Put This On Your Bucket List: Top 10 Water Parks in the World
In the late 1950s, a man by the name of Robert Byers developed a small recreation park on the banks of the privately-owned Lake Dolores in the middle of the hot Mojave Desert. What started as a personal retreat for his family was soon opened to the public in 1962, after which water slides and other exciting water attractions were slowly added in an effort to provide the growing number of visitors an enticing reprieve from the scorching desert heat. Though he doubtfully understood it at the time, Byers’ miniature water attraction was the first of what would quickly become a growing sensation across both the US and the globe—water parks.
In 1977, Orlando’s notorious Wet ’n Wild water park cued its inaugural season and set the mold for other modern-caliber water parks to follow. Today, with thousands of water parks worldwide that attract nearly a billion visitors each year, the standards of amusement and excitement have far superseded Byer’s old-school blueprint. For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies looking to ride the tide of excitement, check out these 10 top water parks in the world.
1. Etnaland
Where: Sicily, Italy
Features: With 18 water slides, three amusement parks, and a technically advanced laser show, this jungle-and-dinosaur theme water park is the pinnacle of European inventiveness.
2. Aquaventure Waterpark
Where: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Features: Aquaventure Waterpark is often considered one of the Middle East’s greatest amusement attractions. Home to the world’s widest water slide, the Middle East’s longest zip line, and a river ride that floats for nearly 1.5 miles, this park also offers a 2,296-foot-long private beach, several water coasters, and even a Shark Lagoon where visitors can hand-feed stingrays.
3. Water Cube
Where: Beijing, China
Features: Beijing’s National Aquatics Center, aka the Water Cube, allows visitors to swim, splash, and play in the same place athletes of the 2008 Olympics once competed. With a wave pool, lazy river, spa area, and 13 water slides and rides, the 12,000-square-meter Water Cube is the largest water park in Asia.
4. Aquatica
Where: Orlando, Florida, USA
Features: Two massive wave pools, white-knuckle water slides, and a dolphin-filled aquarium make Aquatica one of the coolest water parks in the US. Furthermore, a soft, white, spanning beach and a South Seas-inspired garden with over 60,000 different plant species transport visitors to a relaxing, tropical oasis.
5. Waterbom
Where: Bali, Indonesia
Features: Voted the number one waterpark in Asia by TripAdvisor, Waterbom features world-class water slides, breathtakingly beautiful landscaped gardens and water systems, and an eco-reserve that’s home to several endangered native species. With award-winning dining options, G-force waterslides, and tranquil relaxation areas, Waterbom offers a memorable experience for the whole family.
6. Beach Park
Where: Porto das Dunas, Brazil
Features: As the largest water park in South America, Beach Park is also home to the tallest and fastest waterslide in the world. Aptly named the Insano, this notorious waterpark sends riders jetting down 135-feet of slide at a breathtaking 65-miles-per-hour.
7. Tropical Islands
Where: Spreewald, Germany
Features: As Europe’s largest tropical holiday resort, Tropical Islands features swimming pools, sports facilities, a thrilling Whitewater River, a 10,000-square-meter Sauna & Spa complex, and the world’s largest indoor rainforest. Tropical Islands is the go-to attraction for both those who seek thrilling water adventures and those eager for rest and relaxation.
8. Siam Park
Where: Tenerife, Spain
Features: Take surfing lessons, float the lazy river, or if you’re feeling brave, try the Tower of Power, where you’ll drop 91 feet into an aquarium full of sharks and sting-rays on one of the best water slides in the world. You can find this Thai-themed water park in the Canary Islands, on the island of Tenerife. It is great for any type of swimmer, with separate sections for relaxing, adrenaline-pumping, and family swimming, which is why it was voted the best waterpark in the world by TripAdvisor.
9. Ramayana Water Park
Where: Pattaya, Thailand
Features: Families can enjoy two children’s playgrounds, a lazy river, wave pool, waterfalls, and an obstacle course! Adults also love the pool bar and floating market. Just an hour and a half from Bangkok, Ramayana is among the top water parks in the world.
10. World Waterpark
Where: Alberta, Canada
Features: The second-largest indoor waterpark in the world is also home to the largest indoor wave pool in the world. Enjoy an adventurous looping water slide or bungee jump from a tower above the wave pool. You can find the World Waterpark inside the West Edmonton Mall in Alberta.
Jump In and Start Swimming
From simple lake slides in the middle of the desert to modern marvels the world over, water parks continue to offer thrills and shrills for adventure seekers across the world. For information on more of the best water parks in the world, helpful pool tips and tricks, and much more, check out the SwimJim blog today!
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