Aqualand

The sun is blazing in the south of the island and your body only wants one thing: water. If you are looking for a place to unleash adrenaline and watch the ocean's smartest animals all in one day, Aqualand Costa Adeje is your headquarters. With over 25 years of history, this was Tenerife's very first water park and remains the favourite of Canarian families for a proper summer tenderete (get-together).

Located in San Eugenio Alto, just a five-minute drive from Playa de las Américas, Aqualand offers a different experience from its neighbour Siam Park. While Siam goes all-in on pure adrenaline with vertigo-inducing slides and a designer Thai theme, Aqualand combines water fun with dolphin shows and thoughtfully designed kids' areas — making it ideal for families with children of all ages. If you are travelling with little ones under 10, this is your park. Pack your swimsuit, apply plenty of sunscreen and leave your flip-flops at the ride entrances. One tip: bring water shoes — the ground gets scorching hot by midday.

Thrill Rides: the Adrenaline Zone

If you do not fear heights, the Adrenaline Fun area is your territory. Tsunami and Kamikaze are free-fall slides where gravity and water team up to give you a proper shake. Flying Boats lets you race your mates to see who reaches the bottom first — a mix of laughter and rivalry that always ends in a splash. For those who prefer something more mellow but equally fun, the Lazy River is a classic that never fails: just drift with the current while you plan your next slide attack.

📏 Height Restrictions: Tsunami & Kamikaze: min 1.25 m · Flying Boats: min 1.20 m · Lazy River: no restriction with adult · Dragon Land: max 1.40 m (children only).

Kidzworld: A Paradise for the Little Ones

If you have brought the guachitos (little ones), Aqualand has areas designed exclusively for them. Dragon Land and the Water Castle are like theme parks within the water, featuring gentle slides, colourful figures and interactive fountains that keep children entertained for hours. Everything is scaled for kids so they can lose their fear of water and feel like the rulers of the castle. This is, without doubt, the corner where the most laughter echoes across the entire park.

The Dolphinarium: An Encounter That Leaves No One Indifferent

What truly makes Aqualand unique among Canarian water parks is its dolphin presentation. It is not just a show; it is an opportunity to learn about the intelligence and agility of these incredible marine mammals in a controlled environment. The team of keepers — many with decades of experience — performs meticulous work showcasing their connection with the animals through natural behaviours. Shows are usually scheduled twice daily (check times upon arrival) and the dolphinarium has limited capacity, so we recommend arriving 15 minutes early.

We acknowledge that animal shows are an increasingly debated topic among travellers. We encourage you to research and decide according to your own values. The park maintains that its facilities meet European animal welfare standards and that its programme has a strong educational component.

Aqualand vs Siam Park: Which to Choose?

If you are torn between Aqualand and Siam Park, here is a quick comparison: Aqualand is more affordable (€23-30 adults / €16-21 children vs Siam's €38-42), has a dolphinarium, and is better suited to families with young children. Siam Park offers more adrenaline slides, a more polished Thai theme, and appeals more to teens and adults. Both offer regular online discounts.

🎒 Survival Kit: What a Local Never Forgets

• Water shoes: the ground around the rides reaches oven-like temperatures in summer. This is not a luxury — it is common sense.
• Water-resistant sunscreen: reapply every two hours. The Canarian sun is unforgiving, even on cloudy days.
• An old T-shirt for the slides: prevents friction burns on your back during the fastest drops.
• The large lockers are near the main entrance. Grab one as soon as you arrive; the small ones run out quickly.
• Cash: some vending machines and small stalls do not accept cards.

🍽️ Where to Eat Inside (and Outside) the Park

Inside Aqualand you will find several food outlets serving pizzas, burgers, hot dogs and kids' meals. Prices are typical for a theme park (allow €10-15 per person). You can also bring your own food, though glass containers and large coolers are not permitted. If you prefer to eat after leaving, the nearby Siam Mall has over 15 dining options just 3 minutes away by car. And if you are craving an authentic Canarian guachinche, the La Camella area is 15 minutes away by car and well worth the trip.

Local Tips to Squeeze the Most Out of Your Day

• Arrive at 10:00 sharp: the first hour is golden. You can hit the big slides with no queues and ride them several times.
• Leave the car behind: the park runs a free shuttle bus from several points in Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos. It leaves on time and drops you at the gate.
• Sunbeds with shade are limited. If travelling with family, grab a couple as soon as you arrive to set up your "base camp."
• Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be the quietest days. Weekends fill up with locals.
• Do not leave the dolphin show until last: the afternoon shows are usually busier. Go to the mid-morning one and spend the rest of the day on the slides.
• Buy tickets online: you save 10-15% and skip the ticket booth queue. Check current prices on the official website: aqualand.es/costa-adeje.

Location and Access

The park is located in San Eugenio Alto, just off the TF-1 motorway (exit 73). From the top of the highest slides you can see the entire Adeje coastline and, on clear days, the silhouette of La Gomera on the horizon. Parking is free but fills up quickly in August and on weekends. If driving from the north of the island, allow around 50-60 minutes via the motorway.

Tenerife is an island to be lived intensely, and Aqualand Costa Adeje is one of those plans that never go out of style. It is the perfect combination of adrenaline, lazy river relaxation and awe at nature. When the park closes and you walk back to the bus with skin smelling of summer and eyes red from laughter, you will know it was a day well spent. And if you still have energy left, remember: Siam Mall is just a stone's throw away to round off the day with an open-air dinner. Enjoy the splash!