The kids discovered from the tour shop adverts that there was a water park nearby so it was ‘’can we go pleassse’’ The guy at Haven Tours explained it was nearby and a good day out for the kids; we could either drive ourselves, get the bus or take a tour. The tour offered a pick up around 10 drop back at 4pm however being independent and having a car we decided to go ourselves as it was only 15 minutes away from Yalikavak in the next town of Ortakent (nearby Kipa / Tesco). So we headed off to Dedeman Aquapark…
We set off next day around 0945 and followed the road to Bodrum. It was easy to find as you could see the big water slides as we got nearer. The entrance is a slip road so be sure to watch out for it approx. 500mt from the traffic lights at Kipa on your right hand side. Follow the road at it leads to the park if like us you miss the opening don’t worry there is another! There was ample parking and an easy to use kiosk where they spoke a little English. They accept cash and credit cards. The park entry is free to kids under 6yrs.
On entry you buy a card to use for food and drinks as no picnics are allowed. The no money concept is great you decide how much goes on the card and it saves you carrying your wallet – the card can be topped up if need be. The changing rooms have lockers provided so no need to take anything apart from your towel and sun cream – DON’T forget sun cream, as the aqua park is a suntrap.
The park is clean and safe with plenty of sunbeds, restaurants, a small beer garden, shops, play area and pools situated around the park. There is also a first aid station with qualified staff. There is enough slides to keep everyone amused such as the Multi Slide, Big Hole, Crazy River, Giant Slide, Twin-Twister, Tube Kamikaze, Spiro Tube, Hydro Tube and Mini Slide. These are just a few of the slides and as you can gather from the name some are gently and some for the fearless. There is also a huge pool with artificial waves.
The restaurant sold fast foods, which was the usual chips, burgers, meatballs, chicken and salads it is mostly cooked to order so if the park is busy you do have to wait a little.
Our overall view was that the park was easy to get to and plenty to keep us amused. The kids sometimes had to queue for the popular slides but it wasn’t long. There are staff at all the slides and safety is paramount which I felt was great as the boys could go off and enjoy themselves while we relaxed in the sun.
We had a great time and would definitely recommend it – its not Disney wet n wild but it is a good water park for a day out.
It did get busy as the day went on so would recommend you go early but even if you arrive at midday there is no shortage of beds. Everyone was friendly and we had a good day out.
We met some English people who were also holidaying in Yalikavak and they had taken the dolmus from Yalikavak to Bodrum and asked the driver to drop you off at the Dedeman Aqua Park, Ortakent as it is on the bus route.
