A day out at one of the best Algarve attractions

I do not remember the last time I was at this water park, but all I could remember was how fun a whole day in the park was. Now, a little bit older, the adrenaline and the fun moments will always make me feel like a happy kid again.

My friend group and I made sure that we would enjoy every attraction, the new ones and the ones that were part of our childhood as well. However, I was not expecting to find so many new attractions, and I was surprised time after time after riding them.

New attractions

It is important to consider that the most recent attractions were completely new to me. We decided to go on The Big Wave first, which is the right one to start feeling the adrenaline running through the veins. We were four, and this ride let four people go at the same time. While it feels, at the beginning, that the ride will be slow, things change completely in less than 10 seconds. Out of a sudden, we felt like flying inside the tube, and eventually went outside feeling like we could fly again on a curvy (really) high platform.

The Race is also one of the most recent attractions, and it is perfect to go there with friends, since a race can be done. With different coloured tubes, visitors lie on a carpet and slide down through a colourful tube with a great light show inside. When arriving at the end of the slide, the sunlight becomes gradually more visible and your friends can be seen, being the perfect time to begin the race and try to stop the furthest as possible.

Probably my new favourite addition is The Big Fall. There is not a single attraction in the Algarve similar to this one. While using back protection, visitors go upstairs and find two capsules, a green and a blue one. When entering the capsule, there is a platform, and after hearing a countdown from three to one, the platform opens and we go down. For a while, I did not feel any of the tube until a small curve arrived and my back landed. The ride is extremely fast, but those three seconds before going down the tube are eventually the worst part. However, people will definitely want to repeat the attraction, just like me, who has been there more than three times.

Disco River was also a great surprise. With great music playing inside the tube, the lights and the high-speed ride made it such an incredible experience for all of us.

Boomerang was also new to me. Although similar to The Big Wave, it is only possible to go with another person. The duo will then go down curves and colourful lights until arriving at the big drop: the Boomerang. When leaving the tube, there will be a high, curvy platform, and once arriving at the peak, people will return backwards.

For the nostalgia

I used to go to Slide & Splash every year with my school colleagues, but this was almost 10 years ago. Some of the attractions became part of our childhood, and we could not avoid them again, even just to experience what we used to feel when we were 10 years younger.

The Black Hole was, and still is, one of the most incredible attractions in the park. The unexpected always happens inside the tube. It is funnier when going with a friend, obviously, as we can scare each other. While not seeing anything inside, visitors will never know when the curves are coming, making it an amazing experience.

I remember the day I knew Tornado was going to be a new attraction at Slide & Splash, my friends and I were so excited about it back in the day. Many years after, we decided to try again, and it did not disappoint us. Spinning around what we used to call “the bathtub” was an experience that took me back to my teenage times and guaranteed some good laughs.

The Big Slide Tower was one of the ultimate favourites back in the day, especially Torpedo, for no specific reason. It is funny how the colours have changed, and they all have different colours when they all used to be blue. Corkscrew was also one of our favourites, and we understood why. The same applies to the Foam Slides, it used to be and still is a crazy ride, where no one arrives at the pool without laughing because we all end up doing different things when going down the slides.

Banzai is also great, especially for those with a competitive spirit. Trying to go as far as possible, mainly to beat the friend by our side, and try to set a record every time.

Comfortably laid down

Visitors can also lie down on a sun lounger available at the park for five euros. An umbrella can also be booked for the same price. There are also several lockers and changing rooms in the park.

Attractions for every age

While I mentioned the grown-ups’ attractions, the park has rides for all ages. There is Tropical Paradise, almost like an island filled with slides for children, as well as the Children Slides, a Foam Slides version for kids.

The previously mentioned slides may also be attended by children, however some of them require a minimum height to be able to slide down.

Eating at the park

Slide & Splash allows visitors to bring their food, as well as an umbrella. However, there is the opportunity of having a meal in one of the park restaurants. Depending on what people are fancying it is possible to eat grilled meat and Restaurante Grill, or even have a sandwich or a hot dog, in Quiosque Rio, for example. Each menu will cost around €10 with a drink and French fries included.

Tickets prices

The price of the tickets will vary depending on the age of the visitor, or if bought at the ticket shop or online. The online tickets, for adults, will cost €27, while at the ticket shop, it will cost €30, during the low season. In high season, the tickets will cost €33 on the ticket shop and €29,70 online. From 1 metre in height until 10 years old, the tickets online will cost €22 or €25 for the low season. €19,80 or €22,50 during the low season.

During the low season, there is also a campaign for Algarve residents, where the tickets will cost €20 and the promotion is also valid for a guest.

Worth visiting

Slide & Splash is certainly a great place to spend a whole day in. With family or friends, the fun will be guaranteed, and the experience will never be forgotten.

Currently, the Deputy Editor at The Portugal News, Bruno G. Santos, is really interested in national politics. With a degree in Journalism and Communication, he also loves to write about different topics like Portuguese culture, society and other current affairs. Press card: 8463.