If you’re planning on beating the heat this summer by sitting in your grandma’s inflatable pool with hose in hand, try thinking outside the foam noodles and floatys. There is a much more enjoyable and alternative pastime to be had – WATERSLIDES! Here is our selection of 5 awesome waterslide parks from around the world.
Insano, Brazil
Fortaleza, Brazil is home to the world’s tallest and scariest water slide known to man. This slide maybe only for the die-hard thrills seekers, but if you are willing to take the plunge you will not be disappointed. For safety reasons you must only go down on your back with arms and legs crossed. Once your legs are dangling off the 41 metre high or 14 stories tall slide, there is no turning back. Reaching up to a blistering 65mph, the ride is over within five of the most fear riddled seconds of your life. The ride then terminates with what the creators call a ‘relaxing dive into the swimming pool.’ Relaxing might not be the right word.
Slide into the Mediterranean at Citta del Mare
The hotel Città del Mare located on the Gulf of Castellammare is home to one of the more picturesque waterslides ever seen. The slide has been built on a cliff face, offering three levels of slip and sliding fun, eventually flowing down into the Mediterranean Sea. There are a number of other pools to lounge about in at the resort at the hotel village including a small salt water pool (with magnificent views of the Gulf), a whirlpool and, of course, tranquil spas.
Atlantis resorts
Located at the massive Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, the slide aptly named ‘Leap of faith’ starts at the top of an iconic Mayan temple and sends riders down a sudden, 18.5m drop. As you speed down the slide you enter a clear, acrylic tunnel that transports sliders through a shark-filled lagoon. You’ll be going so quick you won’t have time to be scared of the sharks (that’s a good thing?!). When at the top of the slide make sure you take in the awe-inspiring view of the ocean and the grounds of the Atlantis. If you feel as though you might chicken out or you want to go at a more relaxing pace, don’t worry you can experience a number of less extreme slides that are just as fun located at various places about the resort.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Hawaii, USA
After lazing around the Westin Maui resort pool deck with a few mocktails (or cocktails if you please) all day, you may want to try your hand at one of the two super-fast slides launching unassuming sliders into seventh heaven. The slides are situated in the 87,000 square-foot pool area overlooking the Pacific Ocean which also features five other swimming pools. One of the hair raising waterslides spins the rider down a quick three loop drop and spits them out into the main pool below, whilst the other has softer turns and smoother drops, but still just as riveting. When you are done enjoying the slide and worked up a big enough appetite you can make your way over to the oceanfront pool bar. Enjoy delicious pupus (appetizers) beneath the Ka’anapali sun as well as charming selections of wines, beers and cocktails.
Aquatica waterpark, Seaworld, Orlando
Aquatica waterpark in SeaWorld is home to a number of the world most mesmeric waterslides ever encountered. One of which, the Whanau way, is an 18 metre tall quadruple slide tower that offers unique rides for either a single or double rider. Each side mirrors the other with the same short and long loops then splashing down into the main pool below. Much of the waiting line is completely shaded which is really friendly on your feet. Another slide, the Tassie’s Twister is a pair of funnel like slides that can be ridden in either a double or single raft. In order to get to the entrance of the ride, you must first take a spin on Loggerhead Lane, one of the two lazy rivers in Aquatica waterpark, before you enter the super-fast tubes which lead to a large bowl that empty back into Loggerhead Lane. Sounds like a blast doesn’t it!