Beaches’ Pirates Island Waterpark has a smart layout that packs a lot of fun into a relatively small space.
The waterpark at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort is located between the Caribbean, Italian and French villages. (It's technically part of the French Village.) We love it.
The park itself isn't huge, but they make great use of the space and pack a lot of stuff inside. There are three large water slides, two smaller slides, a surf simulator, sprinklers, a lazy river and a separate pirate-themed waterpark for small children. The height restriction on most slides is 42-inches, but parents can take smaller children down in tandem on one of the shorter slides (i.e. kid on chest).
Water Slides
Blue Slide (Bareback, Enclosed) - The blue slide is the fastest and most intense. It's a dark tube that's completely enclosed. Adults who are claustrophobic or kids who are easily scared might want to avoid this one.
Yellow Slide (Tube, Half-Pipe) - This is an open-air slide with lots of twists and turns. It's fun for kids and adults.
Red Slide (Tube, Partially Enclosed) - The red slide is the tallest one. It alternates between a half-pipe and an enclosed tube. There are fun disco-style lights in the enclosed parts.
Smaller Slides (Bareback) - There are two bareback slides for younger kids: One is a half-pipe and the other is a tube. Parents and smaller kids can slide down the half-pipe together.
Kiddie Slides - The pirate-themed waterpark has tiny slides with cushions at the bottom and a short tube slide.
Lazy River
If you've been in one lazy river, you've been in them all. The challenge with lazy rivers is that they're only as relaxing as the people in them. A few rowdy teenagers jumping in-and-out of their tubes or swimming against the current can spoil the vibe. Along those lines, we found the river-like pool at Dreams Punta Cana to be more relaxing than the lazy river at Beaches.
Surf Simulator
The surf simulator is like a wavy, rubberized pool with a wave machine built into its top.
The surf simulator is a small, cushioned pool with a wave machine that allows guests to surf in place. We haven’t tried it, but it looks fun and it draws a crowd of teenagers. Get to the park early if you want to give it a shot without worrying about people seeing you wipe out.
Kiddie Park
Part of the waterpark is designed for very small children. It's like a traditional playground that just happens to be wet. There are lots of lounge chairs for parents to relax on while watching the kids. We find it relaxing to sit in a nook of fake rocks and let water run down our backs.
Sunbathing Area
There are lounge chairs all around the waterpark and a dedicated sunbathing area with sprinklers and a frozen yogurt truck called Curls 'n Swirls. The frozen yogurt is great and much better than the ice cream available at Bobby Dee's restaurant nearby.
Kid's Pool
There is a small pool with a swim-up bar that serves non-alcoholic "mocktails" and frozen juice drinks. It has a small man-made cave that is fun for younger kids to explore. Parents can overlook the pool from the lounge chairs nearby.
Insider Tips and Hidden Gems
Bring sunscreen - Even the best waterproof sunscreens get washed away on waterslides. Sunscreen has to be reapplied every two hours to prevent burns. Each year we've seen some poor, lobsterized soul at the water park. What a way to ruin the trip!
Bring flip-flops - The cement in the waterpark gets baking hot in the sun. Flip-flops are an easy way to protect your feet as you walk around the park.
Visit the frozen yogurt truck - The flavors rotate daily and we enjoyed everything we tried.
You can grab a wet lunch - There is a food truck that serves macaroni and cheese beside the waterpark. It's not a gourmet lunch, but it's an easy way to grab a bite with a wet bathing suit.
