A new waterpark with 24 slides is opening in the Bahamas next month — here's what we know
The Bahamas is one of the top beach destinations — and for good reason. You'll find white sandy beaches, pristine turquoise waters and a number of fun hotels and resorts to choose from for your stay.
Baha Mar is a popular resort complex in Nassau, Bahamas, that's home to a Grand Hyatt, the SLS (part of Accor's sbe hotel portfolio) and a Rosewood, plus an array of dining venues, animal encounters for the entire family, excellent pools, retail shops and even a casino for guests over the age of 18.
And the newest addition to this luxury complex is opening next month: Baha Bay.
Baha Bay is a luxury waterpark that features 15 acres of activities for every type of guest — from thrill-seekers to families with small kids to adults who simply want to relax and kick back beachside. The new waterpark officially opens July 2, 2021, and will be exclusive to Baha Mar guests. While the park will only allow Baha Mar guests at first, a limited number of day passes will be available later in the summer and a select number of annual passes will go on sale for 2022.
Ahead of the grand opening, Baha Bay has released more details about everything there is to do inside the park. Here's what you can expect if you visit Baha Bay when it opens.
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Thrilling attractions
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, Baha Bay has plenty to keep you on your toes.
After all, what waterpark is complete without waterslides? Baha Bay will feature a whopping 24 different waterslides for guests, including eight "thrill slides."
Feel the floor fall out from under you before looping through tunnels in the Devil's Backbone slide, freefall down the Thunderball slide, take on 360-degree loops on Pirate's Plunge, race a friend on the dueling riptide coaster and more.
You can also check out The Surf — a state-of-the-art surfing simulator that doesn't require any surfing lessons.
Or you can hop in a tube on The River, Baha Bay's take on a lazy river (they're calling it an "action river"), as it takes you through the park. The River is wheelchair accessible with zero-depth entry access points.
Beachfront relaxation
As much as I love a good waterslide, you're more likely to find me with a drink and a good book near The Reef, one of Baha Bay's infinity pools. You can reserve a private VIP cabana, or grab one of the poolside loungers available for guests.
The infinity pools and lounge area are right off the beach, meaning you can relax to the sounds of the waves on the shore (but without getting all of that sand in your swimsuit).
You can also reserve cabanas throughout the rest of the waterpark if you want a place for your family to relax when they need a break.
Related: The Bahamas is making it easier to visit; Everything U.S. citizens need to know
Family-friendly fun
Baha Bay has a few spots where kids of all ages can enjoy the water.
Turtle Beach is perfect for small children. The family-friendly area has shallow pools for little ones to splash around in, kiddy slides and a splash zone. Stingray Cove has a bit more excitement, including a massive water bucket that's dumped onto the play area when full and more water slides for adventurous kids.
There's also the Baha Bay Lagoon, a wave pool with plenty of loungers available nearby. The wave pool is wheelchair accessible with zero-depth entry access. This area is also great for families since older kids who can swim can wade deeper into the pool while little ones stay in the shallow zone with their parents.
Related: A country-by-country reopening guide to the Caribbean
Food and entertainment
While Baha Bay is first and foremost a waterpark, there are plenty of other activities when you need a break from the sun and surf (simulator).
For guests 21 and older, there's The Pavilion — a secluded casino retreat in the middle of the waterpark that's an extension of Baha Mar's casino.
There are also eight different dining establishments all within the Baha Bay park. For casual grab-and-go meals, check out Barracuda. Fans of Umami in Los Angeles can check out the only outpost in the region. And seafood enthusiasts can visit 25 North for a comparatively upscale dining experience.
There are six retail shops open for guests, too, and Baha Bay also has private event space available right on the beach if you want to book a party or other special event at the park.
The details
There's a lot to look forward to at Baha Mar this summer with Baha Bay opening for resort guests (and day pass holders later on this summer). And if you have a stay booked at Baha Mar before the official opening date on July 2, 2021, you can still visit select parts of the waterpark, including Turtle Beach, Stingray Cove and The River.
“As the latest addition to [Baha Mar's] collection of celebrated adult and family-friendly offerings," said Graeme Davis, president of Baha Mar, in a statement, "Baha Bay will provide our guests with new exceptional experiences, suitable for all ages, as we continue to redefine the Caribbean vacation.”