Tampa Adventure Island

The basics

Spread across 30 acres (12 hectares), Adventure Island features all the usual water attractions you’d expect from a modern water park. You'll find a wave pool, lazy river, and lagoon; places for families to take little kids, including Splash Attack and Fabian’s Fun Port; and more than 10 waterslides, including Caribbean Corkscrew, Runaway Rapids, and Water Moccasin.

Purchase tickets online in advance to save time at the entrance. Combination ticket options are available for those planning to visit other Florida attractions, such as SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Things to know before you go

• Upgrades such as private cabanas, priority access to the rides, and dining wristbands are available.
• Outside food and drinks are prohibited (except water); several restaurants and cafés offer lunch and snack options
• Lockers are available to rent.
• Wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Every ride has its own physical restrictions and requirements. Many of the pool and lazy river areas are wheelchair accessible via a ramp.

How to get there

Adventure Island is located on McKinley Drive, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of downtown Tampa. Traveling by car is the quickest way, but you can also take the number 5 bus. Parking is available for a fee.

When to get there

The park is open seasonally from March to October; days of the week and hours vary depending on the month, so check the park’s website before you go. Adventure Island is busiest during the summer and on weekends, and the park will close when it reaches maximum capacity, so go early if you’re visiting during peak season.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Just across the street from Adventure Island, Busch Gardens is a longtime Florida attraction known for its combination of amusement park and zoo. Roller coasters and other rides offer both extreme and kid-friendly thrills, while safari tours and other features are great for animal sightings and encounters.

What ages are free at Tampa Adventure Island?

Children under the age of three get in free at Tampa Adventure Island, one of the Florida Gulf Coast’s most family-friendly attractions. Younger kids will love easy-going attractions including Shaka-Laka Shores splash pad and play zone, while bigger children can try out the water toys inside the Splash Attack treehouse.

Are Busch Gardens and Adventure Island connected?

No, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are not connected. Entrances to the two side-by-side parks are just a short distance apart, but each has their own ticketing, gates, and attractions. Since you have to exit Busch Gardens to enter Adventure Island, the two parks are best explored on separate visits.

Is the water at Adventure Island heated?

Yes, the water at Adventure Island is heated. Heating elements distributed throughout the park ensure the water stays comfortable at the beginning and end of its March–October season. Even so, on the coldest days of spring and fall it still can get chilly; check the weather before booking your tickets.

How many rides are there at Adventure Island?

Adventure Island has more than 10 waterslides, a lazy river, and three kid-friendly splash areas. The water park’s biggest rides include Vanish Point—with 70 feet (21 meters) of free fall—the high-speed Caribbean Corkscrew, and dual tailspin Solar Vortex. The 4-lane Rip Tide lets you race down a waterslide with friends.

Do Busch Garden passes work at Adventure Island?

No, you can’t use Busch Garden day passes at Adventure Island. You can buy annual passes or multi-day tickets that include access to both parks, however. When you book a 2-park ticket, you can choose two days at any combination of Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, SeaWorld Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando.

Which water park is better for kids: Aquatica or Adventure Island?

Both Florida water parks are family-friendly, with attractions from easy-going splash pads to towering waterslides. Some families with young kids prefer Aquatica Orlando’s wider range of offerings for preschoolers, including a lazy river and large, shallow play area. Adventure Island stands out for big, thrilling slides perfect for older children.