Water park attendance trends vary across the world. In Asia, many of the larger water parks have nearly recovered from the pandemic, but smaller aquatic attractions are still behind 2019 visitor numbers, says the 2023 TEA/AECOM Theme Index.
In the Americas, Latin America in particular, water parks are stable and successful, mostly, the report says. EMEA water parks also did well in 2023, due to higher attendance in Dubai, new water parks like Rulantica in Germany, and Therme Bucharest in Romania.
Generally, water parks remain solid and reliable across the globe, the report says.
Here, blooloop showcases the 18 top water parks in the world, measured by guest numbers. The attendance figures and ranking below come from the 2023 TEA/AECOM Theme Index, which can be downloaded here.
1 Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou, China
Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou became the world’s most popular water park a few years after it opened in 2007. The aquatic attraction features colourful slides and tubing rides, as well as music and dance performances. WhiteWater supplied slides including the first Family Python in China.
Tony Sze, senior counsellor for Guangzhou Chimelong Group, said: “Our expectations were thoroughly exceeded by WhiteWater’s ability to design, manufacture and manage the installation of both Chimelong Guangzhou and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom from the initial idea to project completion.”
Chimelong Water Park is part of a resort, also home to two hotels, as well as Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Safari, and International Circus.
Su Zhigang founded the Chimelong Group’s original theme park in 2006. The company is China’s leading owner and operator of entertainment resorts.
2023 attendance – 2,807,000
2022 attendance – 1,620,000
2 Thermas dos Laranjais, Olimpia, Brazil
Thermas dos Laranjais is the most visited water park in Latin America and the second most popular globally as of 2023. It first opened in 1987 and is home to the largest complex of thrilling waterslides in Brazil. The park is located in the northern part of the state of São Paulo.
Thermas dos Laranjais features more than 60 attractions. These include waterslides, surfing facilities, pools, rivers and family-friendly offerings. WhiteWater created five of the leading attractions at Thermas dos Laranjais. The company is also providing an impressive tower with two groundbreaking six-person raft rides.
2023 attendance – 1,954,000
2022 attendance – 1,729,000
3 Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World, Florida, US
Typhoon Lagoon is a water park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista. It is one of two water parks operating at the resort and was the second to open following Disney’s River Country. This closed in 2001.
The water park in Florida opened back in 1989. It’s inspired by a tropical paradise, with decor including ships, fishing tackle and surfboards. Typhoon Lagoon’s sister water park, Blizzard Beach, first opened to guests in 1995.
Typhoon Lagoon attractions include waterslides such as Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Bay Slides, and Storm Slides. There’s also a lazy river called Castaway Creek, as well as family-friendly water rides, and the largest wave pool in North America.
2023 attendance – 1,898,000
2022 attendance – 1,915,000
4 Atlantis Aquaventure, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Atlantis Aquaventure, a tropical water park in the Bahamas, opened in 1994. The water park is the leading aquatic attraction in the region on TripAdvisor. Aquaventure water parks are home to attractions including the Mayan Temple, which features a series of rides and slides. There’s also a river ride with waves, rapids, tidal surges, steam and waterfalls, and an exhibit for the park’s cetaceans called Dolphin Cay.
There are three Atlantis Aquaventure water parks in the world, found in the Bahamas, China and the UAE. In 2025, a California-based real estate development company purchased oceanfront land in Hawaii to build a $2 billion Atlantis resort – the first in the US.
2023 attendance – 1,891,000
2022 attendance – 1,751,000
5 Therme Erding, Erding, Germany
Therme Erding, the world’s largest water park, thermal bath and spa complex, is found near Munich and welcomes approximately 4,000 daily visitors. Therme Erding covers 185,000 square metres and launched in 1999. It’s one of three German parks to make this list of the world’s top water parks.
In total, Therme Erding’s 27 indoor and outdoor slides span 2.7km in length. Most of these were supplied by wiegand.waterrides, a leading water rides and attraction provider. Therme Erding was one of the first water parks to include a virtual reality (VR) waterslide experience.
Therme Erding was acquired by Therme Group in 2024. “As we expand globally, we are not just growing our portfolio – we are redefining how cities can integrate spaces that prioritize health, connection, and inclusion, making urban wellbeing accessible to all,” said Robert Hanea, founder and CEO of Therme Group.
2023 attendance – 1,860,000
2022 attendance – 1,700,000
6 Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando, Florida, US
Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay only opened in 2017, replacing the outdated Wet ‘n Wild on International Drive. Volcano Bay is adjacent to Universal’s Cabana Beach Bay Resort. It covers 25 acres and includes more than 30 experiences and attractions. These range from body slides and raft rides to a multi-directional wave pool and hydro-magnetic waterslide coaster.
“Universal’s Volcano Bay sets a new standard on every level,” said Tom Williams, former CEO and chairman of Universal Destinations & Experiences. “It provides our guests with spectacular entertainment experiences and innovative technology that helps them enjoy more of what matters most – connecting with each other and having an amazing time together.”
The water park’s first-ever nighttime event, Universal Volcano Bay Nights, was launched in 2024. It includes live performances, DreamWorks character interactions and complimentary island treats such as Spicy Island Shrimp and Cheesy Cliffside Seashell Pasta. Highlights also include a live DJ and nostalgic games.
2023 attendance – 1,800,000
2022 attendance – 1,850,000
7 Atlantis Aquaventure, Dubai, UAE
Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm in the UAE features several world firsts and award-winning water rides, many of which were created by WhiteWater. The water park is home to zip lines, slides racing through shark-filled lagoons and family-friendly offerings.
Kerzner International opened the second Atlantis Aquaventure water park on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah in 2008. The first attraction launched on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and the third opened in Sanya, China in 2018.
ProSlide provided 17 waterslides for phase three of the 2021 Aquaventure expansion. “The water rides ProSlide installed are second-to-none and are the perfect complement for our vision for Atlantis to be among the world’s best water parks,” said Sascha Triemer, vice president of marine and water park at Atlantis.
2023 attendance – 1,800,000
2022 attendance – 1,500,000
8 Hot Park, Rio Quente, Brazil
Hot Park can be found at the Rio Quente Resort, one of the biggest resorts in Brazil. The water park covers 55,000 square metres and also features an aviary with more than 200 birds. The resort offers other facilities, including F&B.
Located in the Cerrado, Rio Quente has five hotels, bars and restaurants, and pools and aquatic attractions. Hot Park has more than 17 attractions in natural thermal waters. Thrilling rides include AeroBike and Xpirado, while relaxing offerings include a lazy river.
2023 attendance – 1,600,000
2022 attendance – 1,430,000
9 Aquaventure Atlantis, Sanya, China
Aquaventure water park is part of the Atlantis resort in Sanya, China, a $1.65bn destination. It boasts 200,000 square metres of space and was built to a master plan from RAD Architecture. Aquaventure is the biggest water park in Asia.
Atlantis Sanya, located in Haitang Bay, features 21 restaurants, bars and lounges. It also houses the Lost Chambers aquarium and Dolphin Cay encounter. Aquaventure water park features 35 attractions, including 15 custom-designed slides and rides by ProSlide.
“Atlantis Sanya is the ultimate vacation destination in the region,” said ProSlide president and CEO Rick Hunter. “It delivers so many incredible guest experiences in one park experience.”
2023 attendance – 1,600,000
2022 attendance – 630,000
10 Therme Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Opened in 2016, Therme Bucharest is Therme Group’s flagship resort. As well as being a top global water park, Therme Bucharest attracted a record number of international visitors in 2024. This came amid a growing trend for immersive wellness.
“With an increased global recognition of the Therme concept, 30 percent of visitors to Therme are shown to be guests from outside of Romania,” Therme Group said in a press release. “Bookings from the UK alone have increased by 240 percent from the previous year, in advance of the hotly anticipated Therme Manchester opening.”
Therme Manchester is a €500m (£413m), 28-acre project with thermal and mineral pools, botanical gardens, water experiences, fitness and wellness spaces, and cultural programming.
Also, repeat visitation in 2024 by Bucharest residents was effective, Therme Group said. This was attributed to an events calendar offering new experiences, like a festival dedicated to sauna and herbalism.
2023 attendance – 1,520,000
2022 attendance – 1,200,000
11 Sunway Lagoon, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sunway Lagoon, which started operating in 1992, is located in Malaysia and owned by Sunway Group. It boasts more than 90 attractions across 88 acres. The venue features a Water Park, Amusement Park, Extreme Park, Wildlife Park, Scream Park and the Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon.
Attraction highlights include the world’s largest vortex ride and the world’s largest surf pool, as well as an interactive water playground and 5D cinema experience.
WhiteWater supplied many of the attractions. “We’ve worked with WhiteWater since the 1990s,” said Magendaran Marimuthu, assistant general manager at Sunway Lagoon.
2023 attendance – 1,500,000
2022 attendance – 950,000
12 Aquatica, Orlando, Florida, US
SeaWorld’s Aquatica Orlando first opened in 2008. The water park is home to several WhiteWater products. In 2021, Aquatica opened Florida’s first duelling waterslide, Riptide Race. “Riptide Race will offer a ride experience you won’t be able to get anywhere else in Florida,” said David Heaton, previously VP at Aquatica Orlando.
In 2024, the park debuted another WhiteWater product – Tassie’s Underwater Twist. This is described as Florida’s most immersive waterslide.
“Tassie’s Underwater Twist is set to redefine the thrill of aquatic adventures at Aquatica Orlando”, said Brad Gilmour, president of Discovery Cove and Aquatica. “With Tassie’s Underwater Twist, we invite guests to dive into an underwater world of wonder, where fun and excitement meet curiosity and education.”
2023 attendance – 1,437,000
2022 attendance – 1,548,000
13 Aquapalace, Prague, Czech Republic
Aquapalace Prague is the largest water park in the Czech Republic. It’s located in Čestlice and opened in 2008. The attraction features connected indoor and outdoor areas, with the main water park covering an area of nearly 10,000 square metres.
Attractions and rides include 12 waterslides, one of which is the longest waterslide in the Czech Republic. The water park also features a winding river, artificial waves, and pools at its three areas – Palace of Adventures, Palace of Relaxation and Palace of Treasures. Aquapalace offers wellness facilities, such as saunas, baths and relaxation zones.
2023 attendance – 1,300,000
2022 attendance – 1,200,000
14 Tropical Islands, Krausnick, Germany
German indoor water park Tropical Islands is owned and operated by Parques Reunidos. It’s the first indoor water park in the company’s portfolio, and generates annual revenues of more than €70m. Parques Reunidos acquired Tropical Islands from Tanjong Plc for €226m in 2018.
The water park covers 650 hectares and is located inside a former zeppelin hangar near Brandenburg, close to Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig. Opened in December 2004, the park can accommodate up to 8,200 daily visitors. It contains various attractions, including the highest waterslide tower in Germany.
“Germany is a strategic market for Parques Reunidos,” said Richard Golding, chairman of Parques Reunidos, in 2018. “As well as representing a truly unique opportunity in itself, Tropical Islands also reinforces our market positioning in the country, where together with Movie Park and Belantis we will reach 3 million visitors.”
ThisPlays International, a leading provider of photo booths for attractions, zoos, aquariums and shopping centres, has partnered for multiple years with Tropical Islands.
2023 attendance – 1,300,000
2022 attendance – 1,150,000
15 Caribbean Bay, Seoul, South Korea
Caribbean Bay is an indoor and outdoor water park located in Yonqin, Seoul. It first opened in 1996 and is part of Everland, the largest theme park in South Korea. Aquatic attractions include pools, waterslides, a spa, sauna and wave pool. Caribbean Bay also boasts the world’s longest lazy river ride.
WhiteWater, a leading water park manufacturer, created some of the waterslides and water rides for Caribbean Bay.
2023 attendance – 1,270,000
2022 attendance – 995,000
16 Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
Opened in September 2008, Siam Park is a 46-acre water park on the island of Tenerife in Spain. Siam Park was the top water park in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice awards for many years, until the category was merged with top theme parks.
Christoph Kiessling, co-founder and co-owner of Siam Park, told blooloop: “What other parks do is theming. What we do is different. We go to the country, buy materials and work with local craftsmen so that what we build is authentic.”
He added: “We control the ride experience like no other water park in the world. We are not plastic fantastic – we are about sensation and emotion.”
Attractions at the immersive water park include waterslides such as Singha, Kinnaree, Vulcano and the Tower of Power. The Lost City by WhiteWater features an additional 15 slides, towers, slides, bridges and water features. The Mai Thai River is one of the longest lazy rivers in the world. Saifa is an innovative water coaster by ProSlide.
2023 attendance – 1,200,000
2022 attendance – 1,150,000
17 Rulantica, Rust, Germany
Europa-Park’s relatively new Rulantica water world opened in late 2019 with 25 water attractions including 17 slides by ProSlide Technology Inc., an industry leader in water ride manufacturing and design. The 32,000-square-metre destination in Rust, Germany is themed to a mystical Nordic island. It represents the largest single investment in Europa-Park’s history.
The Europa-Park expansion features Scandinavian landscapes, mystical sceneries and imaginative designs, as well as the adjoining hotel Krønasår. Highlights include a troll-themed water playground, and a colourful grotto with the ‘Surf Fjørd’ wave pool and a gigantic waterfall.
PGAV, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, was a key partner in the design and development of Rulantica.
2023 attendance – 1,200,000
2022 attendance – 900,000
18 Hacienda Napoles Theme Park, Medellin, Colombia
A new entry on this list is Hacienda Napoles, a theme park destination close to Medellin in Colombia that used to be the estate of the late drug baron Pablo Escobar. The site fell into disrepair but was reopened as a visitor attraction in 2007 with an initial investment of $10 million, the Independent reported.
Hacienda Napoles has several areas, one a theme park with coasters and Colombia’s tallest drop tower, another a wildlife sanctuary with hippos and other animals. There are also dinosaur and relaxation zones. The water park features giant cobra and octopus slides, pools, and a waterfall.
2023 attendance – 1,200,000
2022 attendance – 1,000,000
