Initially opened in 2017, Volcano Bay is Universal Orlando’s water theme park. Situated on more than 50-acres adjacent to Turkey Lake Road and Interstate 4, Volcano Bay is the newest water park among all those in the Orlando area.
This Polynesian themed water park is inspired by the a tropical island which is home to the legend of the Waturi people who were originally guided by a mystical fish named Kunuko. According to the story, “The Waturi believe in living life to its fullest and creating stories through adventures”.
All guests are provided one of Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu wearable devices that works similar to a Disney Magic Bands. TapuTapu allows the user to wait in “virtual lines” and pay for food, beverages & merchandise (connected with a credit card). It also can be used to connect to My Universal Photo Access (photo opportunities) and it activates interactive effects that are spread out through the park.
Volcano Bay is centered around a 200-foot volcano called Krakatua and segmented into four distinct “villages: that include: The Volcano, Wave Village, River Village and Rainforest Village. This villages feature the water themed attractions, seating areas, private cabanas, locker room facilities and food & beverage venues.
Beaches, Water Rides & Attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay
- Karakatua Aqua Coaster
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Punga Racers
- Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Waturi Beach
- The Reef
- Honu of Hona ika Moana
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Kopiko Wai Winding River
- Runamukka Reef
- Tot Iki Reef
- Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Punini of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Puka Uli Lagoon
- Tonga Taniwha Tubes
- Raki of Taniwha Tubest
- TeAwa The Fearless River
- Hammerhead Beach
The Volcano
The Volcano area centers around the 200-foot volcano known as Krakatau. Some of the most thrilling attractions in Volcano Bay can be found in this area.
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
Krakatau Aqua Coaster is a one-of-kind attraction which combines a water slide with a roller coaster where riders travel inside the heart of the volcano. This attraction is one of the best at Universal’s Volcano Bay and a must ride for any first time visitors. There is a minimum height requirement is 42 inches and guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
In the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, riders drop through a trap-door and slide down a 125-foot, 70 degree drop style slide. At the end of the slide the rider passes through a clear tube which runs alongside the Waturi Beach pool. The minimum height requirement for the Ko’okiri Body Plunge is 48 inches.
Punga Racers
Grab a few of your friends and see who gets to the bottom first at the Punga Racers. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches and guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.
Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Like the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, the Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides being with a trap-door start before sending rides on a series of twists and turns. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches.
Wave Village
If you are looking to relax, then Wave Village is the place for you. Guests can grab and chair and “chill” while watching the volcano’s calming waterfalls.
Watauri Beach
Waturi Beach is the park’s main beach and features a large wave pool where the surf originates from the base of the volcano. Visitors will find ample seating with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for shade.
The Reef
Just adjacent to the Waturi Beach is The Reef which is a more traditional zero-entry pool with a number of water features.
Wave Village Dining and Merchandise Venues
- Kohola Reef Restaurant and Social Club
- Dancing Dragons Boat Bar
- Waturi Marketplace
- Krakatoa Katy’s
River Village
The fun gets going at River Village which features a lazy river, raft slides and plenty of amazing things for kids under 48 inches.
Honu of Hona ika Moana
Riders jump aboard five-person raft for a wild ride on an open flume up slide. There are two massive water walls and a number of twists and turns before plunging into the pool below. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches.
ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
Similar to Honu of Hona ika Moana, ika Moana is an exciting five-person raft ride that features a number of twists and turns. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches and guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.
Kopiko Wai Winding River
If you are ready to relax than the Kopiko Wai Winding River is the place to do so. Guests will enjoy a slow and easy ride through Volcano Bay and within the “Stargazer’s Cavern” which reveals the night sky.
Runamukka Reef
Kids under 48 inches will love Runamukka Reef (just make sure they are under 48″ as you will be asked to leave this area – it happened to us). There are a variety of slides, water cannons and play areas.
Tot Tiki Reef
Tot Tiki Reef is a splash play area which is perfect for the younger kids.
Whakawaiwai Eats
Whakawaiwai Eats is one of our favorite places to grab a quick pizza or burger. There is plenty of shade seating just outside the restaurant that overlooks Runamukka Reef.
Rainforest Village
The Rainforest Village is home to some of our favorite rides & attractions at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
Up to six-riders board a raft for a high speed trek down Maku of Maku Puihi before spinning in “bowl-like formations” and being sucked into a watery vortex. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches and guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.
Puini of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
Similar to Maku of Maku Puihi, Puni of Maku Puihi is a six-person raft ride that goes inside a dark and winding cabern. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches and guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.
Ohyah of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slide
Beware of the drop on Ohyah of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slide (green slide in the photo below)! This is one of our favorite rides as after traveling down a winding water slide, riders plunge from the slide into the deep pool below. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches.
Ohno of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slide
Like Ohyah of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slide, Ohno of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slide is a winding water slide but features a higher drop – check out the purple slide in the photo just above. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches.
Puka Uli Lagoon
This relaxing zero-entry style pool has a number of water features and is surrounded by a sandy beach with plenty of seating.
Tonga of Taniwha Tubes
In this single or two-person tube style water slide, riders of Tonga of Taniwha Tubes experience a number of twists and turns dropping into a refreshing pool. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches.
Raki of Taniwha Tubes
Similar to Tonga of Taniwha Tubes, riders of Raki of Taniwha Tubes board a single or two-person tube before twisting down the slide – but watch out for the water jet sprays. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches and guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.
TeAwa The Fearless River
TeAwa The Fearless River adds a little spice to a traditional lazy river ride. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches and guests between 42 and 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.
Hammerhead Beach
Hammerhead Beach is a much less crowded beach area at the rear of Volcano Bay at the main entrance to TeAwa The Fearless River.
Rainforest Village Dining Venues
- Bambu
- Kunku Boat Bar
- The Feasting Frog
Universal’s Volcano Bay – Frequently Asked Questions
What is admission costs for Universal’s Volcano Bay?
A single-day adult park ticket to Volcano Bay costs $80.00 while children ages three to nine cost $75.00. Click here to purchase tickets at the Florida area theme parks.
What are the hours at Universal’s Volcano Bay?
Hours vary during the type of year but during the summer months, the park typically opens at 9:00 AM and closes from anywhere 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM depending on the day of the week.
Are Universal Express Passes offered at Volcano Bay?
There are two versions of the Universal Express Pass offered at Volcano Bay which are as follows:
Universal Express Pass – Select rides and attractions including:
- Krakatua Aqua Coaster
- Punga Racers
- Maku of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
- Honu of Honu ika Moana
- ika Moana of Honu ika Moana
- Tonga of Taniwha Tubes
- Raki of Taniwha Tubes
Universal Express PLUS Pass – All rides and attractions including:
- ALL rides & attractions offered in the Universal Express Pass plus…
- Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
- Ko’okiri Body Plunge
- Ohyah of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
- Ohno of Ohyah & Ohno Drop Slides
Are towels provided at Universal’s Volcano Bay?
Complimentary towels are not provided at Universal’s Volcano Bay. However, towels are available for rent at $4.99 per towel per day.
Are lockers available at Universal’s Volcano Bay?
Lockers are available at Universal’s Volcano Bay and range from $12.00 to $16.00 per locker, per day.
Does Universal’s Volcano Bay offer cabana rentals?
Cabana rentals are offered at Universal’s Volcano Bay which are located throughout the park. “Single Cabana Units” hold up to six people are guests can choose from a ground level or second level cabana. Larger stand-along “Family Suite Cabanas” are also offered and fit up to 16 people.
Cabana (and premium seating) prices vary throughout the time of the year. Contact 877.801.9720 for prices and reservations.
How is the food at Universal’s Volcano Bay?
Universal’s Volcano Bay features some of the best theme park food around. Two of our favorites are the Kohola Reef Restaurant and Whakawaiwai Eats.
Best Places to Stay When Visiting Volcano Bay
Convenience is important for any theme park vacation and it’s no different when visiting Universal’s Volcano Bay. We find that the two best on-site hotel options include the Aventura Hotel and the Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
Both of these great hotels offer direct access to Volcano Bay so guests don’t have to take a bus from the hotel to the parking garage, followed by another bus from the garage to the entrance of Volcano Bay. Within your hotel room less than 5 minutes from the main entrance, you can walk right in and out all day long.
Aventura Hotel
The Aventura Hotel is a 17-story, 600-room “Prime Value” hotel that is located at the entrance to Volcano Bay (via it’s rear gate). Amenities include a roof-top lounge, outdoor pool and on-site food court.
Click here to learn more about Universal’s Aventura Hotel.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a 2,200 room “Prime Value” hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort. This hotel offers a great value for the money and features a host of amenities including multiple pools including a lazy river & water slide, on-site bowling alley and large food court. Most importantly, it has direct access to Volcano Bay.