Adventure Island is a 30-acre water park located northeast of Tampa, Florida, directly across the street from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Opened on June 7, 1980, the park is part of United Parks & Resorts and features a tropical, Key West-inspired atmosphere. It offers a wide range of attractions suitable for all ages, including thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and children’s play areas.
The park includes 10 water slides, such as Colossal Curl™, a family-oriented raft slide known for its exhilarating twists and turns and the sensation of weightlessness. Other notable slides include Rapids Racer, a ProSlide dueling racer with the world’s first dueling saucer section , and Wahoo Remix, formerly Wahoo Run, which features multi-color LED lighting and augmented sound. Additional slides include Caribbean Corkscrew®, Vanish Point™, Solar Vortex, Water Moccasin, and Riptide, a four-lane racing mat slide.
Adventure Island features a 17,000-square-foot wave pool called Endless Surf, which simulates ocean currents with multiple settings. The Rambling Bayou is a half-mile lazy river that allows guests to float through lush landscapes. Children can enjoy dedicated play areas such as Fabian’s Fun Port, Castaway Falls, and Shaka-Laka Shores. The park also includes a beach volleyball complex and shaded picnic areas.
Dining options are varied, with locations such as Surfside Cafe, Mango Joe’s, Bayou Beach Club, Island Taco Truck, Colossal Snacks, and the Hang Ten Tiki Bar, which is the park’s first full-service bar offering cocktails, beer, and appetizers. Private cabanas are available for rent, providing a shaded retreat for relaxation. The park operates year-round, with new heaters ensuring comfortable water temperatures throughout the year.
Adventure Island is situated at 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, and is accessible via the nearby Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The park is open seasonally, with hours varying by time of year, and guests are advised to verify current hours before visiting. Admission tickets are available online, and same-day re-entry is permitted with a hand stamp. The park also offers a Weather-or-Not Assurance policy, allowing guests to return on another day if weather affects their visit.