Written in collaboration with Aquatica. All opinions are our own. 

We’re nearing the end of summer, but before we’re consumed with homework and schedules again, we’re creating summer memories to the max! We just got back from a three day trip to San Diego. It was non-stop fun as we took the children to both Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark and SeaWorld. Some of my friends think that the waterpark is part of SeaWorld park, but it’s actually in Chula Vista which is about 20 miles away and closer to Mexico’s border.

More than a dozen Caribbean flamingos live at Aquatica San Diego. They’re one of the first things you’ll see upon entering the park and you can see them as you as your floating down Loggerhead Lane (the lazy river).

There are four species of freshwater turtles at Aquatica San Diego. They’re located between Big Surf Shores (the wave pool) and the food plaza. Most of the turtles are red-eared slider turtles, but there are also yellow-bellied sliders, Western Pacific pond turtles, and Mississippi map turtles.

Things you’ll want to know:

• Admissions into the park may be suspended during the day due to periods of high attendance.
• Complimentary life vests in all sizes are available.
• It is recommended that those under 42 inches wear a life vest and must be accompanied by an adult.
• Life vests are required at many attractions based on height.
• Appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times.
• Children in diapers are required to use waterproof protectors.
• Complimentary rafts are provided depending on the ride.
• There are a ton of open seating throughout the park. Private Cabanas are available for rent (see below for details).
• There are five heated pools kept at 78 to 82 degrees: Big Surf Shores, Loggerhead Lane, Kata’s Kookaburra Cove, Walkabout Waters, and Slippity Dippity.
• No outside food or beverage is allowed into the park except for one water bottle per guest. See more below about their food & beverage policy. 

If you forget anything, they have gift shops that carry many items you may need for your water enjoyment. They even carry waterproof phone covers.

Quick Queue:

Don’t like to wait? You can get priority boarding at Walhalla Wave, Whanau Way, Tassie’s Twister and Woohoo Falls with Quick Queue!

Cashless Wristbands:

No longer do you need to worry about your wallet getting wet or losing your cash or credit cards on one of the rides, because at Aquatica, they have Cashless Wristbands. Lock everything up in your locker and make food or gift shop purchases by scanning your waterproof wristband. You can get your wristband for free at any ticket window, Cabana check-in or locker rental. You can deposit cash or link it up to a credit card. There are no fees for using this service, and your account automatically settles at the end of the day.

Lockers:

All-day electronic and key-less locker rentals are available near the park entrance. There are three sizes to choose from: Standard, Large, and Jumbo. I rented out the Jumbo one for $25, because I was sharing it with another family. It fit two large totes filled with our change of clothes and our towels. I always get one at all the waterparks because I don’t want to leave my valuables out in the open or I’ll leave it in the car.

Private Cabanas & Loungers:

Resort-style amenities including a welcome basket, mini-fridge, bottle water, an attendant and WiFi access. The loungers overlook Loggerhead Lane and come with a pool safe, two chairs, and umbrella. Reserve it at Tickets and Reservations.

Pools and Attractions Heated to 78–82 F:

• Big Surf Shores: One of the largest wave pools in Southern California, guests swim in more than 500,000 gallons of water with period swells of up to five feet. A white sandy beach (43,000 square feet!) allows visitors to relax on lawn chairs or luxuriate in nearby cabanas.

• Walkabout Waters: This four-story interactive and colorful outdoor attraction features loads of hands-on fun with slides, hoses, jets, geysers and more. Every five minutes, a 500-gallon bucket unloads water on everyone below!

• Slippity Dippity: Families with toddlers can splash the day away and let their imagination run rampant as they explore an endless sea of fun at this attraction, which includes kid-sized slides.

• Loggerhead Lane: Guests can swim or float along in an inner tube down a winding 1,250-foot long lazy river, with the added surprise of Caribbean flamingos on display. Playful fountains provide plenty of opportunities to splash while soaking up the sun.

Rides/Slides*:

• Tassie’s Twister: Plunge down a 75-foot water slide in a multi-person raft through thousands of gallons of swirling water before dropping into a six-story funnel (conveyers automatically lift rafts to the top of the attraction).

• Taumata Racer: A high-speed racing water slide that zooms riders on six side-by-side lanes down a 375-foot slide, around a 180-degree swooping turn, and in and out of tunnels before racing them across a finish line.

• Whanau Way: Boasting a 60-foot water slide complex featuring six slides, four enclosed and two open air, this ride is a must on any waterpark enthusiast’s list.

• HooRoo Run: Guests can choose their own adventure: two enclosed and two open-air slides await for a thrilling descent down this 80-foot ride.

• Woohoo Falls: Adventurers embark on one of three water slides with speedy twists and turns, including one in the dark for those up to the challenge.

• Kiwi Curl: Guests can put their adrenaline level to the test as they ride down one of three 60-foot-tall water slides. Thrill seekers have the option of sliding in the dark.

• Walhalla Wave: This 78-foot ride is designed for families to enjoy together (height requirement is 42”) in a gigantic tube. A tube lift means no lugging it up the stairs!

Animal Exhibits:

• At Loggerhead Lane, guests enjoy not only a lush tropical attraction with a winding 1,250-foot-long lazy river, but also an up-close view of more than a dozen Caribbean flamingos.

• A habitat with dozens of freshwater turtles, representing several species, live in an exhibit that features under- and above-water viewing.

Dining, Drinks and Desserts:

• Mango Market: Pasta, pizza and other Italian delights
• Big Surf Snacks: Salty and sweet treats such as chicken tenders and funnel cakes
• Waterstone Grill: Burgers, fry cones, salads and more
• Rockwater Oasis: Margaritas, draft and craft beer selections for guests 21 and older
• Taumata Cart: Craft beer selections for guests 21 and older; grab-and-go wraps, Italian ice and other snacks
• Aquatica’s cabanas: Rental includes a welcome basket, mini fridge, four bottled waters, all-day locker, Wi-Fi access; private entrance to Loggerhead Lane; and exclusive access to the Cabana Resort pool; food and beverage service available (not included in cabana price)

My family had a great day at Aquatica. Thanks to Quick Queue, we were able to bypass a lot of wait times when it got crowded. My kids had fun in all the areas. Their favorite is the wave pool, the spray pads, and the lazy river. My husband and I like the tubing rides and the open slides. I would recommend keeping your slippers with you because the cement will be hot. Kick them off in a non-traffic area or put them on your lap when your ride. The animal exhibits are cool, but I wish there were more animals to visit. The attractions are in a loop (see map above) so you can start your way on one end and work your way around the whole park.

ADDRESS:

Aquatica SeaWorld’s Waterpark in San Diego
2052 Entertainment Circle
Chula Vista, CA
(800) 257-4268
www.AquaticaSanDiego.com

Operational dates for 2019 are daily May 24–27; June 1–Sept. 2; weekends Sept. 7–Oct. 6. Single-Day tickets are $47.99 for guests ages 10 and older; $42.99 for ages 3–9; free for guests under 3. Parking fee applies.