There are three main Algarve water parks; Aquashow, Slide and Splash, and Aqualand. Zoomarine, while not a water park per se, is well worth a visit. These water parks are all fairly close to each other, and a small 30-minute ride will get you from one to another.
Slide And Splash (Lagoa)
Open since 1986, Slide & Splash currently has a total area of 10 hectares, with various water amusements for all tastes and ages, as well as such as grassy lounging areas or loungers, spaces for massages and fish spa, several spots and a store.
It caters for those needing an adrenaline rush but also for those looking for fun without the scares. Try the ‘drop-offs’ which involve about a two foot drop at the end of the slide into a very deep pool. However, if heights and speed are not a problem for you, the ‘the kamikaze’ ride should meet your expectations. One of the best rides in the park is the ‘black hole’ – this ride is pitch black and comprises a set of sharp twists and turns, but probably the most fun you will have all day. There are also plenty of rides suitable for the kids, and mum’s, you don’t need to feel left out as I am sure some time spent relaxing in the Jacuzzi will be just what you need to help you unwind. You will find Slide and Splash well sign posted on the EN125, and it is situated 5 minutes drive past Lagoa.
In 2022 they inaugurated the first phase of the park’s expansion, with a tower of 3 slides: Race, Boomerang and Big Fall.
AquaShow (outdoor and indoor)
Aquashow Park Hotel is the largest water park in the Algarve. This park is part of a leisure complex with a 4-star hotel and an indoor water park.
The Water Park has numerous attractions and leisure areas dispersed throughout the park and offers all the amenities you can expect from a leading water park in Portugal, with ample locker room, leisure and restaurant areas, for the whole family.
Their main attractions require a minimum height, with 1,40m being the minimum to experience the water park in its entirety. However, there are also children’s areas and quite a few attractions where no particular height is required.
Aqualand
Another water park with lots of the favourite rides such as the King Cobra , the Banzai Boggan (skim across the water from 23m high), the Kamikaze (from 36m to ground zero in 4 seconds) and the Soft Slopes. There are also rapids where you can experience the thrill of white water rafting and the wave pool and flying carpets.
If you just want to take it easy then head for the Lazy River where you can relax in a ring down a gentle river. For young children (under 8) there is a dedicated area called Children’s Paradise, which is dedicated to children’s imagination with multiple clues in castles, fountains and various animal figures.
The water park is located in Alcantarila and a bus will take you there from Lagos.
ZooMarine
Zoomarine is slightly different to the other parks with a greater focus on conservation, leisure, and environmental education. Zoomarine is inspired by marine life and actively promotes ocean species and their habitats.
A special feature of the park are the dolphin encounter experiences which I can thoroughly recommend for adults and for children. For younger children, there is a shallow pool where the children can still meet the dolphins. The experience sessions are between 60 and 90 minutes long
- Amusements – Lighthouse, min roller-coaster, pirate ship, harakiri and many more
- Jurassic River – Embark on an expedition to a lost world, through waterfalls and dense vegetation, with surprises at every turn with magnificent prehistoric dinosaurs. A thrilling Jurassic rafting adventure.
- Pirate Bay – A magnificent epic and fantasy scenario, gives place to an extraordinary performance of heroes with swords and eye patches, full of perils and stunts, that will entertain all visitors, big and small.
- Americas – A giant walkthrough habitat with some of the most amazing species of this exotic continent.
Zoomarine has available, daily, a group of educational activities to help explain the natural world.
- Droplets of Nature is an informal educational session for all ages.
- Daily, a member of the Educational Department will present in the areas of the different zoological groups (Birds of prey, Pinnipeds, Crocodiles and Alligators, Aquarium and Rehabilitation Center).
- Ray Feeding Sessions – Meet, learn and feed eagle rays in a fun experience for all family members. Even the young ones will be dazzled by these gentle shark relatives.