Aquaventure, at Atlantis, The Palm, is a 42 acre water park attached to the Atlantis hotel. Both have been developed around a lost city theme. As we arrive for the day, to celebrate the boy’s birthdays this week, we can see both the Tower of Neptune and the Tower of Poseidon looming across the park.
First things first though and the first ride we come across is the Wave Rider. This is not one for the faint hearted no matter how easy the pros make it look! The seven tones of water-per-second force can be a bit brutal. But it is worth it. The thrill of riding the wave with the force allowing you to ebb and flow with it up the arc of the wave is pretty electrifying. Even wiping out leaves me with a bit of an adrenaline rush – as long as you don’t hit the back wall (albeit padded) at the wrong angle. We each manage to have a pretty good turn on the body board before our inevitable wipe outs.
The Tower of Neptune
After this the boys move towards the looming Tower of Neptune to encounter the Leap of Faith.
The towers – The Tower of Neptune and the Tower of Poseidon – form the centre of the park’s water slides. Each tower, of Mesopotamian ziggurat design, shoots forth an assortment of body and tube slides ranging from calm and enjoyable to downright terrifying. The majority of the tube rides link up with the lazy river which meaders for kilometers around the park. Two of the rides shoot you through the shark tank although if you brave the 84 degree plunge from the Leap of Faith you may not remember the shark tank at all!
Leap Of Faith
As we arrive at the top of the 9 story stair climb, the boys are not in the least concerned. I do not feel as confident about plunging myself off the 18m drop when I cannot even see the slide below. We hear a few screams while we are in line but the boys go over the edge laughing. Then it is my turn. After my 7 and 10 year olds have taken the plunge I feel too embarrassed to chicken out. Despite my heart thumping in my ears I take the leap. All I remember afterwards is the view out across the Palm from the of the tower, my blood curdling scream and the rush of water on the way down followed by tumbling out into the pool at the bottom, laughing and shaking in equal measures as I exit the ride.
Afterwards I insist on doing the much calmer and more memorable Shark Attack ride. This feels much more my pace. I enjoy floating (rather than shooting!) through the middle of the shark tank. Not at all scary, this ride allows you to observe the tank and its sharks, manta rays and assortment of fish, from the inside. Without becoming fish food, of course.
After this we move onto the The Surge. This takes us on a double tube down, and then literally surging up, a series of rises and drops. It eventually drops down into the lazy river and on to The Rapids. The lazy river, along with The Rapids and the Torrent River, together add up to around 1.4km of water fun for the whole family.
A Pause
After the initial thrills, followed by a calmer stretch where we float tranquilly along, we end up back at the lagoon where our bags are. By now it is time for lunch. We head back towards the Wave Rider and the aptly named Waterhouse Cafe. Perfectly situated to be able to take in and take on another ride while we are waiting for our meals.
The Tower of Poseidon
After refreshers and an energy boost, we make our way over to the Tower of Poseidon. Here the majority of family rides (3 – 6 riders) are located. The Acquaconda, one of the park’s most popular rides, and the Zoomarango are located here.
The Aquaconda is the world’s largest (up to 6 people) tube ride. This ride takes you rushing, spinning and at times plunging down the 210 meters of slide at up to 35 km per hour. Slightly more frightening is the Zoomerango which starts out nice and calm until the mega drop hits with a second’s worth of weightlessness at the top of the return, what a thrill. I scream my lungs out while the boys watch on laughing again.
Poseidon’s Revenge
Soon, races on the Slitherine – twin suspended body slides – enshews. Then, although Poseidon’s Tower is supposed to contain family slides, there is a deceitful twist. Jason talks me into a turn on Poseidon’s Revenge. Even more terrifying than the Leap of Faith, all control is taken away from you the moment you step into Poseidon’s Revenge. I climb into one of the two launching capsules with my feet on a trapdoor. As the trapdoor slips from under me, I free fall at a speed of 60km/h. Plummeting the 31 meters down through the loops of the 116 meter slide I barely notice the upside down propulsion. My pulse is pounding and my adrenaline has been kicked into overdrive. As I step out at the bottom, I notice a sting on the back of my calf. It is due to the force of the water the slide supervisor comments. Over the next few days it turns into a black and purple bruise the size of my fist which takes about 3 weeks to subside.
Bruising aside for now we return to the lazy river and the relatively calm Torrent ride. I feel my nerves soothe as our day drifts into evening.
If you prefer to take Atlantis it in at a slower pace, try floating around the lagoon or kicking back in the children centric Splasher’s play area. Other than that, be prepared for some serious thrills.
Good To Know
Aquaventure day pass prices start at AED169 (adults) and AED149 (children). If you are traveling to Dubai, keep in mind that water park entry is included in stays at The Atlantis hotel.
Life jackets are available (for free) at selected stations around the park for those who are not strong swimmers. Children should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Would I Return?
Yes. For the thrills and the spills.