The essential guide to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park

We wouldn’t normally recommend venturing into the heart of a volcano during a vacation, but Krakatau is not like most volcanoes. And no, we’re not talking about the caldera in Indonesia.

The 200-foot-tall Krakatau volcano is the centerpiece of Universal’s Volcano Bay, a water park at Universal Orlando Resort. No matter how hot it gets in Central Florida, the thrilling waterslides weaving in and out of this volcano will cool you off. Or, if you want to really chill out, you can relax in the crystal clear waters of Waturi Beach at the base of the volcano. The volcano is even inhabited by an ancient fiery spirit aptly named Vol.

Krakatau may be Volcano Bay’s centerpiece, but this water park has so much more to discover. This guide will cover the best attractions, how to get tickets, the tastiest treats and our best tips for visiting Volcano Bay. Let’s dive in.

What is Volcano Bay?

Universal’s Volcano Bay is one of three (soon to be four) theme parks that comprise Universal Orlando Resort. The other two are Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

As water parks go, it’s almost universally accepted that Volcano Bay is among the best in the country due to its theming, breadth of attractions, interactive features, delicious food and the ability to skip waiting in long lines (in your bathing suit … while holding an unwieldy tube).

Volcano Bay’s design and theming are inspired by the cultures of the South Pacific. You’ll find everything from lush tropical landscaping to airy architecture that was made with natural building materials and is embellished with vibrant colors and patterns.

The water park even has its own lore. Volcano Bay legend has it that a fiery god named Krakatau banished his daughter to the sky after he learned of her romance with a local boy — she subsequently became the moon.

When Krakatau realized he had stolen his daughter’s happiness, he created a volcano that stretched from the earth to the sky to reunite the lovers. He then trapped his anger inside the volcano in the form of a fire spirit named Vol. You can even speak with him if you journey deep into the volcano during your visit.

In total, there are 21 attractions at Volcano Bay. They run the gamut from slides and water spray features for little ones to a 125-foot, 70-degree drop slide to a high-speed white water ride that will make you rethink the term “lazy river.”

The park has three sections: Rainforest Village, River Village and Wave Village, with the volcano at the center. Despite the park’s large size, it’s hard to get lost because the walking path forms a full circle around its perimeter. Or, if you know where you are going, you can take a shortcut through the volcano to get there.

Where is Volcano Bay?

Universal Orlando Resort is about 20 minutes (16 miles) from Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Volcano Bay is close to Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal’s Aventura Resort. These resorts have a short walking path to a dedicated Volcano Bay entrance for on-site hotel guests. If you are staying at another on-site hotel, Universal offers bus transportation to Volcano Bay.

If you drive to Volcano Bay, it shares a parking garage with Universal’s other two theme parks and CityWalk at 6000 Universal Blvd. There is no on-site parking at the water park, so you will want to follow the signs to Universal’s parking garage when you arrive. After you park your car, follow the signs to the buses for Volcano Bay.

Is Volcano Bay open year-round?

All three of Universal Orlando Resort’s parks, including Volcano Bay, are open 365 days a year, weather permitting. Volcano Bay hours fluctuate, so check the schedule before your visit. The park typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes between 5 and 7 p.m. On-site hotel guests can enter the park between 30 and 60 minutes before the official opening time on select dates as part of Universal’s early park admission benefit.

Summer is the busiest season to visit Volcano Bay, but it’s also when visitors to Central Florida will most desperately need a place to cool off. Summertime also means pop-up afternoon storms, so arrive early to make the most of your day if rides are closed due to lightning. Spring break and the holiday season can also bring crowds, as long as temperatures don’t drop too low.

In January, the average temperature dips into the high 50s, making for a pretty chilly day at the water park, but at least the water is heated.

Volcano Bay tickets

Several Universal Orlando ticket types include admission to Volcano Bay. The option that will work best for you will depend on how many days you plan to spend at Universal.

• Single-day ticket: Single-day tickets to Universal’s Volcano Bay start at $80 (plus tax) for adults and $75 (plus tax) for children ages 3 through 9. Florida residents can save up to $10 off the regular price.
• Multipark, multiday tickets: You’ll get an even better value if you plan to visit multiple Universal Orlando parks. For example, adding Volcano Bay to a two-park, two-day ticket adds just $40 (plus tax) to your total ticket cost per person.
• Universal annual pass: If your family plans to visit Volcano Bay a few times a year as part of larger Universal vacations, purchasing a three-park annual pass may make sense.
• Bilt travel portal: With Bilt Rewards and the Bilt Mastercard® (see rates and fees), you can earn points that can be redeemed for Universal tickets directly in the activities section of the Bilt travel portal at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.
• Chase Travel℠: You can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for Universal Orlando tickets, including Volcano Bay admission, at 1.25 cents each if you hold a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or 1.5 cents each if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
• Costco Travel: If you’re looking for cost-effective travel packages to Universal that include entrance to Volcano Bay, it’s worth checking Costco Travel.

Tips for visiting Volcano Bay

How to save money

You can avoid extra park expenses by bringing towels, sunscreen, snacks and water in a small soft-sided cooler and leaving valuables at the hotel. Otherwise, you will have to pay to rent towels and a locker.

Volcano Bay also offers complimentary lounge chairs along the shores of Waturi Beach that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to save time in line

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TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

Volcano Bay’s skip-the-line service is one of the best we’ve experienced at any theme park. Upon entry, every guest receives a complimentary wearable band called a TapuTapu. Most Volcano Bay attractions have a totem at the entrance where you can scan your TapuTapu to enter a virtual line. You can only enter one virtual line at a time, and we always suggest choosing the Krakatau Aqua Coaster first.

Your TapuTapu band displays an estimated return time, allowing you to explore other areas of the park until it’s your turn to ride. If you see a ride on the totem that says “Ride now,” you are free to hop in line immediately, and you should only have a short wait.

TapuTapu can activate interactive elements throughout the park. You can do anything from activating selfie spots to spraying water on passersby. If you have a payment method linked in the Universal Orlando app, you can also use your TapuTapu to make purchases during your visit.

The other key to saving time in line is to arrive early before the crowds. Your best bet is to be ready and waiting at the gates when they open (or 30 minutes prior if you are staying at a Universal hotel and the park is open for early theme park admission on the day of your visit).

Add-ons

If you want to spend even less time waiting in line or would like a comfortable home base during your visit, Volcano Bay has several services you can add to your ticket.

In addition to complimentary lounge chairs, you can pay for premium seating on Waturi Beach. Premium seating includes two lounge chairs, a shade cover and a small lockbox for your belongings. You can also have food and drink orders delivered directly to your seats.

Pricing ranges from around $50 to $150 per day. You can reserve premium seating by calling 1-877-489-8068. Same-day seating may be available, but reservations are recommended.

If you want to add an extra layer of luxe to your Volcano Bay visit, you can also rent a private cabana. Single cabanas can hold up to six guests, and family cabanas are designed for up to 16 people. Both come with comfortable seating, a minifridge stocked with bottled water, a complimentary fruit and snack basket upon arrival, a lockbox, concierge service for food and beverage delivery, and a private virtual line totem where you can reserve ride times using your TapuTapu.

Cabana rentals start at around $160 per day. You can reserve a cabana by calling 1-877-801-9720. Same-day cabanas may be available, but reservations are recommended.

Towel and locker rentals are also available. There are five locker stations throughout the park. Each station has a payment kiosk; you can use your TapuTapu to access the locker throughout the day. Several spots throughout the park also rent towels if you forget yours at home. As an alternative, you can purchase a towel and then take it home as a souvenir.

Food and drinks at Volcano Bay

Most water parks aren’t known for their delicious food, but, again, Volcano Bay is not like most water parks. Each of the park’s four villages has its own restaurant, each with its own island-inspired eats.

Our favorite dishes include the Coconut Crusted Fried Chicken Platter from Kohola Reef Restaurant & Social Club in the Wave Village, the Hawaiian Pizza (or the Island BBQ Chicken Pizza if you aren’t a fan of pineapple on pizza) from Whakawaiwai Eats in the River Village, the Poke Poke Bowl from The Feasting Frog in the Rainforest Village and the Blackened Mahi, which you can order from the cabana menu.

There are also two full-service bars with beer and cocktails at Volcano Bay: Kunuku Boat Bar in the Rainforest Village and Dancing Dragons Boat Bar in the Wave Village. Go for the Kalarita (Universal’s take on the margarita) or the Strawberry Ginger Lift, a fruity Moscow mule made with vodka, ginger beer and strawberry puree.

Last but certainly not least, Volcano Bay has one of our favorite (and most photogenic) ice cream treats at Universal: the Waturi Fusion. You can find this blend of orange, blue raspberry, strawberry and banana swirl soft serve at the Koka Poroka Ice Cream Kona stand. Don’t forget to snap a photo before it melts.

Exploring the volcano

One of the best things about Volcano Bay is simply walking around the paths that wind through the Krakatau volcano. There are so many secrets to discover, many of which you can activate with your TapuTapu band. You can spray innocent bystanders with water, make magical lights appear and even talk to Vol, the fire spirit who inhabits the volcano. You can use the volcano as a shortcut through the park, but we recommend spending a few minutes in there exploring, too.

Best rides at Volcano Bay

Volcano Bay has something for everyone, whether you prefer family-friendly rides or super-fast slides that get your heart racing. Here are the best rides to experience at Volcano Bay.

Krakatau Aqua Coaster

• Height requirement: You must be at least 42 inches tall to ride. Guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.

The Krakatau Aqua Coaster is the most popular ride at Volcano Bay for a good reason — it’s a blend of a traditional waterslide and a roller coaster, with hidden magnets that boost your four-person raft through the lifts before you plummet down the ride’s wet-and-wild drops. The coaster weaves in and out of the volcano, offering unique views of the park … though you may be screaming too much to notice them.

If you don’t want to wait in line for a super long time, head to the Krakatau Aqua Coaster as soon as the park opens. Scan your TapuTapu band at one of the totems at the ride’s entrance to reserve a return time. While you wait, you can enjoy other attractions in the park. Your band will alert you when it’s your turn to ride.

Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef

• Height requirement: Neither area has a minimum height requirement, but life jackets are required in Runamukka Reef for children under 48 inches.

Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef are Volcano Bay’s kid-friendly play areas. Tot Tiki Reef is designed for toddlers, and Runamukka Reef is meant for older kids. Both have pint-size waterslides and tons of interactive water spray features. There is seating for parents around both areas, but why sit down when you can join in on the fun?

TeAwa the Fearless River

• Height Requirement: You must be at least 42 inches tall to ride. Guests under 48 inches must ride with a supervising companion.

In a departure from most lazy rivers, experiencing TeAwa the Fearless River feels like braving white water rapids. Rather than tubes, all guests must wear a life vest as they race through the waves on this fast-moving river. Along the way, you’ll get great views of the park’s waterslides and take a trip through the Krakatau volcano.

Waturi Beach

• Height requirement: There is no minimum height requirement, but life jackets are required for children under 48 inches.

There’s a lot to do at Waturi Beach. You can sunbathe in a lounge chair on the sandy shore, wade into the shallow water or swim a bit deeper into the surf, where the sound of a tribal gong will alert you when waves are about to begin.

Honu of the Honu ika Moana

• Height requirement: You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.

You’ll feel like you are surfing ocean waves on this five-person raft slide. As you careen down this slide’s twists and turns, you’ll encounter two massive walls of water that will send you flying high like you are cresting a swell. Honu of the Honu ika Moana isn’t the scariest waterslide out there, but if your kids aren’t into thrill rides, it may be too intense for them.

Ko’okiri Body Plunge

• Height requirement: You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.

The Ko’okiri Body Plunge is the ultimate thrill ride at Volcano Bay. After a team member closes you inside this clear tube, the floor unexpectedly drops out from beneath you and sends you shooting down a 125-foot drop at mind-boggling speeds. If you prefer to watch from the sidelines, head to the Reef pool. There is an underwater viewing area where you can watch riders shoot by.

Kopiko Wai Winding River

• Height requirement: There is no minimum height requirement. Guests under 48 inches must wear a life jacket.

If you are looking for a “lazier” lazy river, head to Kopiko Wai Winding River. This slow-moving, winding river travels around much of the park, including through the Krakatau volcano. Rafts are provided at the river’s entrances, or you can float without one. Be on the lookout for guests on the bridges above the lazy river; they can use their TapuTapu on totems near the river to spray you while you float.

Hotels near Volcano Bay

Reservations at one of Universal Orlando Resort’s on-site hotels come with early park admission to Volcano Bay on select dates, as well as complimentary transportation to the park.

The two closest hotels are Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel and Loew’s Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando. All three have access to a walking path and private entrance to Volcano Bay. If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can book Sapphire Falls Resort through the American Express Travel portal via The Hotel Collection. You’ll receive a $100 food and beverage credit, plus a room upgrade upon arrival, based on availability.

Related: These are the best Universal Orlando hotels

Guests at other Universal hotels can take a bus directly from their hotel to Volcano Bay. To keep the South Seas theme going, you can stay at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. Or, if you have the Amex Platinum, you can book a room at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando via the American Express Fine Hotel + Resorts program. With the card, you’ll get perks like late checkout, complimentary breakfast and a food and beverage credit. If you haven’t used the Amex Platinum’s up to $200 annual statement credit yet, you could apply it toward a stay here, too.

Bottom line

Next time you visit Universal Orlando, we suggest spending a day in the shadow of Krakatau at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. In addition to the many rides and slides at Volcano Bay, there are so many hidden secrets to discover — from a talking spirit inside the volcano to the best (and most photogenic) soft serve ice cream we’ve ever tasted.

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