Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Slides: Ranked from Family Friendliest to the Absolute Craziest in 2021
Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay is a tropical-themed waterpark destination that will transport you and your family to the mystical land of the Waturi, creative native islanders who discovered Volcano Bay. As the legend goes, as the Waturi traveled far and wide for a place to settle, a magical fish guided them to Volcano Bay. They settled on this island paradise and began constructing their village, including lots of fun slides to celebrate the fire and water.
Well, their construction has turned into our joy because today, Universal Orlando‘s Volcano Bay is home to lots of fun and exhilarating water slides throughout the water park. Everyone has a different level of thrill-ride enjoyment, so we broke it down and ranked the Volcano Bay slides from friendliest to craziest! Grab your sunscreen and bathing suit and take the plunge, if you dare, on these epic Volcano Bay waterslides.
Enjoy this Water Park’s Easy Family-Friendly Rides
Kopiko Wai Winding River
Let your worries float away as your take a slow ride on the Kopiko Wai Winding River. You’ll meander your way through the lush tropical landscape and be transported to paradise as you soak up the rays and feel the mist of the water sprayers as you float by. It’s the perfect spot for families or those who want a moment to slow down and unwind.
TeAwa the Fearless River
If the Kopiko Wai Winding River is a “1” on the thrill-o-meter for rides in Volcano Bay, then the TeAwa Fearless River spices things up and pulls a solid “2.5” on the scale. While the Winding River is for relaxation, the Fearless River is for adventure! Imagine a lazy river turned into a whitewater rapid ride, and that’s what you’ll get with TeAwa! Buckle up your life vest and be swept away through the churning rapids, white water, and chopping waves. As the fast-moving current pushes you along, you’ll be sprayed, splashed, and bobbed around in the river.
Taniwha Tube Water Slides
Take a turn on one or all of the four Taniwha Tube water slides for a fun ride through the Easter Island-inspired waterslides of Volcano Bay. Hop in a single or double-person tube and zip and twist your way thru enclosed and open tubes until your ride ends with a splash into a pool. There are four different slides of Taniwha Tubes, so climb back up the stairs and have another go at this fun, family-friendly tube ride!
Adventure Seekers Enter Here
Punga Racers Water Slide
This one is for the younger crowd, but still a thrilling ride! Punga Racers water slide sends single riders down one of four separate slides and sends them sliding into a shallow ending for a splash. The body slide sends guests rushing through the windy-covered tunnels, and then they’re shot out into open tunnels until they make a quick stop at the end. It’s a quick, fast, and fun slide and perfect for kids and teens who want a thrill but aren’t ready to take the plummet of some of the bigger slides.
Honu and Ika Moana Water Slide
These epic water slides combine the thrill of a high-flying ride and an extreme slip and slide. Board a multi-person raft, and you’ll be launched through the rushing water and catch “the wave” as your tube slides vertically into the swell. Hold on tight as you spin and cascade the rest of the way down the slide, sweeping through the waves and twisting and turning until making a splash of a landing in the water below.
Maku Puihi Water Slide
After you board the multi-person raft of the Maku Puihi water slide, you’ll find yourself swirling your way down the lava-tube path to your watery thrill ride. Hang on as you’re launched out of the tube and shot into a water-infused funnel where you’ll hang in mid-air and feel the adrenaline of zero-gravity hang time! You won’t be able to help yourself as you smile, laugh, or maybe even scream as you twist and spin all the way down the tunnel and shoot out at the bottom.
Ohyah and Ohno Drop Water Slides
Come and take on the Ohyah and Ohno drop water slides and take the plunge…or drop! Slip on down one of these two body slides, and you’ll be riding fast through the twists and turns of the enclosed water slide. As you brave the serpentine slide that wiggles and runs all over the place, the real test is at the end! After your twisty ride down the enclosed water tube, you’ll be launched six feet above the water below and plunge into the 10-foot pool below. These slides are definitely for those looking for a thrill…and those who love to have butterflies in their stomach as they fly through the air and drop!
Adrenaline Junkie Thrills
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
The Krakatau Aqua Coaster combines all the thrill of a rollercoaster and the fun of a water slide! Defy gravity with this adrenaline-pumping waterslide. The slide pulls your 4-person canoe up a misty hill and then propels you through dark twists, turns, and drops until you’re plunged through a waterfall. It’s a fun ride to enjoy.
Ko’okiri Body Plunge Water Slide
Those looking for a thrill and a rush of adrenaline, then step on up for the Ko’okiri Body Plunge! Climb to the tip-top of Krakatau volcano and take a good look around. It truly is a beautiful spot. Then as you muster up enough courage and bravery to face the fall, you’ll stand on a drop door, and before you know it, the door will fall away, and you’ll plummet down the 70-degree fall through 125 feet of exhilarating rush on this water slide! Hold your breath as you’re shot out the end of the slide in a watery splash. The Ko’okiri Body Plunge is not for the faint of heart!
Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
The pinnacle of thrill rides at Volcano Bay awaits you at the top of the Krakatau volcano, a whopping 200 feet in the air! While the climb to the top may get your heart pumping, get ready for the ride (or drop) of adrenaline. The twin slides stand side by side, and you and another guest will find yourselves standing on a drop door with your arms over your chest. A moment later, you’ll be plummeting through intertwining tubes at intense speeds and racing to the bottom of the base of the volcano. It’s definitely the most thrilling and intense ride of your day at the beautiful Volcano Bay in Orlando!
Helpful Hints for Your Adventure
While you’re preparing to tackle some of these epic waterslides at Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, it’s worth noting there are height and weight restrictions for most, if not all, of the rides in the park. While height restrictions vary for each waterslide, there are a few basic rules across the park. If you are 48 inches or taller, then you’ll be able to ride all the waterslides and rides, except in the kiddie areas.
The kiddie areas are restricted for little ones. Some slides allow riders between 42-48 inches to ride with a chaperone (usually an older sibling or family member), so definitely check the sign at the ride entrance to see if everyone is tall enough for the single rides!
Lastly, there are weight restrictions for the different slides in Volcano Bay. The limit is slightly different based on the slide, number of riders, and the water level, but the common weight limit is about 300 pounds throughout the park. Before you get on any of the slides with weight restrictions, a team member will discreetly weigh you or the group going on the ride, so check out the sign before entering the slide if you have any questions!
The Waturi islanders really outdid themselves in the construction of their water village. From the lush tropical landscape to the towering Volcano in the center of the village, it truly is an impressive island. However, the best part of the island is hands down, all the amazingly fun waterslides you and your family can experience here. The park has places for tots to splash in the water, plenty of slides that the whole family can enjoy, and even a few high-thrill rides for those daredevils in your crew.
Whether your style is floating down a quiet river or plummeting 100+ feet down the side of a volcano, Volcano Bay’s rides will fit everyone in your group!
Cover Image
Photo: Paulo Guereta via Flickr
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