When planning your upcoming trip to Panama City Beach, Florida, consider taking a day to explore the area’s top waterpark attraction — Shipwreck Island Waterpark. As a premier family destination in Panama City Beach, this world-class waterpark spans 15 acres and boasts over 20 thrilling attractions, from heart-pounding waterslides to relaxing lazy rivers and kid-friendly splash areas.
Tiny explorers can have a blast at Splash Cove and Tadpole Hole, the park’s areas designed just for the little ones. Families can bond over friendly races on the Pirate’s Race slides or lazily float along the Shipwreck River. And adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss pulse-pounders like Pirate’s Plunge, Raging Rapids, and Skull Island!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable family experience on your Panama City Beach vacation, Shipwreck Island needs to be at the top of your list. This go-to guide will give you all the insider tips to make the most of your waterpark adventure!
Attractions at Shipwreck Island Waterpark
The Lazy River
Nothing beats a relaxing float down the Shipwreck Island Waterpark’s iconic lazy river if you’re a fan of taking things a bit slower (or just need a break from the fun). Spanning more than 2,000 feet long, this slow-moving river allows you to gently float along while surrounded by beautiful landscaping and waterfalls.
It’s the perfect place for parents to relax and recharge while the kids can safely splash and play in the shallow waters. Grab a tube and leisurely drift with the river’s current, or walk along the edges if you prefer. Either way, the Lazy River provides a nice escape from the high-energy areas of the park.
Families especially enjoy this attraction as an opportunity to spend relaxing quality time together. Kids have a blast in the water while parents can sit back and take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Ocean Motion Wave Pool
Make a splash at the massive 500,000-gallon Ocean Motion Wave Pool! This one’s a step up from the lazy river, offering perfect 3-foot waves every 10 minutes. It’s the best way to experience the thrill of riding the waves without any scary rip currents, jellyfish stings, or other ocean hazards.
The zero-entry pool is ideal for all ages, with deeper areas for more adventurous wave riders and shallower ends for little ones just getting their feet wet. Hang onto your swimsuit as you get tossed around by the powerful swells, or relax on the pool deck and watch the waves from a safe distance.
Pirate’s Plunge
Ready to get to know the pirates behind Shipwreck Island?
Adventure awaits on the daring Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slides! These 2 sleek body slides sit side-by-side, extending from a towering 60-foot plank high above the park. Conquer your fears as you hurtle down the steep descent, picking up max speeds before sliding into the landing pool below.
Race your friend or family member on the other slide for double the adrenaline rush. Or embrace the thrill solo style — no matter how you take it on, Pirate’s Plunge will get your heart racing! A 48″ height requirement ensures only the bravest buccaneers take the plunge.
Raging Rapids
If you want a bit more thrill after Pirate’s Plunge, you can enjoy some impressive whitewater thrills on the Raging Rapids — one of Shipwreck Island’s most unique and exhilarating rides.
This twisting, turning tube adventure sends you rocketing up and over several giant hills, giving you a view of the whole park…before plunging you back down into churning rapids!
As the name suggests, the Raging Rapids lives up to its billing with powerful currents tossing you this way and that. You’ll get soaked from every angle as you careen around serpentine turns and whitewater rapids battered your inner tube. It’s an absolutely wild and wet ride from start to finish!
Skull Island
Skull Island is the nest family swimming spot at Shipwreck Island! This large area packs in tons of different attractions for all ages to enjoy together. Kids will go nuts for the Lickity Split kiddie slide and the multi-lane Pirate’s Race slides, where the whole family can race side-by-side.
Tadpole Hole
Have smaller pirates who aren’t quite ready to take on the bigger rides? Make sure to visit Tadpole Hole — an entire kids’ aquatic playground designed specifically for the park’s littlest explorers. This wading pool area features adorable animal slides like a purple frog, elephant, pelican, and ship that your little tadpoles will love zipping down again and again.
With its vibrant colors, tame depths, and gentle sprays, Tadpole Hole allows the youngest guests to frolic freely in a safe, contained environment while parents can sit back and keep a watchful eye.
The Great Shipwreck
They don’t call it Shipwreck Island for nothing! The park’s centerpiece is The Great Shipwreck — a life-size replica of a 17th-century sailing ship that looks like it crashed right into the shores. The incredibly detailed galleon provides the ultimate pirates’ plunder playground.
Brave buccaneers can take the daring plunge by swinging out on ropes from the ship’s deck and dropping down into the azure lagoon pool below. The pool also features some milder waterslides for younger scalawags — so there are plenty of things to do for the whole family around the shipwreck area.
Tipping Bucket
The only other eye-catcher besides the Great Shipwreck is the massive tipping bucket towering over Skull Island! This iconic waterpark fixture unloads a drenching 750-gallon downpour every few minutes to the delight of guests eagerly awaiting below.
As the bright yellow bucket begins tilting precariously back and forth, the suspense builds until finally…SPLASH! A gigantic wave comes crashing down, soaking anyone caught in the crosshairs. It’s a refreshing cool-down on hot Panama City days.
Tree Top Drop
Towering over 65 feet in the air, this duo of intense body slides will really get your adrenaline pumping.
Daredevils can choose between two hair-raising paths to splash down. The Dark Tunnel slide sends you plunging through an enclosed black tube before shooting out onto a sudden free-fall section.
You can also opt for the open-air Twisting Tube that whips you around tight corkscrew turns at top speeds. The Tree Top Drop delivers white-knuckle drops and high-speed thrills galore whichever route you take.
White Knuckle River
After you’ve taken a few trips down Tree Top Drop, it’s time to hit the waves again. White Knuckle River is a 660-foot water adventure with raging Class III whitewater-style rapids.
As the powerful currents toss you this way and that, you’ll get drenched from every angle by intense splashing and choppy waters. With zero calm stretches, the White Knuckle River delivers non-stop churning excitement from start to finish.
Zoom Flume
The classic Zoom Flume mat racer is a Shipwreck Island tradition! This thrilling trio of twisting, weaving slides has provided wild rides and wonderful family memories for decades.
Grab a mat and get ready to zoom down the tall heights as you pick up serious speed around every snaking turn. The slides run side-by-side-by-side so you can race your friends or family to see who can fly down fastest. Or team up by having a smaller rider join an adult to double up the fun.
Planning Your Visit to Shipwreck Island
What Can You Eat & Drink at Shipwreck Island Waterpark?
When it’s time to refuel, Shipwreck Island has you covered with tasty dining options right in the park. With plenty of places to dry off while you refuel, you’ll love the options at the park.
Grab a quick bite like the Grub @ the Grill combo with a meal and drink, or go for something more substantial like the Shipwreck Cookout combo.
Pizza lovers can opt for the Pick-A-Pizza meal deal. The Island Picnic is another great all-in-one meal choice. Of course, you can’t forget sweet treats like ICEEs, ice cream, funnel cakes, and more!
Getting to Shipwreck Island Waterpark
Located at 12201 Hutchison Blvd, the waterpark is just a short 5-10 minute drive from most Panama City Beach resorts and beaches. It’s easily accessible from Front Beach Road, Back Beach Road, or Thomas Drive. And there’s plenty of parking available on-site — so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to park!
Hours of Operation
Shipwreck Island is open daily from mid-May through mid-August, with operating hours from 9 am to 6 pm Monday-Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays. Check out the site to see the monthly operating hours and updates.
Tickets
Single-day admission is $49.99 for guests over 48″ tall and $39.99 for those under 48″. Kids under 2 are free. You can get pretty nice discounts for purchasing tickets online in advance. If you plan on making the trip to the area several times, why not grab a Season Pass for just $129.99?!
Group/Birthday Rates & Packages
Planning a bigger trip — or need to celebrate a special someone? Shipwreck Island offers special discount rates for groups of 25 or more people. The 2024 group rate (for non-Saturday visits) is just $39.99 per person, and meal packages can be added as well.
You can also grab a signature birthday experience for $499.99 — which offers admission for ten kids plus the birthday child, two large pizzas, a souvenir bottle/shirt/ICEE for the birthday kid, private use of the Birthday Cove area for two hours, decorations, and a birthday host. Additional guests, food, and extras can be added on as well.
Top Tips for the Ultimate Shipwreck Island Experience
So, you’re now ready to take on the thrills at Shipwreck Island Waterpark! But before you go, you’ll want to make sure you’re ready for all those unexpected twists and turns. Here are our top tips to ensure you have the ultimate Shipwreck Island experience on your Florida Panhandle vacation.
- Arrive early and get a spot close to your favorite attractions to beat the crowds.
- Pack light — just bring a waterproof bag for essentials like sunscreen, water, etc.
- Rent a cabana or pergola to have a shaded home base for your crew
- Stay hydrated by bringing your refillable water bottles
- Take breaks in the shade or lazy river to avoid getting overheated
- Check the park schedule for times of special entertainment or activities
- Use the cashless wristband system to avoid carrying cash/cards
- Buy souvenirs early before popular items sell out
- Purchase a Season Pass if you plan to visit multiple times
- Use the free life jackets provided for younger/inexperienced swimmers
As with any trip, planning and preparation can make all the difference in maximizing your enjoyment at a water park. But with so much to see and do, you’ll have a blast no matter the day.
Make a Splash with Florida CFY
After an epic day of waterpark fun, you’ll want luxury accommodations that are just as amazing! You can have it all with Florida CFY’s premium vacation rentals in Panama City Beach.
Our spacious rentals combine upscale coastal decor with premium amenities — and many residences are just minutes from Shipwreck Island and the area’s top beaches. It’s the best way to enjoy Shipwreck Island Waterpark and the nearby cities of Panama City Beach and Destin.
Book your home-away-from-home with Florida CFY, and your dream beach getaway will be complete! Their friendly staff provides personalized service to ensure your stay is absolute perfection from start to finish. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
