Aquaventuras Park
A water park near Puerto Vallarta offering thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a unique dolphin encounter experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more slides open
Aquaventuras Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more slides open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A water park near Puerto Vallarta offering thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a unique dolphin encounter experience.
"It's an aging water park, but the dolphin show is outstanding and the slides are fun if open."
Book Online for Discounts
Save money by booking your tickets online at least 2 days in advance! :ticket:
Prepare for Maintenance
The park is aging; expect some wear and tear. Focus on the fun! :construction:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thrilling Water Slides
Various locations throughout the park
Experience over 10 slides for all thrill-seekers, from adrenaline-pumping drops to winding twists.
Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Discovery area
An unforgettable opportunity to interact with intelligent dolphins, including shows and personal experiences.
Lazy River & Pools
Designated areas
Relax and float along the lazy river or take a dip in refreshing pools for a more laid-back experience.
Zipline and Hanging Bridges
Adventure zone
Get an aerial view of the park and feel the rush on the zipline and navigate exciting hanging bridges.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's Fun, But Needs TLC
Book Ahead for Discounts & Dolphin Encounters
If a dolphin encounter is your priority, be aware that shows might have specific, limited times, and you may need to wait or return later in the day.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Online for Discounts
Save money by booking your tickets online at least 2 days in advance! :ticket:
Prepare for Maintenance
The park is aging; expect some wear and tear. Focus on the fun! :construction:
Check Slide Availability
Not all slides may be open due to renovations. Check upon arrival. :warning:
Hydrate and Protect
Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Online for Discounts
Save money by booking your tickets online at least 2 days in advance! :ticket:
Prepare for Maintenance
The park is aging; expect some wear and tear. Focus on the fun! :construction:
Check Slide Availability
Not all slides may be open due to renovations. Check upon arrival. :warning:
Hydrate and Protect
Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
Consider a Rental Car
If staying nearby, a rental car offers flexibility for exploring. :car:
Dolphin Show Times
Plan your visit around dolphin encounter times; they can be limited. :dolphin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aquaventuras Park offers a day of water-based fun with slides and a popular dolphin encounter, but many visitors note that the park is aging and in need of significant maintenance. While some find it a good value, others are disappointed by the condition of facilities and the number of closed attractions.
"This place a a dump! Needs serious maintenance. We all felt gross after being in the water. No toilet paper in the bathrooms. Drink refrigerators were almost warm and the cans smell a bit like mild. This place needs serious renovations to get back to something I would want to stay at. We all wanted to leave after just one hour. Avoid this place and find a nicer place that is maintained better. Nothing at all like the pictures!"
Josh Iris
"My bride and I visited Aquaventuras Park during our brief stay in Puerto Vallarta.
We'd pre-purchased park tickets via Triple A / Carnival two weeks prior, and yet still endured a laborious 45 minute wait in a cramped, humid office while they processed our tickets.
Even though we arrived at 11am on the dot, the stated start time posted on our tickets, we were asked to return at 3:45pm for the NEXT "Sea Lion encounter," aka the very reason we chose this park!
After a few minutes of deliberations, we wound up receiving a truncated 15-minute, personal experience w/ the sea lion.
The caliber of the sea lion show, however, was OUTSTANDING!
POPEYE is the park's nine yr old, fun loving and bright eyed sea lion. He entertained us with special tricks, poses and even kissed each of us- On the cheeks.
Special kudos belong to employees JESSIE and ANNIE. Jessie is Popeye's trainer/attendant, and you could see the loving bond that she's built w/ this dashing animal. Annie is the staff photographer who skillfully created a beautiful set of 55+ photos to commemorate our sea lion encounter for all posterity.
Pro Tip- Aquaventuras is an aging water park, in need of a couple coats of paint and some general TLC. Also, the intake procedures -where you've up to five employees rather aimlessly congregating behind the counter while only ONE employee helps check customers in- could be tightened up.
But if you're patient and willing to look beyond the park's need for a face lift...then you'll enjoy yourselves."
Scott Willingham
"This place is not good. Their website sets a high expectation and we were really excited for our visit. On arrival it was immediately clear this was not going to be the experience we were looking for.
All the paint on the floors; walls, slides, signs, changing rooms, lockers, everywhere, was faded, flaking off or missing altogether. The slides were in really rough shape. More than half the slides weren’t even open. Those that were open, looked and felt unsafe. You could feel the joins in the slide sections as you went down, way more than you should. The walkways up to the slides were uneven, chipped and dirty. The slide structures were all rusty and corroded. They can’t have been safe. The inflatable rings needed for several of the slides were very tired looking and most had numerous repair patches on them. There was a lot of trash strewn about the place as well.
The concession stands were completely lacking. 3 of the cream freezers were completely empty. The one freezer that did have something it looked really unappealing.
Changing rooms weren’t particularly clean and many of the cubicles were missing a privacy curtain.
The only section of the park that appeared to be well presented was the dolphin encounter experience area. This is obviously where they make their money so they are neglecting all other areas of the park.
The waterpark needs to be closed and given a serious overhaul in all areas before it is fit to be open to the public. Until that happens, I would avoid this place at all costs."
Gillon Tadman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aquaventuras Park is located in Nuevo Vallarta, a short drive from Puerto Vallarta. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available. If you're staying in areas like Las Jarretaderas, a rental car might be convenient for exploring beyond the park, though buses can also be an option.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the park. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, to secure a good spot.
Public buses do run along the main highway and can get you close to the park's vicinity. From there, it might be a short walk or a quick taxi ride. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
From downtown Puerto Vallarta, expect a travel time of around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. From Nuevo Vallarta, it's much closer, often just 10-15 minutes.
Some hotels and resorts in the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta areas may offer shuttle services. It's best to inquire with your accommodation provider directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but booking online at least two days in advance often provides a discount.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the park's entrance. However, booking online in advance is generally cheaper and can save you time.
Discounts are often available for online bookings made in advance.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Aquaventuras Park website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening and closing times for your planned visit.
The dolphin encounter is a separate experience and may require advance booking or specific time slots. Some visitors have reported needing to return later in the day for their scheduled encounter.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features over 10 water slides, a lazy river, swimming pools, a zipline, hanging bridges, and a popular dolphin encounter experience.
Unfortunately, many visitors report that a significant number of slides are often closed for renovations or maintenance. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding the availability of all attractions.
Yes, the park has areas and attractions suitable for children, including pools and some smaller slides. However, some larger slides may not be designed for adults, and safety concerns have been raised about certain structures.
Reviews indicate that the park is aging and in need of maintenance. Visitors have noted faded paint, flaking surfaces, rusty structures, and general wear-and-tear on slides and walkways.+1
Yes, lockers are typically available for rent to store your belongings. Towels may also be available for rent, though it's often recommended to bring your own to save on costs.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
There are concession stands and food outlets within the park offering various snacks and meals. However, some reviews mention limited options and that freezers can be empty.
Compared to outside the park, food and drinks can be pricier. However, some visitors have noted that the prices are reasonable for a theme park setting.
Generally, most water parks have restrictions on bringing outside food and beverages. It's best to check the park's official policy, but it's likely you'll need to purchase food and drinks inside.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to inquire at the food stands upon arrival or contact the park in advance if you have specific dietary needs.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. Some find it acceptable for a theme park, while others have noted issues like warm refrigerators and unappealing options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture vibrant shots near the colorful slides, the dolphin encounter area, and scenic spots along the lazy river. The zipline offers a unique aerial perspective.
For safety reasons, taking photos or videos on the water slides is generally prohibited. Ensure your phone or camera is secured in a waterproof case if you plan to use it in splash zones.
Yes, for the dolphin encounter, a professional photographer is usually available to capture your experience, offering a set of photos for purchase.
A waterproof camera or a smartphone in a waterproof case is ideal for capturing water-based activities. For general park photos, a standard camera or phone will suffice.
Most theme parks, including water parks, prohibit the use of drones for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To maximize the family fun, consider visiting on a weekday morning when crowds are lower and more slides are likely to be open. Bringing waterproof gear for phones and cameras is essential for capturing memories, and ensuring everyone stays hydrated is key, especially in the Mexican heat. If the dolphin encounter is a must-do, plan your day around those specific showtimes.
💰 Budget Travelers
While food and drinks inside can add up, some reviews suggest they are reasonably priced for a theme park.To get the most out of your visit without overspending, aim for weekday visits to potentially avoid higher weekend prices and larger crowds. If you're staying nearby, exploring transportation options like local buses might be more economical than taxis. Remember that while the park may be aging, the core water park experience can still be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
💑 Couples
The dolphin encounter can be a unique and memorable shared experience.Consider visiting during the late afternoon to catch a dolphin show or enjoy the park as the sun begins to set. While the park's maintenance has been a point of criticism, focusing on the shared adventure and the unique activities like the dolphin interaction can make for a romantic and fun-filled day. Remember to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated to fully enjoy your time together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Attractions: Slides, Dolphins, and More
From high-speed drops to winding paths, there's something for most adrenaline seekers. However, a recurring theme in visitor feedback is that a significant number of these slides are often closed for renovations, leading to disappointment for some.The Dolphin Encounter is a major draw, offering unique interactions with these intelligent marine mammals.
Visitors have praised the quality of the dolphin shows and the personal experiences, highlighting the bond between trainers and animals.Beyond the slides and dolphins, the park offers a Lazy River for a more relaxed float and various swimming pools.
For those seeking a different kind of adventure, there's also a zipline and hanging bridges that provide aerial views and a touch of excitement.+1 These additional attractions can offer a nice break from the water slides and add variety to your day.The Reality of Park Maintenance and Visitor Experience
This lack of maintenance extends to other facilities. Reports include dirty changing rooms, missing privacy curtains, and even a lack of toilet paper in bathrooms.
Despite these criticisms, some visitors still find the park fun, especially considering the price point. They emphasize that if you can look past the need for a 'face lift' and focus on the enjoyable aspects like the slides and dolphin shows, you can still have a good time.
Booking and Ticketing: Tips for a Smoother Entry
but it can also streamline the process. Some visitors have reported a laborious wait time even after pre-purchasing tickets, with multiple employees behind the counter but only one actively checking people in.If your primary reason for visiting is the dolphin encounter, be prepared for potential scheduling complexities. While the shows themselves are highly praised,
For those staying in nearby accommodations, consider the convenience of a rental car. While public transport and taxis are options, a car offers more flexibility for day trips and exploring the surrounding areas like Nuevo Vallarta.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit