Cool Water Park Fun Next to Busch Gardens Tampa

Escape the Florida heat and dive into a world of exhilarating aquatic adventures at Adventure Island, a sprawling water park conveniently located near the iconic Busch Gardens Tampa. This vibrant park offers a diverse range of slides, attractions, and watery diversions, promising hours of fun and refreshing relief for visitors of all ages. While it may not boast some of the cutting-edge attractions found in other major water parks, its collection of thrilling slides, family-friendly zones, and relaxing amenities makes it a worthwhile destination for a day of sun-soaked entertainment. Let’s embark on a detailed exploration of what Adventure Island has to offer.

Thrilling Slides for the Adventurous Soul

For adrenaline junkies seeking high-speed thrills and gravity-defying drops, Adventure Island boasts a selection of slides designed to get your heart racing.

GulfScream: Prepare for a near-vertical plunge on GulfScream, a speed slide that sends riders plummeting down a steep incline, experiencing a rush of pure exhilaration as they race towards the splashdown.
Caribbean Corkscrew: Twist and turn your way down the intertwined, double slides of the Caribbean Corkscrew. This exhilarating ride features a series of sharp turns and unexpected drops, creating a dizzying and unforgettable experience.
Colossal Curl: Gather your friends and family for a group adventure on Colossal Curl. This four-passenger raft ride takes you on a thrilling journey through an enclosed slide, culminating in a heart-stopping drop into a massive half-pipe element. Experience the sensation of negative G-forces as your raft surges up the walls of the half-pipe before splashing back down.
Vanish Point: Test your courage on Vanish Point, a towering slide complex featuring two trapdoor launch slides. Step into the capsule, listen to the suspenseful countdown, and brace yourself as the floor drops out from beneath you, sending you into a near-vertical freefall followed by a twisting, enclosed tube slide. For those seeking a less intense experience, a third traditional slide is also available.
Solar Vortex: Experience "America’s first dual-tailspin water slide" on Solar Vortex. This unique attraction sends riders in large, circular rafts through two tailspin elements, swirling them around 180 degrees within a half-bowl structure. The slide also incorporates natural sunlight to create captivating lighting effects within the enclosed tube.
Rapids Racer: Challenge your friends to a head-to-head race on Rapids Racer, a dueling slide that pits two-person rafts against each other in a side-by-side competition. Speed through twists, turns, and drops as you vie for the title of Rapids Racer champion.

Family Fun for All Ages

Adventure Island caters to families with younger children, offering a variety of attractions designed to provide safe and enjoyable aquatic experiences.

Paradise Lagoon: Let your little ones explore the interactive water elements of Paradise Lagoon, a sprawling play area filled with fountains, sprinklers, and gentle slides. This colorful and engaging zone provides hours of fun for younger children, allowing them to splash, play, and cool off in a safe environment.
Fabian’s Funport: Designed specifically for pint-sized adventurers, Fabian’s Funport offers a collection of scaled-down slides and water features. This area provides a gentle introduction to water park thrills, allowing younger children to build confidence and enjoy age-appropriate aquatic adventures.
Wahoo Remix: Enjoy a family raft ride on Wahoo Remix, an updated version of the classic Wahoo Run. This partly enclosed raft ride features new synchronized light and sound media, enhancing the experience and creating a memorable journey for the whole family.

Relaxation and Recreation

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Adventure Island offers several attractions designed for leisurely enjoyment and relaxation.

Rambling Bayou: Take a break from the thrills and drift along the Rambling Bayou lazy river. This tranquil waterway meanders through the park, providing a relaxing way to soak up the sun and enjoy the scenery.
Endless Surf: Catch a wave in the Endless Surf wave pool. This expansive pool generates gentle waves, perfect for swimming, floating, and enjoying the sensation of the ocean.
Volleyball Courts: Engage in some friendly competition on the park’s volleyball courts. Gather your friends and family for a game of beach volleyball, adding a touch of sport and recreation to your water park adventure.

Enhancements and Amenities

To further enhance the guest experience, Adventure Island offers a range of amenities and services designed to provide convenience and comfort.

Private Cabanas: Rent a private cabana for a secluded and luxurious retreat. These cabanas offer a shaded seating area, comfortable lounge chairs, and personalized service, providing a premium experience for those seeking relaxation and privacy.
Quick Queue Pass: Bypass the lines for select attractions with a Quick Queue pass. This pass allows you to skip the regular queues, maximizing your time on the rides and minimizing wait times.
All-Day Dining Deal: Take advantage of the all-day dining deal, which allows you to enjoy an entree, side or dessert, and a beverage as often as once per hour. This deal provides a convenient and cost-effective way to stay fueled throughout your day at the park.

Admission and Operating Information

Adventure Island requires separate admission from Busch Gardens Tampa. However, combo tickets are available that include admission to both parks, as well as other SeaWorld-owned parks in the area. Purchasing tickets in advance online is generally less expensive than purchasing them at the gate. The park often offers a Fun Card that includes a season pass for the price of a single-day ticket. Season passes and special promotions are also available for Florida residents.

In 2022, Adventure Island transitioned to year-round operation with the addition of heated pools. However, the park is not open daily during the winter months. Be sure to check the park’s official website for the most up-to-date schedule and hours of operation.

Dining Options

Adventure Island offers a variety of dining options to satisfy your hunger. From classic fast-food fare to fresh salads and wraps, there’s something for everyone.

Duval Street Grill: Indulge in flavorful fajitas at Duval Street Grill.
Island Taco Truck: Savor tacos, chips and salsa, and other Mexican favorites at the Island Taco Truck.

The park also offers a selection of frozen drinks, waffle cones, smoothies, and sundaes to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Location and Directions

Adventure Island is conveniently located near Busch Gardens Tampa at 10001 N. McKinley Drive.

From Orlando: Take I-4W to I-75. Head NORTH on I-75 to Exit 265, Fowler Ave. Bear left on exit ramp onto Fowler Avenue. Go west on Fowler Ave. to McKinley Drive on left.
From the North: Take I-75S to I-275S to Exit 51, Fowler Ave. Go left (east) onto Fowler Ave. to McKinley Drive.
From the South: Take I-75N, past the I-4 intersection, to Exit 265, Fowler Ave.Bear left on exit ramp onto Fowler Avenue. Go west on Fowler Ave. to McKinley Drive on left.

Adventure Island: A Splash of Fun

While Adventure Island may not possess the cutting-edge technology or signature attractions of some larger water parks, it offers a diverse range of slides, family-friendly zones, and relaxing amenities that make it a worthwhile destination for a day of sun-soaked fun. Its convenient location near Busch Gardens Tampa makes it an ideal addition to any Tampa vacation. So, pack your swimsuit, grab your sunscreen, and prepare for a day of aquatic adventures at Cool Water Park Fun Next to Busch Gardens Tampa.