Yas Waterpark Vs Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis Palm

Name. Yas Waterworld, named after the Abu Dhabi Island on which it’s located.

Age. Yas Waterworld opened to the public in 2013.

What to expect at Yas Waterworld. At 37 acres, Yas Waterworld is the biggest water theme park in Abu Dhabi. So, as you might imagine, it’s chock-full of enough attractions to keep teeny tots, easily bored teens and thrill-seeking grown-ups entertained all day long.  We’re talking more than 40 rides, slides and attractions, running the gamut from lose-your-lunch adrenaline surges to gentle, kid-friendly splash pools. Ride the utterly terrifying Dawwama tornado water coaster, experience complete freefall on the Liwa Loop water slide, and go to war with riders on the Bandit Bomber – the region’s longest suspended roller coaster – from your base at the aptly named Cannon Point. There’s also a 5D cinema, a surfers’ paradise, and a wave pool (the region’s biggest, natch) to enjoy.

Yas Waterworld in Numbers. 37 acres, over 40 thrill rides, water slides and other attractions, and six dining options, including fast-food classics, salads, sandwiches and refreshing frozen lemonade.

• For thrill seekers. Yas Waterworld is no shrinking violet when it comes to nerve-jangling thrill rides. Adrenaline fiends should absolutely not miss Bandit Bomber, the world’s first water park roller coaster, or Jebel Drop, the 10-story slide that plummets riders near-vertically from the park’s highest point to the welcoming pools far, far below.
• For water babes. Put it this way: if you’re a hydrophobe this park ain’s for you. There’s water, water everywhere: surf the world’s largest sheet wave, take a ride down the Yadi Yas crazy river, snake your way down one of six sssizeable serpents on Slither’s Slides.
• For families. Gentler pursuits await in the huge wave pool and at the Marah Fortress playground. It’s survival of the fittest in the Water Wars zone, where only the best water-balloon-throwers will survive, while the Tots’ Playground is perfect for the very littlest water babies.

Name: Aquaventure Waterpark is part of Dubai’s sprawling Atlantis The Palm resort.

Age. A little older than Yas Waterpark, Aquaventure opened in 2008.

What to expect at Aquaventure Waterpark. Only the biggest water theme park on the planet, Aquaventure is about a third larger than Yas Waterpark and contains a record-smashing 50+ water slides, plus another 50 or more additional rides, attractions and experiences. Plenty, in other words, to entertain kids and grown-ups of all ages. Hurtle down heart-stopping slides (one of which plummets through a shark-filled lagoon), chill out on the lazy river, or ride the rapids in a rubber ring. You’ll need to steel your nerves for a spin on the aptly named Odyssey of Terror (only the highest water slide in the world, fact fans), while those of a more nervous disposition might prefer to hit the beach or join the kids in the four family-friendly Splashers zones.

Aquaventure Waterpark in Numbers. At a frankly gargantuan 54 acres, Aquaventure is the biggest water park anywhere in the world. There are 105 different ways to get wet in the park, and 16 eateries, including three full-service restaurants and more than a dozen fast-food kiosks offering everything from Cali poke and churros to pizza cones and gourmet Turkish ice cream.

• For thrill seekers. Brace yourself for joy (and terror) on the Leap of Faith, which plummets victims riders near-vertically through a shark-infested lagoon. Sure, you’re protected by the transparent tunnel walls but that fear you feel is very, very real. Then there’s the Odyssey of Terror for a stomach-flipping sense of weightlessness as you ride the crest of a wave on the world’s tallest water slide. Heck, even the panic-inducing Aquaconda and Poseidon’s Revenge rides might feel tame after those two. Adrenaline junkies will not be disappointed.
• For water babes. You’re going to end up getting wet whatever way you choose to play it here. But if you’re after a more relaxing experience, grab a floaty and hit up the lazy rivers and crystal-clear tropical lagoons, or try non-motorized water sports at the sandy Aquaventure Beach, complete with stunning views of the Dubai skyline.
• For families. Four fun Splashers zones mean there’s also stacks to keep the little ’uns entertained. We’re talking six-lane racer slides, gargantuan tipping buckets, climbing courses, a mini tornado slide and much more.