Port Aventura and Costa Caribe are only a 20 min drive from the properties and provide great days out for all the family. With our four children (aged 3 to 12) we can confirm rides cater for all ages - the gentle Armadillo and Carousel rides for babies and toddlers moving up to the Dragon Khan and Stampida for lovers of high speed looping roller coasters. ( height restrictions apply).
The concept of PortAventura was dreamt up by Anheiser Busch, a company famed for Budweiser, Sea World, and perhaps more importantly, Busch Gardens. The large park is divided into 5 themed lands with shows and rides. Eateries are scattered throughout the lands and visitors can choose a sit down meal in a bookable restaurant or a take away snack if you prefer. Processions with characters and photo opportunities with universals characters ( Shrek, Pop-eye, Woody Woodpecker) are also available throughout the day.
Scroll Down for pictures and info on our favourite rides and attractions and for some practical information
Furius Baco
Launched in 2007 it Furius Baco is the fastest accelerating Roller Coaster in Europe 0-83.9 in 3.5 seconds.. it uses a hydraulic launch mechanism producing 21000HP for each launch and you sit on 'wings' either side of the track.
Hurakan Condor
New in 2005 was the Hurakan Condor. This was a world first
- 42 stories high (328 feet)
- Free fall of 282 feet
- Maximum speed of 70 mph
- Braking speed of 3G
- Tilted seats to enhance the falling sensation
- Defy gravity and live to tell the tale!
This is fantastic fun - we dare you to look down!! This is Paul, Jake (my eldest son), and me (on right) in December '05.
Dragon Khan
a world class roller coaster......
"It has to be said that this steel freeform coaster bears more than a striking resemblence to Universal's Incredible Hulk coaster. The huge red structure towers above the park and is just as thrilling to look at as it is a joy to ride. The track is perfectly designed beginning with a chain lift to the top where a breathtaking first drop leads riders into one of the most fluid, curvist loopiest coasters ever devised. The lack of trackside detail doesnt seem to harm the ride, as it is all about the rush you get from riding it. Indeed, this is a magnificent piece of engineering, imagination, art and design. Truly an experience to put many Stateside coasters to shame."
Dan Farrell-Jones
Wales, United Kingdom
Bolliger and Mabillard worked with leading coaster designer John Wardly for this flagship coaster.
Ride Stats:
- Height: 148 feet Drop: 161 feet
- Top speed: 65 mph Inversions: 8
- Length: 4,165 feet Trains: 3 - 28 passenger
- Train Mfg: Bolliger and Mabillard
- More Information
- Two Vertical Loops
- Diving Loop
- Heartline Zero-G Roll
- Cobra Roll
- Two Corkscrews
Stampida
A fantastic traditional style - Duelling Wooden Roller Coaster - if we had to commit this is probably our favourite ride of all - but so shakey it is likely to give you a headache if you ride it too many times!
Brilliant the best wooden rollercoaster I have ever ridden. This ride is superb in every way right from the first jaw-dropping second as the car drop down the almost vertical first drop right through to the very end when its first past the post on this most excellent of racing duelling roller coaster.can't wait to ride this one again! -- STEPHEN THICKETT, WAKEFIELD, United Kingdom
New in 2007 are new Trains - carrying 15% more people by faster speeds and improved dynamic braking - like Furious Baco the trains also have the new Rider Cam system installed allowing you to watch your own ride..
Above nearing the end of construction
- Height: 84 feet Drop: 88 feet
- Top speed: 46 mph Length: 3,127 feet
Trains: 4 - 28 passenger Train Mfg: Philadelphia Toboggan Company
Tutuki Splash
Tutuki Splash
To many peoples’ surprise, it is not Dragon Khan that is the most popular attraction at PortAventura, but Tutuki Splash. Set in a great location in Polynesia after travelling through a volcano this ride provides two high speed falls and a guaranteed soaking even if you try and cover up!
As you rise, you will pass the dramatic pools of water formed on the volcano, and as you level out, look to your right and a dark pool bubbles aggressively. And at the top, the boat coasts round on its wheels at a surprising rate, turning 180 degrees before dropping.
At the top of the drop you are thrown up in a fit of airtime before hitting the bump halfway down. At this point, the relevance of the bar dawns as your rear leaves the seat and your legs hit the restraint, you tighten up your lower body in an effort to stay restrained before the boat comes crashing to a near halt, hitting the water as a wall of water rises way above your head and comes thundering down like someone has just opened the hatch on a submarine.
There really aren’t many things to compare the impact and subsequent drenching on Tutuki Splash. Not having experienced at close hand a dam burst in my face it is hard to say, but the sheer amount of water that is dumped on you just defies sensible description.
You will probably fail to notice the bridge under which you pass, and the turn that takes you back to the station. You will probably be raving to your friends about it, wiping water from your eyes and at least trying to look composed.
Marcus Sheen, UK
Templo del Fuego (Temple of Fire)
A thrilling fire and stunt walkthrough attraction from Utopia (creators of the Back to the Future Ride in Universal Studios) and the director of Technical Design for Universal Creative, Nick Drobnis. Guests journey through a forgotten temple, and get and up-close-and-personal introduction to the wrath of the Gods. The show includes more fire than hell itself, and upsets some kids - as well as scaring the hell out of most everyone else. Unmissable.
Unbelievable! what an attraction this is the atmosphere right from the very seconds that the archaeologists admit you into the outer chamber of the temple.(A little scary for children,my 6yr old daughter was petrified) The path leads into the inner temple and........ so sorry can't tell you any more that would spoil it for you and I can't do that. Fire,water and incredible heat stand near the front and let yourselves be entranced by this Indiana Jones style attraction. then run back the entrance and do it all again and again. - STEPHEN THICKETT
Grand Canyon Rapids
An excellent water rapids ride in an impressive canyon in the wild west area of Port Aventura.
The five themed lands...
Port Aventura is teeming with more than a million square meters of fascinating scenery. Discover over thirty thousand types of vegetation. Voyage from the mild Mediterranean climate of Mediterránia to the tropics of Polynesia. Find yourself at the Great Wall of China one minute and at the ruins of Mayan Mexico the next. Join real live cowboys for a taste of the Far West.
POLYNESIA:
This is my personal favourite. Step into a world of exotic colors and smells to the beat of ritual drums. Then, cool off by jumping into the great lake from the summit of the Tutuki Splash volcano.
This area includes the following rides:
+ Sea Oddyssey.
+ Tutuki Splash.
+ Kontiki Wave.
+ Canoes.
+ Waikiki.
+ Loco-Loco Tiki.
+ Tami-Tami.
The "Polynesian Show", "Makamanu Gardens", "Pareo Show" are shown in Polynesia.
CHINA:
Fasten your seat belts and get ready to rocket down at 110 Km./h. on the biggest roller coaster ride on the European continent. It's name is Dragon Khan and you'll find it in China.
This area includes the following rides:
+ Waitan Port.
+ Tea Cups.
+ Dragon Khan.
+ Cobra imperial.
+ Fumanchú.
+ Área Infantil.
The "Jing Chou Magic Temple", "The Great Imperial Theatre", "Sun Pao (The storyteller)" and "Puppets" are shown in China.
MÉXICO:
Marvel at the colossal ruins of the Mayan Empire towering over the bubbling activity of Mexico. Party with the Mariachis, taste its spicy cuisine and take your emotions to new heights with the exhilarating rides and attractions.
This area includes the following rides:
+ El Diablo-Tren de la Mina.
+ Serpiente Emplumada.
+ Trono de Pacal.
+ Chac-Mool.
+ Yucatán.
+ Los Potrillos.
+ Armadillos.
The "Mariachis", "The Great Mayan Theatre", "Marimbas", "Viva México" and "El Camino de los Mayas" are shown in México.
FARWEST:
Get ready to witness Stampida, the most exciting wagon chase of your life over a labyrinth of wooden tracks.
In this area you will find the follow rides:
+ Wild Buffalos.
+ Buffalo Rodeo.
+ Silver River Flume.
+ Grand Canyon Rapids.
+ Crazy Barrels.
+ Penitence Station.
+ Carrousel.
+ Stampida.
+ Tomahawk.
The "Fort Frenzee", "Show Saloon Can-Can", "Country Music", "Penitence Band", "El Tahur Maverick" and "Pluma de Águila" are shown in the Far West.
MEDITERRÁNEA:
Welcome to Mediterrània, a picturesque Mediterranean village that will charm all guests. The warm hospitality of its people and the appeal of its white-washed houses confer the true spirit of this coastal locale. This is the perfect place to take a promenade or simply relax.
In this area you will find the follow rides:
+ Port de la Drassana.
+ Estació del Nord.
The "Universal Moments" and "FiestAventura" are shown in the Mediterránea.
Practical Information from Miami Villas:
PORT AVENTURA A must go to attraction. It is an excellent and long day out probably too much for one day!!. There are some fantastic rides and shows. Best to get there early and plan to stay late. In the middle of the summer months the park stays open until midnight, and there is a huge firework display on weekends and most evenings (which you can see from the beach in Miami). In the Summer we would reccomend getting a 2 day or 1 week pass so that you can take the park at your own pace and, for example, see the show one night and use this quiet time to go on rides the next.
There are a good variety of rides from roller coasters to a carousel for small children. There are height restrictions although our 8 year old can get on most of the roller coasters (except Dragon Khan). There are food outlets scattered throughout and water points also. It is excellent fun for the family and your entrance does entitle you to one express ticket for each of the more popular attractions which means you are told what time to arrive for your ride and basically you get straight to the front of the queue! ( No-one actually tells you this when you get your entrance ticket). You can upgrade your entrance by getting a gold bracelet (costs approx 17 euros extra) which then allows you express entry into all the rides which have this facility.
You can get combo tickets for both parks – enquire at the kiosks. It has good play areas and features for younger children and a lagoon area with waves and much larger slides for older children and adults. It is good fun and worth a visit. You will be able to get discount vouchers from the tourist offices for both attractions. 2 day passes are good value – the problem is…have you got the energy to go back the next day!!!
Costa Caribe
For those wanting a cooler day out, Costa Caribe is next door, offering a host of water rides for all including year round heated area.
There are various deals available for return visits and combining the two parks. For example at the time of writing tickets bought in advance are being offered at 14 days for the price of 3. There are also always vouchers in the airports and tourist offices however these are usually only for very modest discount of a few euros.
The official site in English is available from the logo at the top of this page but please find below some more information and comments on some of the main attractions at Port Aventura. Please also feel free to email or call us with any questions about Port Aventura and the planning of your holiday.
