Aquatica officially opened in March 2008 and has combined up-close animal experiences, waters from serene to extreme, high-speed thrills and wide sandy beaches to make a one-of-a-kind water park you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

With over 3 million gallons of water in lagoons, rivers and racing rides, 3 million pounds of sand on more than 83,000 square feet of beach, Sea World’s Aquatica captures the essence of an aquatic paradise.  More than 2,500 different types of distinct trees including monkey puzzle trees from Chile, pineapple guava trees from Brazil and flowering silk oak trees from Australia add to the exotic, wildlife theme throughout the park.

Like the many plants and trees that fill the park, animals from all over the world also play an important role to Aquatica’s playful high-energy atmosphere. Black and white Commerson’s dolphins, vividly colored macaws, colorful fish, kookaburras, anteaters, and iguanas allow guests to learn more about the environment and conservation. Guests will also encounter unusual birds and animals in walk-around interaction opportunities.

But perhaps the most exciting part of Aquatica, at least for the kids anyway, is the thrilling slide rides and water attractions the park has to offer.  First up on the water slide ride, and the park’s signature attraction, is Commerson’s Dolphins Slides where riders plunge down 300 feet of clear tubes through a crystal-blue lagoon with black and white Commerson’s dolphins.  Zoom past friends and family members on the Eight Lane racer as you compete on an 8-lane racing ride that sends riders speeding down a slide with multiple twists and turns. And for those who want to chill after a hair raising slide ride, enjoy the Adventure River or Lazy River and relax as geysers, waterfalls, and colorful fish float past. There’s even a family play area with a colorful rain fortress for kids to play in and family slides and water cannons as well as a children’s play area complete with kid’s pools, slides, tubes and specialty built rafts.

Owned and operated by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, SeaWorld is a marine-life based zoological park, devoted to Earth’s oceans and the array of life that inhabits them. SeaWorld features a vast array of attractions including rides and several animal exhibits. Perhaps SeaWorld’s most popular attraction and show is Shamu Stadium, home to the park’s killer whale performers. SeaWorld also boasts thrill rides like the Kraken and Journey to Atlantis. But no matter what guests do at SeaWorld they’re sure to get a glimpse into the beautiful underwater world we often take for granted. And Aquatica is meant to give guests a better understanding and appreciation for our underwater friends.