By Fathima Rukaiya
Water parks are no longer just lazy rivers and kiddie paddling pools. Thrill-seekers are traveling worldwide to chase the biggest drops, fastest loops, and most breath-taking splashes on earth.
If you are considering your next adrenalin-fuelled getaway, here are the 10 most exhilarating water rides from around the world in 2025.
- Insano – Beach Park, Brazil
As riders are about to drop down a near-vertical slide, they get a glimpse of the stunning scenery before free-falling down the slide. Thrill-seekers have said that the sensation is like “flying” without wings.
Location: Aquiraz, Brazil
Drop Height: 135 ft (41 m)
Speed: 65 mph (105 km/h)
2. Leap of Faith – Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
A must try for every extreme ride list. The riders go through a clear acrylic tube surrounded by sharks and stingrays. If you can keep your eyes open, it’s one of the most photogenic and extreme slides in the world.
Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Drop Height: 60 ft (18 m)
Feature: Clear tunnel through shark lagoon
3. Summit Plummet – Disney’s Blizzard Beach, USA
Styled as a snow-covered ski jump, this ride drops riders almost straight down into a splashdown pool. The 120ft towering climb beofre the drop builds in more aticipation.
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
Drop height: 120 feet (37 meters)
Theme: A ski resort melting into a water park
4. King Khajuna – PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, Spain
King Khajuna is Europe’s tallest free fall slide, and it offers the wildest drop at a steep 55-degree angle! You’ll experience zero gravity as you speed toward the water. Surrounded by lush tropical plants, King Khajuna treasures nature-themed features while delivering sheer thrills!
Location: Salou, Spain
Drop Height: 102 ft (31 m)
Theme: Jungle/tribe design
6. Jumeirah Sceirah – Wild Wadi Waterpark, UAE
This twin slide starts with a countdown, then the trap door disappears under your feet, as you plunge into a near vertical drop. Dubai’s version of water ride thrills also offers brilliant views of the Burj Al Arab, if you can keep your eyes open for long enough.
Location: Dubai, UAE
Drop height: 108 ft (33 m)
Feature: trapdoor release
7. Scorpion’s Tail – Noah’s Ark Waterpark, USA
The first of its kind in America, the Scorpion’s Tail launches riders through a capsule drop into a loop designed to twist like the tail of a scorpion. It uses a trapdoor system and hydromagnetic propulsion that takes less than 7 seconds, but provides a serious jolt.
Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, USA
Drop height: 50 ft (15 m)
8. AquaLoop – Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast, Australia
Riders experience the very best high speeds, followed by a trapdoor drop, and inside a 360-degree vertical loop.
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Loop height: 59 feet (18 meters)
9. Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slide – Chimelong Water Park, China
One of Asia’s most thrilling water slides, Tai Nui is a fast ride, spiraling around a brightly colored closed-tube structure that feels like riding in a whirlpool.
Location: Guangzhou, China
Type: High-speed body slide with tight turns
10. Kraken Racer – Aquatica, USA
Four enclosed flumes launch riders out into twisting paths before it opens up into lanes to race and see who can slide down the fastest. A combination of speed, skill, and a splash of competitive fun.
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
Type: Mat racer with enclosed sections
11. Mammoth – Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, USA
World’s longest water coaster, Mammoth contains multiple hills, drops, and twists while riding in six-person rafts. The ride lasts a full three minutes and features multiple moments of zero gravity.
Location: Santa Claus, Indiana, USA
Length: 1,763 feet (537 meters)
Whether you’re a fan of vertical drops, twisting tunnels, or looping madness, these water rides redefine what it means to take the plunge. If you’re planning a thrill-seeking getaway this year, make sure at least one of these record-breaking rides is on your bucket list.
Happy splashing!
