Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay has countless rides and attractions that we’ll cover in this all-in-one guide.
It’s easy to shrug off Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay as just another water park. The thing is, if you think of it as just another water park, you’re missing out on a huge part of what makes Universal Orlando a must-visit travel destination in Central Florida. Between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay doesn’t just add an extra day to your Universal Orlando vacation.
It adds an entirely different experience for guests to immerse themselves in.
And with Volcano Bay’s overall theming, your experience inside this “water theme park” will be like no other.
With plenty of thrilling slides and raft rides and relaxing lagoons and pools, there’s bound to be something that every guest can enjoy. Add on top of that Universal Orlando’s great theming and storytelling, and you’ve got a good reason to come back to Volcano Bay again and again. We visit the Central Florida theme parks all the time and have learned the best of the best offerings at Universal Orlando.
Let’s go over all the rides and attractions that Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay has to offer!
Volcano Bay Overview and Theming
The story behind Universal Orlando Volcano Bay is sure to have you excited to experience all it has to offer.
It all begins with the Waturi who are the native islanders who discovered Volcano Bay. According to legend, the Waturi traveled the ocean in search for the Kunuku, a mythical fish. When finding the Kunuku, they were guided to Volcano Bay, where the Waturi made it their home, adding all kinds of slides and experiences that celebrate the water!
With this back story, there’s a reason why Volcano Bay is so popular among guests. The designers at Universal Orlando immerse you so well into the details of Volcano Bay that when you visit, it feels like you just discovered this island paradise. And you don’t want to leave!
Let’s go over all the rides and attractions Volcano Bay has to offer.
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Volcano Bay Water Rides and Attractions
Many would argue that Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay is the best water theme park in all of Orlando.
It’s got a great tropical theme with Universal’s wonderful storytelling, cabana rentals, food, and of course, awesome and thrilling rides. With the variety of rides to fit guests of almost all ages and the extremely convenient Tapu Tapu Wearable system, you’re sure to have a great time at Volcano Bay.
All of the rides and attractions at Volcano Bay are divided up into different Volcano Bay Villages. Much like the different themed lands guests will find at other Universal Orlando theme parks or at Walt Disney World, each of the 3 different Villages encompass their themes and attractions. Either way, it’s much easier to organize your trip to Volcano Bay if you know where each ride and attraction is.
Here’s each of the rides that Volcano Bay has to offer, divided up according to each Village.
Krakatau Volcano
Krakatau Volcano is the centerpiece of Volcano Bay, standing at 200 feet above the rest of the park.
Quite frankly, this is the most incredible part of Volcano Bay – that is, if the name doesn’t already give it away. It's similar to Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World in that it's the centerpiece of the park that draws guests in. From the front, it looks magnificent, with its streaming waterfalls and a little glimpse of the clear tube that is the thrilling Ko’okiri Body Plunge. And at night, guests will marvel at its fiery, glowing lava!
Let’s check out the main attraction at Krakatau Volcano, Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides.
Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides
Those seeking some of the biggest thrills of Volcano Bay must come here.
At the top of the Krakatau Volcano sits 1 of 2 clear tubes with a drop door to plummet you to the water below. The slides show the story of Kala and Ta Nui’s forbidden love as they take a leap of faith from where the sea and sky meet. The slides for both of these doors twist, turn, intertwine with each other, and are sure to give you the thrill you seek! For those who frequent Walt Disney World, this is similar to Summit Plummet at Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park.
Come here for the thrill and stay for the incredible storytelling!
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 48”
- Maximum Weight: 300 pounds
Wave Village
Wave Village is the first area guests enter when walking into Volcano Bay.
At the base of Krakatau Volcano, Wave Village is home to several rides. And despite it being home to one of the most thrilling slides in Volcano Bay, it primarily serves as the water theme park’s rest and relaxation area.
Let’s go over all the rides and attractions in Wave Village.
Ko’okiri Body Plunge
If Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides didn’t fill your cup of thrill, Ko’okiri Body Plunge surely will!
This ride is absolutely no joke, being the tallest drop of any ride at Volcano Bay. Ko’okiri Body Plunge allows guests to join the centuries-old tradition of honoring the volcano god, Vol. Featuring an almost-vertical fall through a drop door and 125-feet of slide, this dizzying descent ends with a watery tribute from Vol himself!
Ride Ko’okiri Body Plunge and Kala and Ta Nui Serpentine Body Slides back-to-back and you’ve got a major dose of thrill for the day!
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 48”
- Maximum Weight: 300 pounds
Waturi Beach
Waturi Beach has an incredible wave pool right at the base of Krakatau Volcano.
Relaxing at Waturi Beach is a must for guests, giving them perfect views of a sparkling blue lagoon and the humungous volcano with its series of waterfalls. It’s also perfect for those who want to catch waves or enjoy splashing around in the water. Think of it as similar to the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. This area also houses plenty of cabanas for guests to rent, making it an overall fun space to hang out.
Whether or not you plan to relax here toward the end of your thrill day or just hang out there all day, you simply can’t go wrong!
- Height Requirement: Guests under 48” must wear a life jacket
The Reef
One of 2 leisure pools at Volcano Bay, The Reef has a few special offerings that make it popular!
Along with a great view of the riders braving the Ko’okiri Body Plunge, guests get the luxury of their own private waterfall made from a clear plexi tube. It’s most ideal for leisure lovers and those in search of serenity as the day goes by. Additionally, with the TapuTapu Wearable, you can interact with touchpoints that are everywhere at The Reef!
At 5.5 feet at its deepest end, the pool accommodates most guests looking for a relaxing time!
- Height Requirement: none
Rainforest Village
Rainforest Village is home to mostly thrill rides, so if you’re in it for the thrill, you’re hanging out here.
This area sits along the banks of a fast-flowing river and provides a mix of both excitement and relaxation – that is, if you need one to follow the other! Rainforest Village does a great job in providing shared experiences for guests, which makes it great for bigger groups or families that want to do activities together.
Let’s go over the rides and attractions offered in Rainforest Village.
Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
This raft ride is the tamer of the 2 raft rides that many guests love.
Similar to Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Maku of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides takes you on an adventure through Krakatau’s volcanic gorge. At the end, guests spin in a giant “bowl” and erupt down a watery vortex to the finish line. And believe it or not, Maku of the Maku is the tamer of the 2 raft rides at Volcano Bay!
While both raft rides look equally as thrilling, if you’re looking for more thrill, consider Puihi of the Maku, which we’ll discuss next.
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 42” (guests between 42” and 48” require a supervising companion)
- Minimum Weight: 300 pounds combined
- Maximum Weight: 1050 pounds combined
Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides
If Maku of the Maku wasn’t enough, Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides will get your heart pumping.
This more intense raft ride sends guests down the lava tube through a winding cavern. For more added thrill, Puihi of the Maku shoots your raft in such a way that you’ll feel a zero-gravity moment! This ride is very unique for being a raft ride, with 4 steep drops.
If you’re used to any of the raft rides at Walt Disney World or Disneyland, this is a big step beyond that!
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 42” (guests between 42” and 48” require a supervising companion)
- Minimum Weight: 300 pouds combined
- Maximum Weight: 850 pounds combined
Ohno of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides
This drop slide offers a different type of thrill to guests!
As you make your way through the ride, you must climb to cross a deep chasm, brave the rope bridge, and then plunge down a serpentine adventure. And just as you think the ride is over, you’re flying through the air up to 6-feet above a pool of water! Keep in mind that the pool you plunge into is 10-feet deep, so make sure you’re able to swim in deeper waters before riding this slide!
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 48”
- Maximum Weight: N/A
Ohyah of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides
For those looking for a little less thrill out of their drop slide, this is it.
Ascend the side of a cliff before plummeting down the twisting waters. Unlike Ohno’s 6-foot drop, Ohyah drops you up to 4-feet above a pool of water. Again, the pool you end in is 10-feet deep, so make sure you’re able swim in deeper waters before riding this slide!
Both Ohno of Ohyah and Ohyah of Ohyah offer different but fun levels of drop slides for guests!
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 48”
- Maximum Weight: N/A
TeAwa The Fearless River
While this may seem like a lazy river, it’s far from it.
TeAwa The Fearless River has a few surprises to make for a fun time. Again, think of Kali River Rapids at Disney's Animal Kingdom, but on a whole different level. This thrilling whitewater ride through the heart of the volcano races guests along a roaring, watery onslaught of rapids and chopping waves. If this isn’t an indication of its thrill, knowing that all guests are required to wear a life vest on this ride should be!
TeAwa The Fearless river is great for older kids and teens looking ot take on a challenge in a torrent river.
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 42” (guests between 42” and 48” require a supervising companion)
- Maximum Weight: N/A
Raki and Tonga of Taniwha Tubes
The Taniwha Tubes give guests 3 different slides to try, adding to its overall re-rideability factor!
Take a ride on the single or double-through slides inspired by twisting roots through the rainforest. Each slide offers a different amount of intensity to fit your needs. Be careful though, as the mischievous tiki statues might just splash you with jets of water!
While the Taniwha Tubes are not full of so much thrill as other rides at Volcano Bay, they add to the variety of rides guests can experience.
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 42” (guests between 42” and 48” require a supervising companion)
- Maximum Weight: 450 pounds
Punga Racers
For those who love to compete or are visiting Volcano Bay with siblings, Punga Racers is a great way to go head-to-head and battle it out!
A favorite among the Waturi children, Punga Racers sends single riders on a body slide down 4 lanes through underwater sea caves. If you’re the winner of your race, you even get a celebratory “water salute” from the god Punga himself! This body slide also gives guests wonderful views of both Krakatau Volcano and TeAwa Fearless River, making the climb up top worth it.
Punga Racers is a great ride for families who want to ride something together!
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 42”
- Maximum Weight: 300 pounds
Puka Uli Lagoon
Puka Uli Lagoon is the 2nd of Volcano Bay’s 2 relaxing leisure pools that guests can swim in or sunbathe around.
With a depth of up to 4 feet, everyone can have fun in the water with perfect views of the Ohyah and Ohno slides so you can watch all the fun as riders splash down from above. Puka Uli Lagoon also brings an element of play with its tropical bongos and water jets to interact with. While it admittedly resembles more of a typical pool, this is a great spot to go to especially when other pool areas get busier.
Puka Uli Lagoon is a great leisure pool for even the tiniest of guests!
- Height Requirement: Guests under 48” must wear a life jacket
River Village
The final area in Volcano Bay that we’ll cover, River Village has a wide variety of attractions that make it suitable for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling ride on the Honu ika Moana, you’re looking for a relaxing winding river, or you’re looking for a chill, fun spot for the kiddos, River Village has it all. River Village puts a cap on Volcano Bay as an entirely new water theme park experience with a great mix of thrills and perfected relaxation.
Let’s go over the rides and attractions offered in River Village.
Krakatau Aqua Coaster
A thrilling water coaster powered by magnets? Sign me up.
Krakatau Aqua Coaster is a wonder and feat in technology that offers a unique experience straight through the massive volcano. The only ride similar to this one at Walt Disney World would be Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. Guests get to race through effects of mist, water jets on a 4-person canoe that looks terrifying, but is really fun! And if you ride this at night, make sure to pay attention to the colorful lava effects!
Krakatau Aqua Coaster is one of the best rides at Volcano Bay, so expect it to have long waits, especially on busy days.
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 42” (guests between 42” and 48” require a supervising companion)
- Maximum Weight: 700 pounds combined
Kopiko Wai Winding River
Like any other good water park, a more relaxing winding river is an absolute staple for guests who need to turn down the thrill.
Think of this as similar to Castaway Creek at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. What makes Kopiko Wai Winding River so special however is its path through the tropical landscape of Volcano Bay, with a few surprises. Sprays of water surprise guests, and beneath the lava rocks, Stargazer’s Cavern reveals the magical night sky above. The more calm of the two lazy rivers at Volcano Bay, this ride is truly meant for relaxing and floating in the Florida sun.
And while the trip itself is only 6 minutes, you can stay on your tube or floating chair for as long as you need!
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 48”
- Maximum Weight: N/A
Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef
For families with little kiddos, both Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef provide a great area for children to play in.
Runamukka Reef is full of bubbling geysers and sea creatures, water guns, sprayers, dump cups, and smaller slides. Tot Tiki reef is specifically made for toddlers, with more friendly slides, a tot-sized water volcano, spraying fountains, and adorable singing whales. Both play areas offer fun interactive elements that keep the kiddos happy!
Both Runamukka Reef and Tot Tiki Reef are also filled with play points, so the kiddos can use their TapuTapu Wearable and have even more fun!
- Height Requirement (Runamkukka Reef only): Guests under 48” must wear a life jacket
ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana and Honu of the Honu ika Moana
If you’re looking to ease into your water theme park day with a relaxing raft ride, the green slide on ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana is it!
However, if you’re looking for a little more thrill, go for blue slide on Honu of the Honu ika Moana and soak in the long, twisting, multi-passenger raft ride. On the blue Honu slide, you can surf the underwater currents, speeding through an open flume and streak along 2 massive walls. Both the green and blue slides end in the same pool area, so don’t worry if your group wants to split up! And for your convenience, you don’t need to worry to carry your raft to the top since it’s brought up to you!
Both slides on the ika Moana immerses you with the ancient Waturi people who rode the ocean waves.
Ride Requirements:
- Minimum Height: 48”
- Maximum Weight: 700 pounds combined
Volcano Bay Tips
Knowing each of the rides at Volcano Bay is just the first step to a great time at Universal Orlando!
The thing is, there’s a few extra tips that will help elevate your experience at Volcano Bay even further. And while some of these tips may be similar to the tips we give in our Walt Disney World guide, there’s a few that are slightly different!
Here’s our top tips for elevating your vacation at Volcano Bay.
All Volcano Bay Rides Have Important Information on Their Signs
This includes weight limit requirements, which help guests decide whether or not to ride certain rides.
In general, the Volcano Bay rides with weight limits usually have weighing scales to ensure guest safety, with scales only visible to the Team Members at Volcano Bay. The only rides that don’t have weight limits (and thus don’t have weighing scales) are Ohno of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides, Ohyah of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides, TeAwa The Fearless River, and Kopiko Wai Winding River. For more information on rider safety and accessibility information, click here.
The weighing scales at different Volcano Bay rides ensure that all guests have a safe and fun vacation.
Volcano Bay TapuTapu Wearable is Crucial for a Smooth Water Park Day
Understanding the TapuTapu Wearable changes the way you experience a water theme park!
On the day of your arrival at Volcano Bay, you’ll be given this device to wear on your wrist during your visit. And while you can use it to make cashless purchases via TapTuPay, you can also use it for fun interactive experiences throughout the park, and most importantly, for the virtual line experience for the rides. All you need to do is tap your TapuTapu at the attraction you want to ride, explore other attractions and areas while you wait, and then your TapuTapu will vibrate to notify you when it’s time to return and ride!
The TapuTapu Wearable makes your water theme park day a much more fun experience.
Download the Universal Orlando Resort App
Just like the My Disney Experience App at Walt Disney World, the Universal Orlando Resort App gives guests control of their day.
On the app, you can view ride and attraction wait-times in real time, explore the interactive map, and even make a list of favorite attractions to customize your day. To enhance the guest experience even further, Universal Orlando has free park-wide WiFi, allowing guests to fully enjoy the app! This will come in handy when planning your day at Volcano Bay.
Click here to download the app for either your iOS or Android mobile device.
Pack Only What You Need
At any theme park, it’s important not to overpack – unless you’re okay with carrying 20 pounds of stuff with you all day!
Bringing what you need not only ensures that you’ll only use what’s necessary, it also saves you a lot of trouble when it comes to walking around Volcano Bay. Other than the bare necessities of a towel, swimsuit and a cover-up, and shoes that can get wet, make sure to pack your beach necessities. This includes a refillable water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Just make sure that whatever you do bring can easily fit into a locker or that you’re comfortable leaving your things at your beach chair when you go on the rides.
Need more ideas on what to pack to the theme parks? Click here for a printable packing list!
Rent a Locker
Speaking of lockers, there are multiple sizes of lockers available for guests to rent at Volcano Bay.
These lockers are spread throughout 5 locations at the water theme park. Each set of lockers has a kiosk that guides you through the payment process and how to get your locker synced up with your TapuTapu wearable. Additionally, if you choose to book a private cabana or premium seating option, you’re also able to use private lockers.
Especially at a water theme park, renting a locker ensures that your belongings and valuables are safe and makes your whole day much more fun and convenient!
Which Volcano Bay Ride is Best?
If you’re the thrill-seeking type of guest, you’ll most likely love Ko’okiri Body Plunge and The Kala and Tai Serpentine Slides.
The Ko’okiri Body Plunge is the tallest drop of any ride at Volcano Bay, making it an extremely popular ride. And The Kala and Tai Serpentine Slides are not far off the mark either, since they’re also drop slides with an extremely thrilling experience. And it’s difficult to leave out Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which is a really unique ride that’s great for all guests.
Of course, not everyone is going to want to do the thrill rides.
And that’s where the more relaxing attractions come into play at Volcano Bay.
The crow-favorite lazy ride at Volcano Bay is Kopiko Kai Winding River. Especially made for those who want to kick back on a tube or floating chair and soak in the Florida sun, Kopiko Kai Winding River gives great views of Volcano Bay’s tropical landscaping and Stargazers’ Cavern. And while this isn’t a ride, if you’re looking for even more relaxation, make sure to rent a cabana and have your own private experience at Volcano Bay!
With over 15 rides at Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay, you’re sure to have a great time with your family and friends!
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How many rides are in Volcano Bay?
There are over 15 rides in Volcano Bay, ranging from thrilling rides like Ko’okiri Body Plunge to relaxing attractions like The Reef. This makes Volcano Bay a great water theme park for all ages!
What is the most intense ride at Volcano Bay?
The most intense ride at Volcano Bay is Ko’okiri Body Plunge, the tallest drop of any ride at Volcano Bay. Featuring an almost-vertical fall through a drop door and 125-feet of slide, this dizzying descent ends with a watery tribute from Vol himself!
Does Volcano Bay have a lazy river?
Volcano Bay does have a very unique lazy river named Kopiko Wai Winding River. What makes it so special is its path through the tropical landscape of Volcano Bay, including a magnificent view of Stargazer’s Cavern that reveals the magical night sky above. Don’t confuse this with TeAwa The Fearless River though, which is a thrilling whitewater ride through the heart of the volcano!
What rides weigh you at Volcano Bay?
All of the rides at Volcano Bay weigh you except for the following: Ohno of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides, Ohyah of Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides, TeAwa The Fearless River, and Kopiko Wai Winding River. The weighing scales, which are only visible to the Team Members at Volcano Bay, ensure that all guests have a safe and fun vacation. Make sure to read the signs posted at each Volcano Bay ride for important safety information.
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