beat the brochure

Families expect entertainment when on holiday. We are so used to being fed organised things to do that some find the natural facilities of these beautiful islands inadequate. If your family thinks this is the case, there are things to do that might meet the new criteria on Canary Island holidays.

Water Parks are exciting and certainly keep kids and adults alike happy for hours especially in warm climates like that of the Canary Islands. The thrill of riding down the flumes or just chilling in the lazy river appeals to most.

Tenerife
Tenerife has two main Water Parks, Siam Park and Aqualand. Both are at Costa Adeje. Entrance to Siam costs €30 for adults and €19.50 for children 3 – 11.

Siam Park attractions include:
• The Dragon – a slide with a tornado complete with light show in the funnel
• Wave Palace – white sand beaches and the highest waves of any park in the world
• Naga Racer – a racing slide with 6 lanes
• The Giant – a twin slide with each one going in the opposite direction
• The Tower of Power – drop down this vertical see-through slide and through an alligator pond … River Sawasdee – a lazy river to chill out in

At Aqualand entrance is €21.50 for adults and €15.50 for kids 3 – 12. If you include the Dolphin Show the Park’s star turn, prices increase to €49.50 and €39.50 respectively. They have 15 Bottlenose dolphins that are in the show.

Other attractions for the family include:
• Tornado – twists and turns and fast drops
• Twister – twisted flumes that take you down fast
• Kamikaze – twin slides to race down
• Super Slalom – 5 bendy slides with twists and turns
• Rapids – these slides take you through whirlpools and still pools till you reach the end
• Congo River – recover your nerves on this 500 metre lazy river
• Mini Park – for the youngsters where things are a little calmer

Lanzarote
Aqua Park at Costa Teguise is Lanzarote’s answer to family fun. The park is open from 10.00 till 18.00 hours every day.

• Try the splash pool for twists and turns
• The Kamikaze slide
• The children’s pool for the youngsters
• Refreshments at the restaurant

Paradise Island’s Dino Park is open to non residents too from 10.00 – 18.30 every day. Prices may have increased since the published ones of €12 and €6 for adults and children respectively.

Gran Canaria
Aqualand Maspalomas is the biggest waterpark on the island and something for everyone from the very youngest to the oldest. There are 33 slides and 13 other attractions – enough to keep visitors happy for several days.

Rides include:
• Congo River – a breath-catching lazy river
• Twister
• Crazy Race
• Mamut – a four person raft ride plus an adrenalin pumping double rubber ring ride
• There’s also a floating ring ride with a vertical drop … are you ready?
• A mini park, Polynesia with a miniature golf course

There are coffee bars, a pizzeria, restaurants, shops and gardens. As we said something for everyone to enjoy and while away the hours in the sun.

Alantida, Puerto Rico shopping Centre
A much smaller waterpark can be found at the Puerto Rico Shopping Centre though it does have the longest and fastest slides on the island. Great for the teenagers and adults in your party. There are only 4 slides for those under a height of 1.2 metres so not so good for younger members of the party.

Ocean Park
Ocean Park is the smallest waterpark on the island but it is of an exceptional quality. It has 24 slides and a wave pool as well as restaurants and shops.

So if your family need more than a beach to laze on, you’ll find these great parks on the main islands live up to the expected entertainment and attractions of a modern holiday.