Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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HOURS
Hours vary seasonally, but the park usually is open at least 10am to 6pm daily,
often later, weather permitting (it's closed on select Mon and Tues in Nov and Dec, but
is one of the few water parks open year-round thanks to a constant water temp of
84°F/29°C).
EXPLORING THE PARK
Dolphin Plunge
(located near the entrance) is the park's
signature ride; it takes riders down through 250 feet of clear tubes, under the water, and
right through the dolphin habitat (those not willing to take the plunge can sneak a peak
at Dolphin Lookout). Riders must be at least 48 inches tall. Other options include the
Taumata Racer,
an eight-lane 300-foot slide that has riders flying in and out of tunnels
and around a 360-degree turn before crossing the finish line;
HooRoo Run
is one of the
wildest flume rides anywhere around with three—count 'em three—drops straight down
(riders must be at least 42 in. tall); and
Tassie's Twister,
a 129-foot flume that takes rid-
ers on single or double tubes spinning and splashing their way down through a gigantic
bowl before dropping them into
Loggerhead Lane
below (a lazy river that, in addition
to offering a relaxing ride through the park, has a great underwater view of the Com-
merson's dolphins as well as thousands of exotic fish). Riders must be able to hold on
unassisted.
You can also ride
Whanau Way,
a 5-story 340-foot multilane slide filled with drops,
unexpected curves, water curtains, and other thrills before dropping riders into the pool
below (riders must be able to hold on unassisted); and
Walhalla Wave,
a family raft ride
that takes up to four riders down six stories of tunnels filled with twists and turns (42-
inch min. height). You can catch a wave (or two or three . . .) at
Big Surf Shores
(best
for older kids and adults thanks to its crashing waves) and
Cutback Cove
(offering a
gentler rolling surf that's more appropriate for kids), the world's only side-by-side wave
pools. A tremendous stretch of beach with what seems like a sea of beach chairs and
chaise lounges is right nearby—the downside, however, is that there's precious little shade
to protect you from the searing hot sun. If you've got the cash to spare, I recommend
renting one of the nearby cabanas, but only if you're here for the day.
If you're so inclined, you can zip through waterfalls, passing geysers, and along over
1,500 feet of rapids on
Roa's Rapids.
The latter is similar to a lazy river raft ride, but
there's nothing lazy about it. The park also has a large family play area
(Walkabout
Waters)
that sports one of the worlds largest interactive water play areas (including a
60-ft. rain fortress, family slides, water cannons, and plenty of fountains) as well as a
children's area
(Kata's Kookaburra Cove)
for tinier tots with miniraft rides (Mom and
Dad can ride along). Life vests are plentiful (with several racks scattered throughout the
park) and free (a bonus, because they're required swimwear for those under 48 in. tall).
If you enjoy the water, plan on spending a full day—and bring plenty of sunscreen.
Dining options include the
Banana Beach Cookout,
an all-you-can-eat buffet restau-
rant that serves burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, and a selection of sides ($19.95 adult
all-day pass, $9.95 children 3-9 all-day pass, $12.95 adult one-time pass, $7.95 children
3-9 one-time pass); the
Mango Market,
a grab-n-go market where you can pick up piz-
zas, salads, snacks, and other on-the-go items—they'll even pack them up in a picnic
basket; and the
WaterStone Grill,
selling a variety of freshly carved sandwiches (includ-
ing a tasty Cuban pork sandwich), salads, and platters. Anheuser-Busch products (for
those 21 and over) are available throughout the park.
There are a few gift shops scattered throughout the park; they sell sportswear, beach-
wear, trinkets, toys, sunscreen, and sundries.
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