EXCLUSIVE I went to the world's biggest water park - here's the terrifying ride I couldn't face

Daily Mail​

a day ago

Floating 300 metres high in a tethered balloon, I had an unobstructed view of Dubai's sparkling skyline, the iconic Palm Jumeirah, and the vast Atlantis resort sprawling beneath me.
It was serene, almost surreal – hard to believe that just minutes earlier, I'd been screaming my way down some of the wildest waterslides on the planet.
Welcome to Aquaventure World, officially the world's largest waterpark, and one of the most thrilling ways you can spend a day – or several – in Dubai.
Located at five-star Atlantis, The Palm resort, Aquaventure isn't just big - it's record-breaking.
In 2022, it snagged the Guinness World Record for the most waterslides in a single waterpark – and it's only grown since.
After a major expansion, it now boasts 105 slides, rides and attractions across 55 acres.
Tempted by the promise of sun, sea, and world-class water thrills? You'll want some comfy swimwear, a generous layer of sunscreen – and probably more than one day to do it all.
But if you love that stomach-drop feeling, this place is paradise.
The park is split into three main towers: Neptune, Poseidon, and the newest and most extreme - Trident Tower.
Trident Tower is where you'll find Blackout, home to the tallest vertical drop in the Middle East at 157 feet that's basically a free-fall slide.
I had to climb what felt like a hundred flights of stairs, brace myself in the drop zone, before journeying down a winding stream of calm for what seemed like a minute.
I had to climb what felt like a hundred flights of stairs. I braced myself in the drop zone before I drifted down a deceptively calm, winding stream - for about a minute.
Then: boom. Gravity all of a sudden ceased to exist, and I was hurtling down a pitch-black tunnel before splashing into the pool below. It's terrifying, but in the best possible way.
Next, my friend Louisa and I made our way to Shockwave, where parkgoers ride as a group in a raft, climbing up and swooping down a huge wall like a water coaster.
And let's not forget Aquaconda, in the Tower of Poseidon - perfect for groups and full of fast turns, dark tunnels, and unexpected drops.
Over in Neptune Tower, I chickened out of the infamous Leap of Faith (those ear-piercing screams from panicked pre-teens were enough warning), where 'daring riders plummet down an almost-vertical drop that delivers high velocities'. No, thanks.
But Shark Attack was more my vibe. It starts in total darkness before cruising through a glass tunnel surrounded by - you guessed it - actual sharks. The view of fins and tails circling me as I zoomed down to the finishing point is something I won't forget any time soon.
Trident Tower is where you'll find Blackout, home to the tallest vertical drop in the Middle East - basically a free-fall slide
Not everything at Aquaventure is heart-pounding. One of the best ways to relax is by floating along the mile-long River Rapids - a lazy river that winds through the park with occasional waves, jets, and water features to keep things interesting.
It takes about 45 minutes to do the full loop, and it's an awesome way to explore the park while staying cool in Dubai's heat.
Families with children will love the multiple Splashers zones, designed for kids under 1.2 metres.
They're packed with mini slides, water cannons, and fun features to keep the little ones entertained while grown-ups take a breather - or gear up for the next big ride.
There are also plenty of pools, sun decks, and even a private beach where you can dip your toes in the sea, hop in a kayak or paddleboard.
Heading down Aquaventure Beach, a short (walkable) distance away from the park, we geared up for a sensational ride in a double-seater kayak in the sea.
We took in everything as we paddled at leisure along the water: the slides, Atlantis' pink palace, the beach and Dubai balloon, which hovered only metres above our heads.
Back at the waterpark, one of my personal highlights was a slightly disastrous but hilarious attempt at bodyboarding on Surf's Up, the wave rider attraction at Wavehouse.
I gave it my best shot, but ended up flailing around more than surfing.
The instructors were super patient - and very obviously amused - when I got wiped out over and over again.
After all that effort, my friend and I rewarded ourselves with a refreshing coconut cocktail and a sizeable portion of fresh fruit salad at Wavehouse restaurant.
There are plenty of free water stations peppered across key areas of the park, providing a cool thirst-quencher especially during 40-degree summer heat.
If you want to see it all from above, Dubai Balloon is a must. It's a tethered helium balloon that lifts you 300 metres into the sky, offering phenomenal 360-degree views of the whole Palm Jumeirah – you can even the Burj Al Arab, one of the tallest hotels in the world, in the distance.
Our pilot, Dennis, was informative and reassuring; he cracked jokes the whole time – he claimed it was 'only his second flight,' but we all knew better.
You could even hear the distant echoes of people laughing and screaming their way down the slides. It's serene, scenic, and the perfect 10-minute breather between rides.
Before retreating back to a glorious palm-view Queen room at the Atlantis, we took a detour into The Lost Chambers Aquarium, and it was jaw-dropping.
Think massive tanks, ancient ruins vibes, and over 65,000 marine animals swimming past you - including rays, sharks, and jellyfish.
The aquarium also features the Ambassador Lagoon, an open-air exhibit where visitors – even beginners - can dive among the ruins.
The best part? You don't have to stay at Atlantis to enjoy any of this. Guests can pay for the day to enjoy either Aquaventure Waterpark or The Lost Chambers Aquarium - or both – with prices starting from AED 299 (around £59); children aged 0-2 go free.
To skip the queues, Aquaexpress prices start from AED 155 (£30) per person. In 2022, the park also became an IBCCES Certified Autism Center with all colleagues trained and equipped to support guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Opening times for Aquaventure Waterpark and Atlas Village are 10am until sunset daily, while the Lost Chambers are open 10pm until 9pm.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a water-lover, or just looking to make unforgettable memories, Aquaventure World really does have it all – waves, slides, sharks, sunsets, and even sky-high views. It's fun, chaotic, and completely worth the six-hour flight.