Yas Waterworld, Wild Wadi or Aquaventure: Choosing the best waterpark in Dubai

If the first thing that comes to your mind after thinking of Dubai is a golden sunset, sand dunes and the humidity – well, it’s safe to say you’re not the only one. Despite that, it’s hard not to admire the magnificence of Dubai. Futuristic architecture and the melting pot of cultures is only little of what Dubai can offer. Dubai, while famous for its grand desert and the magnificent Arabian Gulf, is also home to some of the best attractions and theme parks in the Middle-East. Given the year-round hot temperatures, you bet there are some amazing water parks to help you cool down!

Dubai may be home to many theme parks. However in this post, we will only get to the low-down of the three most talked about water parks – Yas Waterworld, Wild Wadi and Aquaventure. Don’t waste time pondering, we’ve got some details sorted out for you before you make your choice. Read on below:

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adventure

• We’d suggest picking Aquaventure out of the three. Attractions like Zoomerango, Slitherine or Aquaconda are perfect to get your adrenaline pumping. The park has interconnected waterways as well which means all its rides are pretty much in sync with each other. And of course, you shouldn’t miss out on Poseidon’s Revenge! A ride that sets you plummeting at 37km/hour (not to mention, before turning you upside down!).
• We won’t deny that Yas Waterworld comes close in competition with Aquaventure. In its sprawling 42 acres, Yas Waterworld has as many as 45 rides to keep you occupied during your excursion. The park even has rides segregated according to the ‘thrill’ level you’re seeking. But despite that, your options are very limited at Yas Waterworld. Yet, don’t forget to check out Dawwama, a 20 meter high funnel, if you’re planning to spend a day there.
• Wild Wadi is definitely a great pick if you’re not into rides that make you squirm in discomfort. Designed to look exactly like an oasis in the middle of the desert, this water park is home to some of the most stunning attractions in Dubai (and looking over a pristine beach definitely helps!). The world famous Jumeirah Sceirah may not need an introduction to some, but it is one of the few rides that will give you the rush you’re seeking.

If you’re traveling with children

• Wild Wadi is the best waterpark suited for children. With walking paths that are cooled by chilled water and ample shade, Wild Wadi should definitely be your pick if you’re travelling with children. Rides at Wild Wadi have a height limit of 1.1m while Aquaventure and Yas Waterworld are capped with a minimum height limit of 1.2m. This makes rides at Wild Wadi more accessible than the other parks. With rides such as Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon and Juha’s Journey, you’ll find that the kids have enough thrills and rides to enjoy comfortably. The park is based on the tales of Juha (a known character of Arabian folklore) and focuses on his journey. The park features various fun and interesting rides meant only for your children. We recommend Juha’s Journey, a relaxing ride, sails you on a lazy river cruise with your family et all.
• Yas Waterworld should be the next on your list. Though it is situated on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, visiting it is a reward since you can club it with a visit to the amazing Ferrari World where the kids are going to have an absolute blast. Yas Waterworld is also home to a number of children-friendly rides such as Water Wars, Marah Fortress, Amwaj Wave Pool and Al Raha River.
• Aquaventure occupies the last spot amongst the three. Not that it isn’t kid-friendly but more so because the other two parks are better suited. Famous for its thrilling rides that are centered around adult fun known, children rides at Aquaventure include Water Coasters, Zero Entry Pools and even a dedicated children’s splash pool. Not to forget the Aquaventure Beach that is a part of the water park.

If you’re looking for something more than rides

• Hands down, Aquaventure should be your pick if you’re the kind who wants some amount of crazy. You can have an exciting experience venturing into their Shark Safari. Traverse under a shark lagoon (with specialized helmets on, of course) or feed the friendly Cownose Rays. There’s something for everyone – and we mean it! Relax in shaded spot with an ice cone, or lounge around on their 700 meter long beach, you won’t be disappointed.
• Yas Waterworld comes up next on our list with some great places to pick up souvenirs from. The park is also full of eateries to snack once you’re done with the excursion. You can pick up a pearl memento to cherish some memories once you’re back home. But of course, that’s pretty much all if you’re looking at Yas Waterworld.
• Wild Wadi is all about Juha’s adventures, which means there isn’t much to do once you’re through with that. The park is home to FISHO – an in house fish spa along with a couple of stalls here and there. But you will end up feeling disappointed if you expect other attractions at this park.

If you’re looking for budgeted fun

• With the kind of indulgence it offers, Aquaventure is definitely the cheapest of the lot. With adult tickets ranging approximately DHS 185 and a child ticket costing you DHS 160, it is a steal. While the park may have extra in house expenses (which could add up as the day progresses) there’s no denying that it is cheaper. More since it’s right in the middle of Dubai as well.
• You may wonder why we put Wild Wadi up next when it costs the most, but we’re considering its easy accessibility. Thrilling rides coupled with a child friendly experience is worth every penny (in this case, dirham) at Wild Wadi. Be prepared to spend almost DHS 275 for an adult ticket and DHS 100 for your child.
• Situated quite far away, Yas Waterworld isn’t the best pick if you’re looking for budgeted fun. Your fifty minute drive from Dubai to Yas Island will cost you a fortune along with the tickets. Yet, in case you’re staying in Abu Dhabi which is hardly seven minutes away from the park premises, this could be a better option than Wild Wadi. An adult ticket here costs DHS 240 and your child can get in with a ticket costing DHS 195 approximately.

If you want to avoid the exhausting queues

• Let’s face it, there’s no escaping a long queue when it comes to water parks in the heat. But we can narrow it down by saying that Yas Waterworld serves the best when it is about avoiding the crowd. Thanks to its expansive 42 acres, the crowd divides itself evenly, making you feel as though the park is less populated. We suggest arriving on time to avoid the queues!
• Wild Wadi is a smaller park, and the crowd tends to worsen up during the weekends. Be sure to walk in right at 11am (when the park starts) to avoid the tiresome long lines.
• Aquaventure is the biggest waterpark in Dubai, well known to many, and often a favorite of local and international tourists. That being said, be prepared to experience major crowd during holidays and weekends. Since the park has no VIP passes or facilities to jump the queue, the only alternative is to arrive super early and get on with the rides as soon as you can.

If shortest travel time what you’re seeking

• A stone’s throw away from Central Dubai, Aquaventure is fifteen minutes down the road from the city. Situated on the famous, man-made palm islands of Dubai, you won’t have trouble locating this park as well. Accessibility wise, Aquaventure tops our list thanks to it being in a well-known locality.
• Wild Wadi is hard to miss as well, since the park locates itself across the stunning Burj-Al-Arab. Being a part of Jumeirah International group, the park can also be located next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Getting here is not a problem since it lies in a popular locality – Jumeira Road.
• As we’ve mentioned before, Yas Waterworld is located on Yas Island. This fun-filled theme park is a great idea if you’re staying in Abu Dhabi with a mere 7 minute distance. But, be ready for a fifty minute painstaking drive from Central Dubai. If you’re on a tight schedule, picking this park wouldn’t be the best idea after all. We suggest picking this only if you’re ready to spend some time (and money) going to and fro to experience this park.

If shortest travel time what you’re seeking

• Aquaventure looks out on a beach. But what makes it a picture perfect visit is its well-manicured lawns and gardens that beautify the park like no other. Lounge around on Neptune’s Retreat, among the lush, landscaping turfs. That is if being around tropical greenery makes you smile! You can even relax in some shaded spots or take a walk on the 700 meter long beach.
• The stunning Wild Wadi is a sight for sore eyes – more if you’re looking for a place that can liven up your Instagram feed. Right opposite the grand Burj-Al-Arab, the property also looks over at a pristine beach. If you’re lucky on your way to Jumeirah Sceirah, you may even end up clicking some splendid pictures of the view and the park!
• Yas Waterworld doesn’t really fall into the category of striking parks, but many enjoy the fact that it surrounds itself with water. Since it is a whopping 42 acre, it is hard to spot a lot of sceneries in the park. Although your drive to the park can be memorable if you’re traveling from Dubai, we wouldn’t exactly call this one ‘picturesque’.

So here’s a basic summary of all that you need to know about the waterparks in Dubai. There’s a lot to explore in each park, so make sure you have ample of time in your hands if you decide to visit. We sure hope this helped ease some confusion, but remember, Wild Wadi, Yas Waterworld or Aquaventure – what matters the most is your will to enjoy yourself!