Aquatica, SeaWorld’s new water park, officially opened on March 1st 2008. Aquatica is the first full size park to be built in Orlando since Discovery Cove in 2000 (which is also a SeaWorld park).

Inside Aquatica is a 59 acre park with 80,000 sq ft of beach, 6 rivers, 2 wave pools, 36 water slides, 2 kiddie play areas and 3 restaurants. The park can accommodate up to 16,000 visitors at one time which makes it the highest capacity water park in the state of Florida. Don’t worry though, it will not feel overcrowded and there are plenty of sun loungers, chairs and beaches for everyone.

The signature ride for Aquatica is the Dolphin Plunge. A unique water ride which consists of two 300ft long tubes which take you through a crystal clear lagoon, home to Aquatica’s famous black and white Commerson’s dolphins.

If the Dolphin Plunge is not for you, just watch the antics of the Commerson’s dolphins from the viewing area by the Waterstone Grill restaurant. You can even dine in the restaurant and watch the Commerson’s at your leisure.

The beautiful soft sandy beaches have two different wave pools:

Cutback Cove has huge 5ft waves to knock you off your feet.

Big Surf Shores has mellow ‘bobbing’ waves to soothe and cool you in the midday sun.

In each pool the waves run for 8 minutes 3 times every hour at 15, 35 and 55 minutes past the hour. Both have very large clocks which can be seen from almost anywhere in the park, so no real need to take your watch on the beach or near the water. Each wave pool has six lifeguards watching over you and your children.

For the children there are two great areas with their own ‘starter’ water slides, paddling pools and play areas.

The three restaurants in Aquatica cater for all tastes and some have much more healthy options than most water parks:

Waterstone Grill - has freshly made sandwiches and salads.

Mango Market – Fresh wood fired pizzas, chicken strips and fries or chicken strip wraps and fresh salads and fresh fruit.

Banana Beach Cookout – Beef burgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs are available in this ‘all-u-can-eat’ restaurant.

Aquatica private cabanas are also available for hire at approx $150 per day. This price includes your locker, sunscreen, lunch, soda water/juice, $25 off merchandise and a whole lot more, so worth the money if you are looking for a private area for the day.