Spain is home to some of the best water parks in the world. Siam Park in Tenerife and Aqualandia in Benidorm stand out as two of the most popular.
Both offer thrilling attractions, top-notch facilities, and unique themes, but which one truly reigns supreme?
(They’re also both in our list of the top 10 water parks in Spain.)
Let’s compare these two giants in detail. We’ll cover factors such as attractions, atmosphere, sustainability, dining, accessibility and overall visitor experience.
Table of Contents
1. Location & Accessibility
- Siam Park: In Costa Adeje in Tenerife. Siam Park is a stunning tropical-themed water park easily reachable from the major resorts of the island. However, visitors travelling from mainland Spain will need to take a flight, adding extra travel time and expense. Shuttle buses and taxis from Tenerife South Airport make access easy for tourists staying in the area nevertheless.
- Aqualandia: In Benidorm on the Costa Blanca. Aqualandia is highly accessible by road from Alicante and Valencia. It’s a short drive from Alicante Airport, making it a more convenient option for people already holidaying on mainland Spain. Its proximity to the Benidorm also makes it ideal for visitors staying in hotels and rental properties nearby.
Winner: Aqualandia, simply because more foreign holidaymakers touch down in Alicante than Tenerife each year.
2. Attractions & Rides
- Siam Park: Siam Park is known as the best water park in the world by numerous travel rankings (e.g. TripAdvisor). Siam Park features record-breaking rides like the Tower of Power, a nearly vertical drop that sends riders through a clear tunnel submerged in a shark-filled aquarium. Singha, the park’s high-speed water roller coaster, offers thrilling turns and fast-paced drops. Other highlights include the Dragon, a funnel ride that creates a feeling of zero gravity, and Kinnaree, a hybrid water slide with unexpected twists and steep descents.
- Aqualandia: It doesn’t have the same level of immersive theming…but Aqualandia still boasts some great attractions. VertiGO is the tallest capsule slide in Europe at 33m, and it’s a real rush of adrenaline. The Big Bang slide offers extreme speed and intense drops, while Black Hole delivers a dark, twisting ride with unexpected turns. Aqualandia also has a large wave pool and various tube slides designed for group fun.
Winner: Siam Park, for its immersive ride experiences and groundbreaking attractions.
3. Family-Friendly
- Siam Park: Families with children will love The Lost City, an interactive play zone with bridges, waterfalls and smaller slides for toddlers. The Wave Palace is one of the largest wave pools in the world. Parents will appreciate that the park caters to all age groups, making it a great choice for a family day out.
- Aqualandia: Aqualandia offers a more traditional water park layout with sections for families, including shallow pools, gentle slides and a kid-friendly adventure area. It lacks a standout feature like the Wave Palace, but still offers plenty of options for families looking for a fun and safe environment.
Winner: Siam Park, due to its carefully designed family areas and world-class wave pool.
4. Theming & Atmosphere
- Siam Park: The park has a Thai-inspired design with lush tropical landscaping,and intricately detailed structures. It’s one of the most stunning water parks in the world. From the moment you enter, you’re transported to an exotic paradise, with wooden bridges, traditional Thai-style buildings and serene waterfalls.
- Aqualandia: Aqualandia takes a more straightforward approach, with a standard water park layout incorporating natural rock elements and open spaces. While functional and clean, it lacks the immersive experience that Siam Park offers.
Winner: Siam Park, for its attention to detail and stunning Thai-themed environment.
5. Dining & Amenities
- Siam Park: The park features several dining options, including the Beach Club with a variety of international dishes, and the Tea House, offering refreshing drinks and light snacks. You can enjoy Thai food, fresh fruit and plenty of shaded seating areas.
- Aqualandia: Dining options at Aqualandia are more basic, consisting mainly of fast food stands serving pizza, burgers, sandwiches and ice cream. It’s convenient but not as diverse or high-quality as Siam Park’s offerings.
Winner: Siam Park, for its better variety and higher-quality food options.
6. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Initiatives
- Siam Park: The park uses an advanced water filtration and recycling system to minimize waste. It also runs on renewable energy sources, making it one of the most eco-conscious water parks in the world. The park’s use of desalinated seawater further enhances its sustainability credentials.
- Aqualandia: Aqualandia also recycles its water and has implemented conservation initiatives, but it does not match Siam Park’s extensive commitment to green energy and sustainability.
Winner: Siam Park, for its impressive dedication to environmental sustainability.
7. Overall Experience & Value for Money
- Siam Park: Ticket prices for Siam Park are slightly higher (€42 vs €35 for starting undiscounted adult prices) the park offers an unparalleled experience with top-tier attractions, immersive theming and outstanding facilities. The variety of rides, high-quality dining and excellent customer service make it well worth the price.
- Aqualandia: A more budget-friendly option. Aqualandia is a great choice for mainland visitors looking for a fun day at a water park without additional travel expenses. However, it falls slightly short in terms of atmosphere, ride innovation and overall visitor experience.
Final Verdict: Siam Park Wins!
Both parks provide fantastic water attractions.
But Siam Park takes the crown as the best water park in Spain – and the world, according to various outlets such as TripAdvisor.
The Tenerife-based park has superior theming, record-breaking rides, eco-friendly initiatives and excellent facilities. It’s the top choice for travellers seeking an unforgettable water park adventure with family and friends.
(The one downside is it’s on Tenerife…which makes it tough to visit if you’re holidaying on mainland Spain or a different Canary Island.)
If you’re in the Alicante area, though, Aqualandia is still a solid choice!
