The 8 Most Spectacular Water Slides Around the World
Leap of Faith in Atlantis Paradise Island—Bahamas
The Leap of Faith at the ever-popular Atlantis Paradise Island is an architectural marvel that launches riders from the top of a Mayan Temple and down a 60-foot open-air slide. As if that wasn’t hair-raising enough, it culminates with a straight shot through a transparent tunnel in shark-infested waters. Before you pack your bags, find out the best time to visit the Bahamas.
Insano in Beach Park—Brazil
Set on the northeastern coast of Brazil, 55 miles south of Fortaleza, Beach Park is a sprawling oceanfront oasis with activities and even on-site accommodations. But the star—and scariest—attraction is without question Insano. Measuring 140 feet, it once held the Guinness World Record for world’s tallest water slide (the 168-foot 7-inch Verrückt in Kansas City, Kansas, has since elapsed it). Its height isn’t the draw for daredevils: It also reaches speeds of up to 65 miles per hour. For more water-filled fun, see the most beautiful natural pools in the world.
Aqualoop in Terme 3000—Slovenia
Slovenia tops the list of places you need to go in 2018. And here’s another reason to visit: Terme 3000 in Moravske Toplice. This hybrid indoor wellness center and outdoor water park is home to Aqualoop, the world’s first water slide with a 360-degree loop. And the accolades don’t end there. It’s also the fourth fastest slide in Europe, taking you from top to bottom in just seven seconds.
Smoke that Thunders in Kalahari Resorts—Wisconsin Dells and Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania
Known for its indoor water parks, Kalahari Resorts recently introduced new rides to its outdoor parks in two locations—and they did it with a big splash. Hold on tight when you hop into your four-person raft and take off on Smoke that Thunders. Before you know it, you’ll be dropping through a dark tube, swirling around a funnel flume, and plunging nearly vertically. As if that wasn’t enough, the slide ends with you soaring back up to face zero-g oscillations that are pretty much guaranteed to leave you breathless.
Wildebeest in Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari—Indiana
Wildebeest at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari isn’t your average slide, and that’s because it’s actually a water coaster. Whatever you want to call it, what matters is the fun factor and it delivers on that, taking passengers on wild two-and-a-half-minute, one-third-of-a-mile adventure full of hills, drops, twists, turns, and tunnels. Guess that’s why it was voted “#1 Water Park Ride on the Planet” by Amusement Today readers eight years running.
Jumeirah Sceirah in Wild Wadi Waterpark—Dubai
The new, longer, faster Jumeirah Sceirah at Wild Wadi Waterpark is the type of ride that will bring out your competitive side. And that’s OK. Because after venturing to the top of the 105-feet tower and shooting down tandem slides at speeds up to 50 miles per hour, there are no winners and losers, only water-logged pals who want to go again! If you think this is fun, wait until you see these 11 breathtaking underwater hotels.
AquaLoops in Calypso Water Park—Canada
When you think of the Great White North, water slides might not be the first thing that come to mind. But the AquaLoops at Calypso Water Park, in Ontario, are about to change all that. When the floor opens, visitors experience 2.5 Gs of force—in less than two seconds—as they’re sent plummeting straight down and into a dizzying loop. While these slides aren’t appropriate for younger kids, there are strategies for a successful trip to the water park with your toddler.
XXL Monster Ride—Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg, Austria
Sonnentherme Lutzmannsburg already has two pretty awesome slides—Speedy and Twister—but its latest blows the others out of the water (pun intended). The new XXL Monster Ride measures a whopping 885 feet, making it the longest indoor water slide in Austria. Not to worry, you don’t have to trek up all those flights of stairs, there’s a lift for that. All that’s left to do is sit back on your trusty tube and enjoy the journey. Bonus: Children as young as six can come along. Looking for more kid-friendly vacation ideas? Check out the best family travel destinations in each state.
