Cowabunga Bay vs Cowabunga Canyon (Las Vegas) – Which is Better?

Cowabunga Bay. Cowabunga Bay has more attractions (16 vs 12) and it has more events (like movie night in the wave pool, fireworks etc.).

Cowabunga Bay also has tube lifts for some slides so you don’t have to carry your own tube up the stairs. While this is a small thing, it can make a huge difference! Climbing all those stairs is tiring enough.. it’s nice to not have to carry a tube while you’re climbing.

Cowabunga Bay was built and created by the Cowabunga group, so everything you see was their decision. It was custom built from the ground up. By contrast, Cowabunga Canyon was previously a Wet ‘n’ Wild which ultimately failed and closed. Since re-opening, it has improved under management by the Cowabunga group, but they are still working to bring it up to the level of Cowabunga Bay.

The biggest advantage for Cowabunga Canyon is that it is typically less busy. The lines are shorter and it is less crowded.

The general consensus on Google, Yelp etc. is that Cowabunga Bay is the preferred water park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, the Cowabunga Bay in Las Vegas has a lazy river called Cowabunga River.

Yes, the Cowabunga Canyon has a lazy river called Cactus Creek.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the weather gets too hot, too windy, or if it gets colder than 70 degrees, Cowabunga Canyon might have to close. If that happens, they’ll give you a rain check. For this, you will need to keep your receipt. But keep in mind, they won’t give you money back or a rain check for stuff like parking or lockers. If there’s lightning or the weather gets bad for a little while, they’ll ask everyone to go somewhere safe and they’ll close the rides for a bit – but hopefully that’s just temporary!