The charm of the Carolina coast meets the thrills of Carowinds at Carolina Harbor Waterpark. As the Carolinas' best water park, Carolina Harbor features everything from giant water slides and wave pools, to large play structures and a three-acre children’s area. Below are five insider tips to help guests plan the perfect day of fun in the sun at Carolina Harbor.

Tip #1: Carolina Harbor Waterpark Gate

Guests who wish to dedicate their Carowinds visit to Carolina Harbor Waterpark can access the water park through a separate entry on select days. The Carolina Harbor gate is located past the South Gate, near the Carowinds general parking lot exit.

The Carolina Harbor gate is open for entries Friday through Sunday until 4:00 PM. The Carolina Harbor gate is open for exits Friday through Sunday until the water park closes at 6:00 PM. Guests who parked near the Carolina Harbor gate, but exit the park after the water park closes, may use the South Gate to exit and return to their vehicle

The Carolina Harbor gate is closed Monday through Thursday. Guests may access the water park through the interior park gate, located between the Blue Ridge Junction and County Fair areas.

Tip #2: Complimentary Life Jackets

The safety of our guests and associates is Carowinds' first priority. Children, first-time swimmers, and weak swimmers are encouraged to wear a life jacket. Some water park attractions require guests below a certain height to wear a life jacket.

Carolina Harbor provides life jackets for guests in a variety of sizes, from infant to adult, free of charge. The life jackets can be found near Coastal Currents and Tidal Wave Bay. Guests are also welcome to wear their own life jacket, but it must be U.S. Coast Guard certified.

For specific attraction requirements, refer to the Guest Assistance Guide.

Tip #3: Locker Rentals

Carowinds understands that guests may desire to bring personal belongings into the water park. For convenience, lockers are available for rental in various sizes. Rentals are automated, accepting credit card payment. After renting a locker, guests will set an electronic pin code, which allows unlimited access to the locker throughout the day.

Lockers are available at three locations throughout Carolina Harbor:

• The Main Bathhouse, near Beachcombers
• Tidal Wave Bay
• Surf Club Harbor, near Schooners

Locker access is available until the water park closes for the evening. Carowinds is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Carolina Harbor hours can be found on the Carowinds operating calendar. 

Tip #4: Carowinds' Dining Plans

Fun in the Carolina sun can work up an appetite. Carolina Harbor features three dining locations, which all accept Carowinds dining plans for select menu items.

Beach Bites

Beach Bites offers quick meals and snacks on an outdoor patio, located near Tidal Wave Bay, across from the Storm Surge slides. Dining plan options at Beach Bites include:

• Fish & Chips Basket
• Shrimp & Chips Basket
• Soft-Serve Ice Cream (available as a snack for Premium All Day Dining only)
• Basket of Fries (available as a snack for Premium All Day Dining only)
• Pretzel (available as a snack for Premium All Day Dining only)

Harbor House

Harbor House is Carolina Harbor’s flagship dining location. The large restaurant serves a variety of Carolina favorites that guests can enjoy on one of two 2,400 square-foot outdoor patios, centrally located between Surf Club Harbor and Tidal Wave Bay, the water park’s two wave pools. Dining plan options at Harbor House include:

• Asian BBQ Spare Ribs Basket
• Hand-Breaded Chicken Tender Basket
• Sweet Battered Shrimp Basket
• Double Cheeseburger Basket
• Chef Salad
• Basket of Fries (available as a snack for Premium All Day Dining only)

Sharky’s Grille

Sharky’s Grille is a quick service restaurant that serves kid-friendly favorites located in the three-acre children’s area, across from Seaside Splashworks. Dining plan options at Sharky's Grille include:

• Chicken Tender Basket
• Cheeseburger Basket
• Jumbo Hot Dog Basket
• Cheese Pizza Basket
• Pepperoni Pizza Basket
• Basket of Fries (available as a snack for Premium All Day Dining only)

Tip #5: Private Cabana Rentals

Have it made in the shade with a private cabana. Five different types of cabanas are available for rental at Carolina Harbor Waterpark.

Standard Cabana

A Standard Cabana includes access for six guests. Standard Cabanas, located at Surf Club Harbor and Tidal Wave Bay, include:

• Two chaise loungers, one patio table with four chairs and an umbrella
• Six bottled waters
• Mini refrigerator, ceiling fan, lockable storage box and a television with satellite service

Season passholders receive a $30 discount on Standard Cabana rentals.

Premium Cabana

A Premium Cabana includes access for eight guests. Premium Cabanas, located at Surf Club Harbor, include:

• Welcome package with souvenir towels
• Two chaise loungers, two loveseats, one coffee table, one pato table with four chairs and an umbrella
• Eight bottled waters
• Mini refrigerator, ceiling fan, lockable storage box and a television with satellite service

Myrtle Turtle Beach Cabana

A Myrtle Turtle Beach includes access for six guests. These cabanas are individually gated, and include:

• Two chaise loungers, one patio table with four chairs and an umbrella
• Six bottled waters
• Mini refrigerator, ceiling fan, lockable storage box and a television with satellite service.

Harbor Hideaway

A Harbor Hideaway includes access for six guests. Harbor Hideaways, located at Surf Club Harbor, include:

• Cushioned sectional seating
• Six bottled waters
• Mini refrigerator, lockable storage box and a television with satellite service

Day Club Cabana

Day Club Cabanas offer the ultimate Carolina Harbor experience and include accommodations for up to 24 guests. The two Day Club Cabanas, located at Surf Club Harbor, include:

• Welcome package with souvenir towels
• Eight chaise loungers, six arm chairs, three loveseats, two coffee tables, three patio tables with chairs and umbrellas
• 12 bottled waters
• Mini refrigerator, ceiling fan, lockable storage box and a television with satellite service

Carowinds admission includes access to Carolina Harbor, so guests can enjoy two parks in one. Season passes include unlimited visits to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark, in addition to free parking and exclusive discounts.