts adrenaline junkies from around the world with its sheer size, combination of above and underwater tubes, and iconic Mayan temple design.
While visiting Atlantis, the close by Grand Hyatt Baha Mar will provide your family with the most luxurious accommodations during your stay. This resort is overlooking the gorgeous Cable Beach and the glistening waters of Goodman Bay, and offers a wide range of activities to enjoy on site or nearby, like shopping, golfing and gambling.
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides: Universal Studios Volcano Bay, Florida
Volcano Bay is a water adventurer’s paradise featuring 17 unique attractions from waterslides and splash pads, to lazy rivers and dump cups. One of the most exciting attractions is the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides. These slides hold two guests atop the volcano, where trapdoors swing out from under, sending riders flying down an almost vertical drop and through intertwining tubes.
For close access to the park guests can stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and receive early access passes to Volcano Bay, and other Universal Studios parks just for staying.
The Tornado: Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, Hawaii
Known for its height, and giving riders a stunning panoramic view of Oahu, Hawaii before hurling you around a 130-foot funnel and into the “eye of the storm”, The Tornado is Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii’s most extreme waterslide.
Experience the feeling of a distant tropical island without even leaving the continent and stay at Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club. Only moments away from Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, this resort is ideal for travelling families. The Ko Olina Beach Club has fun entertainment and relaxation options for all ages, with a spa by the sea package, beautiful swimming pools or the award winning Fia Fia Polynesian Dinner Show, which gives guests an elaborate showcase of drums, comedy, fire knife dancing, and traditional Polynesian culture.
El Tifón: PortAventura Park, Spain
El Tifón gives riders an intense experience with its combination of height and speed. Riders can climb 15-metres to the top of the slides tower and choose one of two routes to the bottom both giving a turbulent and unforgettable ride. PortAventura not only provides guests with a waterpark experience, but the attached theme park featuring over 40 different rides and other attractions gives visitors a taste of why it’s Europe’s most iconic theme park resort.
A great place to stay during your visit is PortAventura’s very own home away from home, Lucy's Mansion, which is a Victorian style estate that has been converted into a hotel. This beautiful hotel is situated on the grounds of the park so the fun never has to stop. Guests who choose to stay at Lucy’s Mansion receive complementary passes to all of PortAventura’s rides and attractions.
Jumeirah Sceirah: Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai
The Jumeirah Sceirah waterslide is a thrill seeker’s dream come true. This slide challenges guests with a 32-metre climb to the top, where riders enter capsules and wait in suspense for trapdoors to swing open and send them racing down the 120-metre long slide. Riders can expect to feel themselves rushing down at a quick 80 km/h.
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, The Wild Wadi Waterpark is on the grounds of the five-star luxury Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Here guests can experience a rooftop lounge, 360 bar, full-service spa and several restaurants offering a large variety of international cuisine.
Beach Park: Insano, Brazil
Those who dare to take the plunge on the Insano can expect to feel an exhilarating rush. The Insano is officially the world’s tallest waterslide, reaching the staggering height of 14-storeys. Along with height, this slide uses speed to excite its guests by rushing riders down 41-metres at 104 km/h in just seconds.
Directly beside Brazil’s Beach Park is it’s Wellness Apartmentos Temporada. These apartment style suites offer families a relaxing and gorgeous setting to continue the fun. The resort features a hot springs bath, spa centre, and plenty of on-site bars and restaurants. Balcony, terrace, and kitchen options are also available to accommodate all needs.