Aqualand Costa Adeje

Aqualand Costa Adeje is a water park on the south coast of Tenerife, in the tourist resort area of Costa Adeje, and it is one of the island's oldest family attractions. The park lies a short distance inland from the beaches, off the road that links the resorts of Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, and it is set in landscaped grounds with palm trees, lawns and pools. It is a place for a day in the sun for families and groups of friends, and it is designed to work as a break from the beach, especially for children who want something more active than sunbathing.

The main attraction is its collection of water slides and pools. There are fast slides for thrill-seekers, including steep drops and winding tunnels, and rides in which riders spin through funnels or race head to head on mats, as well as gentler options for younger children. A lazy river lets you float around the park at an easy pace, and a wave pool recreates the motion of the sea in a safe setting. The children's area has shallow pools, small slides and play structures, among them a pirate-themed section with spraying jets and rope bridges. The staff includes lifeguards who monitor the pools and slides, and height and age restrictions apply to the faster rides.

The park also has a dolphin area, where bottlenose dolphins appear in daily shows, and this has long been one of its best-known features. As with other parks that keep marine mammals, it has drawn criticism from animal welfare groups, and visitors should think about their views before choosing to attend. Other facilities include shaded lounge areas, sun loungers, changing rooms, lockers and a number of restaurants and snack bars. Visitors may be allowed to bring their own food in non-glass containers, but the rules are best checked in advance.

The park is open daily for most of the year, with hours that vary by season, and it is busiest in the summer months and during school holidays. Arriving at opening time helps to avoid queues for the main slides. Sun protection, a hat and water shoes are useful, since the sun is strong and the paving can be hot. Tickets can often be bought online, and combined tickets that include other attractions on the island are sometimes available.

Nearby, there are other options for a day out, among them Siam Park, a larger and more elaborate water park with a Thai theme, and Jungle Park, which has treetop courses and bird shows. The beaches of Costa Adeje are close. It suits families with children and teenagers.