The best theme parks in Tenerife are Loro Parque and Siam Park which have consistently ranked among the top theme parks not only in Spain but worldwide. Loro Parque is renowned for its diverse animal collection and conservation efforts whilst Siam Park is known for its innovative water attractions and Thai-inspired design. Together, these theme parks are the most popular tourist attractions in Tenerife.
Loro Parque
Loro Parque is located in Puerto de la Cruz on the island’s north coast. It was established in 1972 as a paradise for parrots which has evolved into a world-class zoo and marine park. The park houses an impressive collection of animals, including the world’s largest indoor penguin exhibition, showcasing king penguins in a carefully controlled Antarctic environment. The Aquarium complex features a 1.2 million litre shark tank and a unique 18-metre underwater tunnel, allowing visitors to observe marine life from below.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Orca Ocean, home to a pod of killer whales. The orca show demonstrates the natural behaviours and incredible abilities of these marine mammals. Similarly, the park offers dolphin and sea lion shows, combining entertainment with educational content about marine conservation.
True to its origins, Loro Parque maintains an extensive collection of parrots, with over 350 species represented. The park’s commitment to parrot conservation is evident in its breeding programs for endangered species. Visitors can observe these colourful birds in their natural habitats and attend educational presentations about parrot behaviour and conservation efforts.
Other notable exhibits include the gorilla enclosure, the Katandra Treetops aviary and the Tiger Island. Each of these areas is designed to closely mimic the animals’ natural habitats, promoting natural behaviours and providing visitors with an immersive experience.
Loro Parque places a strong emphasis on education and research, running various conservation projects and collaborations with universities worldwide. The Loro Parque Foundation has become a significant force in international wildlife conservation, particularly for parrot species.
How to Get to Loro Parque
Loro Parque is located in Puerto de la Cruz, approximately 45 minutes drive from Tenerife South Airport. If driving, follow the TF-5 motorway northbound and take the Puerto de la Cruz exit. The park is well-signposted from this point.
For those relying on public transport, there are regular bus services from major towns on the island to Puerto de la Cruz. From the bus station in Puerto de la Cruz, the park operates a free shuttle service for visitors. This shuttle runs every 20 minutes during park opening hours.
Many tour operators also offer excursions to Loro Parque from various locations around Tenerife, which can be a convenient option for those staying in other parts of the island including the popular holiday resorts of the south coast.
How to Get Tickets for Loro Parque
Tickets can be purchased at the park’s entrance, but booking online through the Loro Parque official website is recommended to avoid queues and potentially access discounts. The park offers various ticket options, including single-day passes and combined tickets with other top attractions including Siam Park. Discounts are available for children and seniors. Some experiences within the park, such as the Orca Encounter, may require separate reservations.
Loro Parque is open all year round, but opening times may vary depending on the season. It’s advisable to check the official website for current operating hours and any special events or shows scheduled during your visit.
When planning your visit, consider that Loro Parque is a large facility and a full day may be needed to experience all the attractions. The park provides several restaurants and refreshment stands throughout the grounds. However, visitors are not permitted to bring their own food into the park, except for special dietary requirements.
Siam Park
Located in Costa Adeje on the south coast of Tenerife, Siam Park is one of the world’s best water parks. It covers an area of 18.5 hectares and offers a wide range of water attractions suitable for all ages and thrill levels. The park’s design, which was overseen by Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand, incorporates typical Thai architecture and landscapes.
to create an exotic atmosphere.
One of the park’s flagship attractions is the Tower of Power, a near-vertical drop slide standing at 28 metres high. Riders plummet down the slide at high speeds, passing through an aquarium filled with sharks and rays. This unique feature combines the thrill of the ride with an unexpected aquatic encounter.
For those seeking high-adrenaline experiences, the Singha water coaster uses cutting-edge technology to propel riders uphill as well as down, creating a roller coaster-like experience. The Dragon, a zero-gravity water slide, provides another intense experience with its sudden drops and turns.
Families and those preferring a more relaxed experience can enjoy attractions like the Mai Thai River, one of the world’s longest lazy rivers at 1 kilometre in length. This gentle ride includes sections of rapids, adding moments of excitement to the otherwise tranquil journey.
The Wave Palace is another highlight, featuring a pool capable of generating artificial waves up to 3 metres high. This attraction is popular not only with body boarders and surfers but also with spectators who can watch from the nearby beach area or the grandstand.
Siam Beach, an artificial white sand beach, provides a relaxing area for sunbathing and swimming. The sand, imported from the Sahara Desert and the large wave pool create a beachlike atmosphere within the park.
For younger visitors, The Lost City is a water fortress filled with bridges, waterfalls and over 120 games. Sawasdee, a dedicated children’s zone, offers gentler slides and shallow pools suitable for the park’s youngest guests.
Siam Park also features several dining options, from quick-service kiosks to sit-down restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines including Thai, international and local Canarian dishes. The Thai-themed Tea House provides a unique dining experience with views over the park.
The park places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many of the attractions use seawater, which is desalinated and heated to a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius. The park also employs water conservation techniques and energy-efficient systems throughout its operations.
How to Get to Siam Park
Siam Park is located in Costa Adeje, approximately 15 minutes drive from Tenerife South Airport. If driving, follow the TF-1 motorway towards Playa de las Américas and take the Siam Park exit. The park is well-signposted from this point.
For those using public transport, several bus lines (including 467, 471 and 473) stop near Siam Park. These buses can be caught from various locations in the south of Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje.
The park also operates a free bus service from various points in the south of Tenerife, including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje. This service runs several times a day during park opening hours.
How to Get Tickets for Siam Park
Tickets can be purchased at the park’s entrance, but booking online through the Siam Park official website is recommended to avoid queues and potentially access discounts. The park offers various ticket options, including single-day passes, multi-day passes and combined tickets with Loro Parque. Discounts are available for children and seniors. Some premium experiences, such as the VIP cabanas, require separate reservations and additional fees.
Siam Park is open all year-round, however, opening times may vary depending on the season, so it’s advisable to check the official website for current operating hours.
Other Theme Parks in Tenerife
Other notable theme parks and attractions in Tenerife, though not on the same scale as Loro Parque or Siam Park, include:
Jungle Park: A zoological and botanical park with various animal shows.
Aqualand Costa Adeje: Another water park, smaller than Siam Park but still popular.
Forestal Park: An adventure park with zip lines and obstacle courses set in a forest.
Pyramids of Güímar Ethnographic Park: While not a theme park in the traditional sense, the Pyramids of Güímar are a fascinating attraction featuring mysterious pyramids and botanical gardens.
A visit to any of these theme parks, especially Loro Parque and Siam Park, ranks amongst the best things to do in Tenerife during a family holiday to the island.
