Shipwreck Island Waterpark in Panama City Beach

Headed to Panama City Beach soon? While you’re there, you should check out Shipwreck Island Waterpark.

A special thanks  to Shipwreck Island Waterpark and the Panama City Beach CVB for this complimentary experience.

My son turned 10 while we were on vacation in Panama City Beach, so he got to pick a special excursion for his birthday treat. Out of the multitude of entertainment options available, he chose Shipwreck Island Waterpark. I was worried that he would be disappointed in his choice. I had always kind of thought that if you’ve been to one waterpark, you’ve been to them all. I was wrong!

The pirate theme is cleverly incorporated throughout the 21-acre park.   For the little ones in the crowd, the Tadpole Hole is a splashing good time with all sorts of climbing apparatuses. Skull Island is for the young and old alike, featuring a gigantic tipping bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water on the crowd below.

For those who crave a little more adventure, the Great Shipwreck offers an exciting swing out into a lagoon pool (similar to a zip line) or there is the 65 foot Tree Top Drop, which is a free-fall enclosed double slide.  There are also plenty of other fun slides, rides, and even a wave pool.

My kids had a blast.  The adults enjoyed themselves as much as the kids.  Our favorite part was floating down the super relaxing 2,000 ft. long lazy river, soaking up the beautiful Florida sunshine.  I’m not a huge fan of waterparks typically as they tend to be over-crowded and hot.  Not the case at Shipwreck Island Waterpark at all!  It was busy the day we were there, but the unique layout kept it from feeling crowded and there were plenty of shady areas when we wanted to get out of the sun for a few minutes.

I met the General Manager of the park and he was so friendly.  All of the staff was courteous and helpful.  Sometimes it’s the small things, like a big huge smile (and great service) from those passing out locker keys or refilling your drink, that make a lasting impression!  The fact that the park was beautifully landscaped and immaculately clean didn’t hurt either!

On a side note, I have to tell y’all who else we met that day, since my daughter had never met anyone famous and was totally star-struck.  We ran into Alana, aka “Honey Boo Boo” and her family.   I know the reality show is somewhat controversial, but Alana was just being a normal seven-year-old girl (as much as you can be with an entire entourage following you all day), having fun splashing around in the water just like my boys were.  The family was polite and courteous, even as they started getting recognized.  I don’t know if they were taping the show that day or not, but if you see a future episode at a waterpark, look for us.

Location:

12201 Middle Beach Road
Panama City Beach, Florida 32407

Ticket Prices:

Guests 50″+ – $33
Guests 35″ – 50″ – $28
Guests under 35″ are free

Do your children like visiting waterparks?