Las Vegas is home to many great attractions, but if you are looking for a full service water park you’ll have to leave the strip and head to Cowabunga Bay or Cowabunga Canyon. As the names imply, they are owned and operated by the same groups. In fact, there are a lot of similarities between the two water parks.
Some examples include:
- They are the two best water parks in Las Vegas
- Cowabunga Canyon was built in 2013 while Cowabunga Bay was opened in 2014
- Cowabunga Canyon has 12 attractions and Cowabunga Bay has 16 attractions
- They both have three types of Cabanas for rent
- They have the same regular operating hours
- They are even the same price!
Keep in mind that there are three Cowabunga Water Parks. In Las Vegas, there is Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon and there is a third location in Draper, UT also called Cowabunga Bay.
You can learn more about the two Cowabunga locations in Las Vegas on my article of the Best Water Parks in Las Vegas.
You can read more about the Draper, UT location on my article of the Best Water Parks in Utah.
While there are a lot of similarities between the two Las Vegas water parks, there are some key differences to consider. Let’s get to it: Cowabunga Bay vs Cowabunga Canyon!
Contents
- What is better Cowabunga Bay or Cowabunga Canyon?
- What’s the difference between Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon?
- Which Cowabunga is bigger?
- Is Cowabunga Canyon and Wet n Wild the same?
- Why is Cowabunga Bay closed?
- Why is Cowabunga Canyon closed?
- Can you bring drinks into Cowabunga Bay?
- Can you bring drinks into Cowabunga Canyon?
- Does Cowabunga Bay have a lazy river?
- Does Cowabunga Canyon have a lazy river?
- Are there towels at Cowabunga Canyon?
- Are there towels at Cowabunga Bay?
- Do you need water shoes at Cowabunga Bay?
- Do you need water shoes at Cowabunga Canyon?
- Does Cowabunga Bay charge for parking?
- Does Cowabunga Canyon charge for parking?
- Can you wear Crocs at Cowabunga Bay?
- Can you wear Crocs at Cowabunga Canyon?
- Does Cowabunga Bay close when it rains?
- Does Cowabunga Canyon close when it rains?
What is better Cowabunga Bay or Cowabunga Canyon?
These two water parks are very similar, but I would give the edge to Cowabunga Bay. Cowabunga Bay has more attractions (16 vs 12), it has more events (like movie night in the wave pool, fireworks etc.) and it also has tube lifts for some slides so you don’t have to carry your own tube. The general consensus on Google, Yelp etc. is that Cowabunga Bay is the preferred water park. For that reason, it can get busier which means more lines. That’s the biggest upside for Cowabunga Canyon – it usually has shorter lines.
What’s the difference between Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon?
There are many similarities between Cowabunga Bay and Cowabunga Canyon, but Cowabunga Bay has more slides and attractions. Cowabunga Bay is in Henderson and about 10 miles east (~25 minutes) from the Las Vegas strip while Cowabunga Canyon is in Summerlin and is about 10 miles west (~20 minutes) from the Las Vegas strip.
Which Cowabunga is bigger?
Cowabunga Canyon has a larger site at 41 acres vs 23 acres for Cowabunga Bay. However, Cowabunga Bay has more attractions with 16 vs only 12 for Cowabunga Canyon.
Is Cowabunga Canyon and Wet n Wild the same?
Yes, Wet N Wild was purchased by the same owners as Cowabunga Bay. After purchasing the property, they rebranded it as Cowabunga Canyon and upgraded the park. The new management rebranded the slides and attractions to a western theme (Buckaroo Bay, Cactus Creek, etc.), increased the capacity of the kitchen to serve more guests and doubled the amount of staff on site.
Why is Cowabunga Bay closed?
Cowabunga Bay is only open seasonally. It typically opens for spring break in March, then re-opens in April for weekends only. It opens full time for Memorial Day through the first week of August. It then stays open on the weekends only until the last weekend of September.
Why is Cowabunga Canyon closed?
Cowabunga Bay is only open seasonally. It typically opens for spring break in March, then re-opens in April for weekends only. It opens full time for Memorial Day through the first week of August. It then stays open on the weekends only until the last weekend of September.
Can you bring drinks into Cowabunga Bay?
Officially no, but there are many example of people bringing in some small snacks. You can also bring in unopened bottles of water. Just keep in mind that they will inspect your bags on the way. If needed, you can eat at the picnic benches in the parking lot since re-entry into the park is allowed.
Can you bring drinks into Cowabunga Canyon?
Factory sealed water bottles are excepted, but otherwise you cannot bring outside drinks into the park You can also bring empty water bottles/insulated cups as long as they are empty when you enter. You can even bring an ice chest to cool your water or keep the drinks you buy inside the park cool.
Does Cowabunga Bay have a lazy river?
Yes, the Cowabunga Bay in Las Vegas has a lazy river called Cowabunga River.
Does Cowabunga Canyon have a lazy river?
Yes, the Cowabunga Canyon has a lazy river called Cactus Creek.
Are there towels at Cowabunga Canyon?
No, you should bring your own towel. You may be able to buy some at the water park, otherwise you’ll have to air dry!
Are there towels at Cowabunga Bay?
No, you should bring your own towel or be prepared to buy one at the gift shop at the water park… or you will have to air dry!
Do you need water shoes at Cowabunga Bay?
It’s highly recommended on hot days. Walking in bare feet in the sun can feel like walking on hot lava! You are able to wear water shoes and hold them in your hands for most slides.
Do you need water shoes at Cowabunga Canyon?
It’s highly recommended on hot days. Walking in bare feet in the sun can feel like walking on hot lava! You are able to wear water shoes and hold them in your hands for most slides.
Does Cowabunga Bay charge for parking?
Yes, it currently costs $10 but you can save some money if you buy in advance online. You can also have in and out privileges, just be sure to save your ticket and receipt when leaving if you plan to return the same day.
Does Cowabunga Canyon charge for parking?
Yes, it currently costs $8 per day. You can also have in and out privileges, just be sure to save your ticket and receipt when leaving if you plan to return the same day.
Can you wear Crocs at Cowabunga Bay?
Yes and it’s strongly recommended on hot days when the ground is too hot to walk in bare foot. You will have to hold onto them while going down most slides.
Can you wear Crocs at Cowabunga Canyon?
Yes and it’s strongly recommended on hot days when the ground is too hot to walk in bare foot. You will have to hold onto them while going down most slides.
Does Cowabunga Bay close when it rains?
No, but if there is extreme heat, high winds or the temperature drops below 70 degrees they may close the park and issue a rain check for ticket holders. Ensure you hold on to your receipt as your proof of rain check. Keep in mind that there are no refunds or rain checks for parking or locker rentals. If there is lightening or temporary weather issues, guests may be asked to take cover and the rides will close temporarily.
Does Cowabunga Canyon close when it rains?
No, but if there is extreme heat, high winds or the temperature drops below 70 degrees they may close the park and issue a rain check for ticket holders. Ensure you hold on to your receipt as your proof of rain check. Keep in mind that there are no refunds or rain checks for parking or locker rentals. If there is lightening or temporary weather issues, guests may be asked to take cover and the rides will close temporarily.
If you still have questions or would like to learn more, you can check out the official website for both water parks here:
If you enjoyed this, please check out my other water park research here.