Carolina Harbor: Everything You Need to Know
Carolina Harbor is one of the most popular water parks in the state.
In this guide we'll cover everything that the water park offers including best rides, kids areas, the best way to relax and even where to eat.
What is Carolina Harbor?
Carolina Harbor is the fan favorite Carowinds water park that features 6 pools, 31 water slides and even 6 children's areas.
Regardless of your age, there will be plenty for you to do there.
What better way to cool off from the Carolina summer than in the 27 acre water park?
Fun Fact
Carolina Harbor was actually named Boomerang Bay until 2015.
Best Rides
Hurricane Falls
This family favorite ride is an open raft ride. If you're scared of being enclosed in a tube, this will be a breath of fresh air for you (literally).
The best part is this is a (maximum) 4 person raft (minimum 2 person) which will make for loud laughter and excitement while spiraling throughout the 564 foot ride.
Storm Surge
Now if you love the thrill of riding inside tubes at fast speeds and quick turns, this is the ride for you.
You'll be able to ride by yourself or even hop on with a friend in the double tubes.
Featuring 4 water slides, these tubes are around 495 ft in length and in the end riders will end up splashing into a large pool.
Blackbeard's Revenge
This is a very unique ride as the floor actually slips from your feet!
Featuring a few different 360 degree turns while in an almost free-fall, riders will definitely feel the six story drop along with the several sharp turns.
Boogie Board Racer
The newest water slide ride at Carolina Harbor that debuted in 2021, it is the longest racing slide in the Southeast.
It features 6 slides, and this is the perfect place where you can race your friends and family for bragging rights!
The cool aspect of this is each slide is different but at the end all of the tubes turn into black and white patterns signaling the finish line of the race!
Kids Area
Seaside Splashworks
The largest multi level play structure in the water park provides endless fun for kids and adults alike.
Featuring spray jets, water guns, bridges, water slides and water coming out of every direction, prepare to get wet.
The best part is arguable the 423 gallon bucket that occasionally tips and refreshes everyone in the area.
Just Want to Relax?
There are lounge chairs and regular chairs available located around the perimeter of Seaside Splashworks.
It allows you to relax or sit back and keep an eye on your kids from a distance.
Entrance Tip
You should know there's also a back end gate entrance just for the water park!
This will save you time from now needing to walk through the entire amusement park to get to the water park.
Wave Pool
Known as Tidal Wave Bay, this wave pool holds 400,000 gallons of water with a 'zero drop' entrance for the little ones.
Every few minutes the wave pool will alternate with actually having waves, and to total tranquility.
Lifeguards are positioned on both sides of the wave pool for maximum safety.
Lounge chairs and cabanas are all positioned around the wave pool as well
Cabanas For Rent
There are four different types of cabanas that you can rent.
All of them include at least 6 guests, discounts, tv, food and beverage service, patio table with chairs and lounge chairs.
Chairs For Rent
Lounge chairs and regular chairs are available throughout the entire water park including by the wave pool and rides.
If you decide to rent a cabana, you will have chairs assigned to your area.
Safety
Lifeguards are stationed in most areas of the park and are constantly moving and very aware in order to keep the water park safe.
Lifejackets are complimentary for all guests.
There are different types of lifejackets available that are differentiated by weight.
Infant Jacket
Less than 30 lbs
Child Jacket
30 lbs - 50 lbs
Youth Jacket
50 lbs - 90 lbs
Adult Jacket
90 lbs +
Beachcombers
In case you forgot your sunscreen, swimwear, a shirt or even a towel, Beachcombers has you covered.
It is a store that where you can purchase your water park essentials.
Harbor House
Swimming and soaking up the sun all day can definitely work up an appetite.
Harbor house offers pulled pork, shrimp basket, tender & fries, chicken wrap, wings & fries and shrimp poboy!
Location
Between Surf Club Harbor and Tidal Wave Bay
Schooners Beach Bar
For adults 21+, there is a fantastic bar available offering frozen adult drinks, local craft beers, wine and jumbo pretzels.
One thing to note is that the bar closes 1 hour before the actual water park does, so don't miss out!
Location
Near Surf Club Harbor and Harbor House
Main Bathhouse
Here is where you'll be able to rent lockers. Lockers are available in different sizes and will come in very handy in order to not need to carry bags or valuables around.
Changing stations is a nice perk where guests will be able to go to change. This is very useful for guests who are visiting both Carowinds and Carolina Harbor in the same day.
Restrooms are also available in this area.