If you have ever wondered which is the largest waterpark in the middle east, here is the answer. Located on the tip of the wondrous Palm Jumeirah — the largest artificial island globally and probably also in human history — the Aquaventure water park takes the title of the largest water-themed park in Dubai and the whole of the middle east.
Right next to the crown jewel of Palm Island, Aquaventure has a ton of attractions and records under its belt. Some also call this park the Atlantis Waterpark. Although a misnomer, it is not too far-fetched as the water park directly accesses the five-star luxury resort Atlantis, The Palm.
One Theme Park to rule them all
Hundreds of people visit the Aquaventure water park every day to wind down after hectic weekdays, and some others to have fun witnessing the incredible backdrop of the sea. This park spreads over a whopping area of 17 hectares. That’s more than the size of 23 football fields (soccer in America).
A few things make Aquaventure different from many other theme parks in Dubai. This park is situated on the outer crescent of Palm Island. That means you get an unmatched view of the sea and all the yachts that cruise around the Palm.
Another noticeable thing is that it is the largest and probably the best water theme park in Dubai. The playground uses 18 million liters of water in all the rides combined. That’s just crazy huge. Also, if you stay in the Atlantis, the Palm, you get free entry into the park.
Best rides in Aquaventure Water Park
1. The leap of faith
This ride is the centerpiece of the park. Thanks to its height, the tower that houses the ride is visible almost anywhere in the park. Leap of faith is a tall, near-vertical water slide. When you drop from the top, you go through a transparent acrylic tunnel that takes you through a pool filled with scary sharks and rays. But we do not recommend you take this ride if you have a weak stomach. But there is nothing to worry about this ride. It’s completely safe.
2. Shark attack
This is a variation of the previous ride. Instead of height and speed, the Shark Attack is more prolonged and not as fast. The rides take you through the tank full of sharks and rays. The tube you will go through is a clear acrylic tube that gives a 360-degree view of everything around you. So, take a good look at the sharks and other attractions inside the tank as you go.
3. Poseidon’s Revenge
Find out how it will feel if you get inside one of the scariest rides in the whole waterpark. Poseidon’s revenge is a variation of the leap of faith. But this one comes with trap doors. So instead of slowly sliding into the tunnel, you fall 31 meters below when you least expect it. Along the length of the waterslide, there are several loops, twists, and turns, which might even carry you upside down at times.
4. Atlantean Flyer
This is the only zipline in the park. The line stretches between the Ziggurat tower, the other rides like the leap of death and shark attack, and the zipline tower. The zipline runs 65 feet above the ground and takes the riders at a 15 km/hr top speed. This will give you a good view of the park and an adrenaline-pumping ride in the air.
5. The Rapids
Experience the ride on a long waterslide. Go through the 1.6-kilometer river that takes you twisting and turning through angry torrents of water. But do you know what makes the rapids unique? Why did we rank it among the best rides in the park? This water slide has multiple levels; along the way, you will find many sun decks and pools. So whenever you feel like stopping and have a pause, pull out of the current to any of the sundecks and enjoy the view. And also, this ride alone uses 15 million liters of water.
6. Anaconda
What will you do if you are a group of half a dozen people and want to enjoy a water slide together? Just head towards Anaconda. The raft in this ride can take up to six people at a time. Therefore, this ride is the favorite of the families that visit the park. That’s why even though this is not a particularly thrilling ride, this is one of the most popular rides in the park. But this ride still offers its share of nice twists and turns along the winding path.
How much does it cost to visit Aquaventure Waterpark?
One of the advantages of this water park is that there is a slew of ticket options and packages to choose from. One-day passes that let you enjoy the water park from opening to closing hours. Depending on your chosen package, one-day passes can cost between 260 and 320 dirhams. There are two kinds of day passes- A mega pass and a super pass. The mega pass costs more than the super pass and has some added benefits.
If you want to add more fun to the experience, you can purchase other ‘Add On’s. There are water cabanas with options for a small group of 6 and up to a large group of 20.
The ticket does not include the price of the towel rental and lockers. Towel rentals cost 45 dirhams per person. Lockers will also cost you money. But if you want them both, going for the combo pack will help you save a bit.
Attractions near Aquaventure Waterpark
The Pointe
Last year, a new waterfront attraction opened on palm island, not far away from the Aquaventure water park. The Pointe, it is called, overlooks one of the many lagoons on the island. Atlantis the Palm is visible from the Pointe in all its glory. Although it has opened, The Pointe is still undergoing expansion and will keep adding more stores, restaurants, and entertainment destinations in the coming months.
The Pointe is an open-air shopping and entertainment destination. Much like others of its kind, like the Madinat Jumeirah and Al Seef. What makes it unique is the specialty of the goal. Right now, you won’t see much of a crowd there. That’s because people are only getting to know its existence, and the place is still expanding.
Skydive Dubai
Along with all the beautiful things on the island, Palm Jumeirah is also the most promising spot to experience skydiving in Dubai. Thousands of people from different parts of the world Skydive in Dubai every year. To jump off a plane a few kilometers above the largest human-made island in the world.
This is possibly the best way to catch a glimpse of the island and its exciting shape. They also offer different types of skydives, depending on your budget and level of expertise. The best time to dive is in Dubai in the winter months, from October to March.
Palm Jumeirah Monorail
Now you might be wondering how a monorail can be an attraction. Although the palm monorail is not an attraction, it is a cheap way to get a bird’s eye view of the island. The palm monorail begins from the starting point of the island, i.e., from the base of the Palm. After going straight through the Palm trunk, it terminates on the outer crescent of the island near the Atlantis and Aquaventure waterpark.
The cost of a one-way trip is 15 dirhams, and for a two-way ticket, it is 25. From the beginning of your journey, you will see the rail extending towards Atlantis. It looks like the rail goes through a massive void in the hotel from afar. But in reality, the rail slightly drifts towards the side of Aquaventure park near the terminal.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium
This aquarium is housed inside Atlantis. In size, the lost chambers aquarium is second only to the Dubai Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates. If you research a little bit, the name of the aquarium and the hotel’s name it is located in go really well.
A visit to the aquarium shows you thousands of rare marine species. You can also see the brave divers going near the sharks and feeding them. And for those who want to take a step further and touch the fish themselves. The lost chambers aquarium is one of the best places to take your kids for an educational visit.