As Carowinds commemorates its 50th anniversary, we reflect on the evolution of Carolina Harbor Waterpark, which has played a pivotal role in enhancing the guest experience. Since its inauguration in 1982, Carowinds' water park has emerged as a must-visit destination, offering an exhilarating escape from the Carolina summer heat. Over the past four decades, Carolina Harbor Waterpark has expanded from a single wave pool into the premier water park of the Carolinas.

Ocean Island (1982-1989): The Beginning of a Legacy

Originally known as Ocean Island, Carowinds' water park opened with a splash in 1982 with its expansive 700,000-gallon wave pool spanning 25,000 square feet. Situated adjacent to popular past attractions White Lightnin' and Thunder Road, Ocean Island operated independently from Carowinds, with separate ownership and management.

Visitors had access to a gift shop, a snack bar for quick refreshments, and ample picnic and sunbathing areas. The convenience of shower and changing facilities ensured a seamless experience. Admission prices in 1982 were $4 for external guests and $3 for those already inside Carowinds. Recognizing its early success, Carowinds, under the ownership of Kings Entertainment Company (KECO), acquired Ocean Island in 1987.

RipTide Reef (1989-1997): Making Waves in Amusement Park History

A momentous transformation occurred in 1989 as Carowinds' water park underwent extensive renovations, emerging as RipTide Reef after a substantial $3.75 million investment. This groundbreaking expansion solidified Carowinds' status as the first amusement park in the United States to offer combined admission to both the amusement park and water park with a single ticket.

RipTide Reef introduced thrilling attractions alongside the beloved wave pool, now TideWater Bay. Racing Rivers thrilled guests with two adrenaline-pumping 52-foot-long speed slides, while a dedicated children's area catered to families with its array of smaller slides and play structures. The addition of Carolina Pipeline, a dueling tube slide attraction that delivered invigorating thrills, further enhanced the experience.

WaterWorks (1997-2006): Unveiling a Water Wonderland

In celebration of Carowinds' 25th anniversary in 1997, Paramount's Carowinds unveiled WaterWorks, an comprehensive expansion that transformed the water park. Spanning an impressive 12 acres and boasting 12 captivating attractions, WaterWorks was a testament to Carowinds' commitment to providing unforgettable experiences.

As part of the transformation, TideWater Bay was reimagined as Big Wave Bay, and Carolina Pipeline emerged as The Abyss. Two children's areas were introduced: SquirtWorks, a haven for infants and young children, and Splash Factory, a three-story play structure featuring interactive water sprayers, water wheels, and a thrilling 1,000-gallon tipping bucket.

Guests reveled in the tranquility of the Carolinas' Ramblin' River, a 1,000-foot-long lazy river meandering through the picturesque landscapes of North Carolina and South Carolina. Thrill-seekers were captivated by the exhilarating additions of Tidal Wave, a breathtaking four-person, 564-foot-long family raft slide, and WipeOut!, a pair of dueling tube slides featuring 370-foot-long chutes and high-banked turns.

Boomerang Bay (2006-2015): A Splash of Australian Charm

In 2006, Carowinds' water park underwent a rebranding, again, adopting the name "Boomerang Bay" and embracing an Australian theme. The expansion added four additional acres. Notable name changes accompanied the rebranding: Splash Factory became Jackaroo Landing, the Carolinas' Ramblin' River transformed into Crocodile Run, Big Wave Bay evolved into the Great Barrier Reef, and Tidal Wave was reimagined as Down Under Thunder. Two years later, Boomerang Bay expanded further by introducing Bondi Beach, a 34,000 square-foot wave pool boasting a capacity of 600,000 gallons.

Carolina Harbor Waterpark (2016-present): A Coastal Oasis

The 2016 season witnessed the grand debut of Carolina Harbor Waterpark, the largest comprehensive expansion in Carowinds' water park history. Featuring theming authentic to the Carolinas, Carolina Harbor provided guests with an opportunity to experience a taste of the Carolina coast closer to home.

Carolina Harbor introduced a host of new attractions, including Blackbeard's Revenge, a six-story tall slide tower named after a historical (now defunct) Carowinds attraction. The tower featured a variety of slides, including open-air tube slides known as Captain's Curse, an enclosed tube slide called Cannonball Drop, and three trapdoor-style slides known as Pirate's Plank, catering to thrill-seekers of all levels. The park also introduced a new 27,000 square-foot wave pool, Surf Club Harbor, designed to be reminiscent of the original Carolina Harbor experience.

For younger guests, Carolina Harbor unveiled Myrtle Turtle Beach and Kiddie Hawk Cove, two kid-friendly areas designed to delight the littlest adventurers. Families could also enjoy the exciting Seaside Splashworks, a family-friendly water play structure. Carolina Harbor enhanced the overall guest experience by introducing a dedicated water park entrance and two new dining and refreshment options: Schooner's Beach Bar and Harbor House. The addition of cabanas and over 1,000 lounge chairs completed the expansion, ensuring ample space for relaxation and enjoyment.

Carolina Harbor continues to innovate, with the recent addition of the thrilling Boogie Board Racer in 2021. Boasting the title of the longest mat-racing water slide in the Southeast, this high-speed attraction guarantees an adrenaline-fueled experience for guests.

Guests looking to upgrade their Carolina Harbor experience can reserve one of three types of water park cabanas:

• Standard Cabana - Includes a table with an umbrella and four chairs, two chaise loungers, a lockable storage box, mini-fridge with complimentary bottles of water, ceiling fan and satellite TV.
• Premium Cabana - Includes a loveseat, two armchairs, two chaise lounges, a coffee table, a lockable storage chest, a mini-fridge with complimentary bottles of water, a ceiling fan, a satellite TV, and a welcome package with souvenir towels.
• Day Club Cabana - Includes eight resort-style lounge chairs, eight barstools, three tables with four chairs each, two lockable storage chests, ceiling fans, satellite TV, and more for up to 24 guests.

Food and beverage service is available at the standard, premium, and day club cabanas located at Surf Club Harbor.

With so much growth and change over the past 40 years, Carolina Harbor Waterpark remains a go-to destination for family fun and an oasis for beating the Carolina heat. Do not miss the opportunity to create unforgettable memories—secure your Silver Season Passes today, offering unlimited visits to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark throughout the summer and fall, including free parking, and discounts. Act fast, as prices will go up on May 30, 2023.