Review · HERAKLION & CENTRAL CRETE
Heraklion: WaterCity Waterpark Day Pass
Water slides in the sun, and you’ll feel it fast. At WaterCity Waterpark, your Heraklion day turns into a mix of big adrenaline rides, easy float time, and family-friendly water play all in one modern stop.
I especially like the cashless wristband system. You get a band, then buy food and drinks without carrying cash, and the same scan setup helps keep things moving. I also like that the park feels well-run, with lifeguards present and staff ready to help if something goes wrong.
The main consideration is crowding and waiting time. Even with good organization, you can hit queues on popular rides in peak season, and a few slides have minimum height limits, which can affect kids.
In This Review
- Key things that make WaterCity Waterpark worth your day pass
- WaterCity in one day: what $38 buys you (and what it doesn’t)
- Entering the park: how to get your day working for you
- Your best ride strategy: slides first, queues later
- 385-meter lazy river: the perfect recovery tool
- Family time: playgrounds, kid-friendly fun, and the height rules
- Food, bars, and the cashless wristband payoff
- Safety reality check: lifeguards, medic support, and ride limits
- What to pack for Crete heat, plus what you can’t bring
- Will you love WaterCity on your Heraklion day?
- FAQ
- Do I get unlimited access to slides and pools?
- Are sunbeds and umbrellas included in the ticket price?
- Is food and drink included?
- What should I bring to WaterCity Waterpark?
- What is not allowed inside the park?
- Are there height limits on the slides?
- Who should avoid this waterpark?
Key things that make WaterCity Waterpark worth your day pass

- Unlimited slides and pools, so you can repeat your favorites instead of doing the one-and-done loop
- A 385-meter lazy river for a slower pace when your legs need a break
- Sunbeds and umbrellas included, which matters in Crete heat
- Lifeguards on site all the time, plus on-site medic support when needed
- Cashless wristband payments, so you can focus on rides, not your wallet
Other days out from Heraklion
WaterCity in one day: what $38 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $38 per person for a full day pass, WaterCity is priced like a serious waterpark day, but it’s also clear where the value comes from. You get unlimited use of the slides and pools, plus sunbeds and umbrellas. That combo is what turns this from a quick visit into a real day of play.
What you should plan for upfront is what’s not included. Food and drinks cost extra, and towels are not included, even though you’re going to want one for sun, shade, and drying off between swims. If you like to snack constantly, budget for it early rather than getting surprised mid-day.
The park’s overall reputation is strong, with a 4.5 rating from 358 reviews. Most comments point to cleanliness, organization, and ride variety. A smaller number of reviews mention issues like water temperature or cleanliness, plus the expense of extras such as photos or storage.
Entering the park: how to get your day working for you

Waterparks reward timing. The best move is to arrive early. Multiple reviews stress the same practical idea: getting in at opening gives you a head start on the busiest rides, with shorter waits and more momentum.
When you arrive, you’ll be set up with a wristband, which then becomes your key for buying items in the park. The barcode scanning and cashless system are meant to reduce the hassle of cash at every stop. The upside is convenience. The downside is that at the end of the day, when everyone is paying at once, lines can build up as people check out purchases.
So think of it like this: early entry helps you ride more, and smart scheduling helps you avoid the end-of-day rush. If you’re the type who hates lines, this strategy matters.
Your best ride strategy: slides first, queues later
WaterCity is built for repeat rides. The pass is unlimited, so once you find a slide you like, you can go again without feeling like you’re wasting money. One of the most common high points is how fun the slides are and how the park keeps lines from dragging too badly, especially when you arrive early.
Here’s how I’d run the day:
- Start with the highest-energy slides while the lines are shorter.
- After you get your adrenaline, switch to mid-intensity rides and come back to the biggest ones later if you still have energy.
- If you do multiple rides back to back, leave yourself a cooldown window for sun and water breaks, especially in peak heat.
A lot of the fun is that there are options for different thrill levels. Reviews mention great rides for kids and adults, not just one “big coaster” vibe. At the same time, some slides have minimum height requirements, so check that before you build your plan around a specific ride.
One more queue insight that’s worth taking seriously: even at organized parks, popular slides can peak in the afternoon. If you hit long lines, it’s better to rotate through other attractions rather than waiting for the same ride loop endlessly.
385-meter lazy river: the perfect recovery tool
The lazy river is where WaterCity earns its “day pass” reputation. The 385-meter stretch gives you a long, slow reset between the faster slides. It’s also a nice change of pace when the rest of your group has different energy levels.
What I like about a lazy river in a waterpark day is the mental shift. After a few intense runs, you stop thinking about speed and start thinking about shade, refills, and relaxing. Reviews also mention a jacuzzi, so if you want to warm up a bit after cooler water or long time in the sun, that break can help.
Practical tip: build your lazy river time into your schedule, not as an afterthought. It’s one of the best places to recover, regroup, and take a breather without committing to another intense line.
Family time: playgrounds, kid-friendly fun, and the height rules

WaterCity is marketed as a full-family waterpark, and the park includes a playground and rides that kids can enjoy. Many reviews highlight that the park works well for families and that there are enough attractions to keep everyone interested.
Still, it’s not “all toddlers, all the time.” Some reviews point out limited options for younger kids and also mention pairing limits on certain float experiences, so younger families might need to plan more carefully. Another key factor is the minimum height requirements on some slides, which can narrow what your kids can actually ride.
My advice: treat height checks like part of your arrival routine. When you see what’s allowed for your group, you’ll avoid disappointment later when everyone reaches the front and realizes a slide is off-limits. It’s easier to build your day around the rides that fit your kids.
Also, don’t forget the included comfort basics. With sunbeds and umbrellas included, families can find a stable “home base” rather than constantly searching for shade.
- Heraklion: Dia Island Sailboat Cruise with Swimming and Meal★ 4.8 · 2,579 reviews
- Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket★ 4.4 · 2,055 reviews
- Heraklion: Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Drinks and Meal★ 4.9 · 778 reviews
- Heraklion: Dia Island Sailing Cruise with Snorkeling★ 4.7 · 742 reviews
Food, bars, and the cashless wristband payoff
A big part of any waterpark day is eating without losing the whole day. WaterCity aims to make that easy through restaurants and bars inside the park, plus the wristband system for purchases.
I like the idea that you don’t need to carry cash around. The wristband approach is repeated across reviews as a major convenience, and one review even calls out that the setup works well because customers purchase via the wristband. That means fewer stops, less juggling, and less worrying about where your money is while you’re in the water.
On the food side, reviews are strongly positive. People mention food choices that are amazing and well priced, with options all over the park. The best practical takeaway is simple: if you plan to eat at the park, you’re unlikely to feel stuck with only expensive, mediocre choices.
One downside to keep in mind: queues can form around payment at the end of the day, because the wristband system means many people want to settle purchases at once. If you want to minimize that, consider having your last snack earlier, then spend the final hour riding rather than processing payments.
And remember, no outside food or drinks are allowed. That policy can affect your budget if you were hoping to pack snacks.
Safety reality check: lifeguards, medic support, and ride limits
Safety is not a marketing slogan here. Reviews specifically say there are lifeguards present at all times, and one review even describes getting help for an injured leg on a ride, with medic staff quick to respond and treatment that felt good.
That’s the kind of detail that actually matters on a waterpark day. You’ll be in and out of water, under sun, and on rides that can be intense. Having staff positioned and ready reduces stress, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
At the same time, WaterCity isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for people with heart problems, people with high blood pressure, or those with recent surgeries. If any of these apply, skip the thrill rides and focus on lighter options, or consider a different kind of day in Crete.
Also watch for physical constraints. Some rides may feel rougher than they look, and waterparks move faster than you think, even when queues aren’t huge.
What to pack for Crete heat, plus what you can’t bring
Crete sun is no joke. For WaterCity, you’ll want a pack that supports comfort between swims.
Bring:
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Towel
- Sunscreen
Some of these are essential because the day includes sunbeds and umbrellas, but you still need protection between rides. Sunscreen especially, since you’re out in the open more than you might expect.
Don’t bring:
- Food and drinks
- Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
- Drinks
- Alcohol and drugs
One more practical detail: towels are not included. That means you either bring one or you deal with the hassle of sourcing one on-site, if that option exists. Plan to bring your own.
And if you plan to use storage, keep in mind that at least one review complained about storage cost not being included in the price. That suggests you should expect extra small expenses even if the core pass feels fair.
Will you love WaterCity on your Heraklion day?
If you want a straightforward day of water slides, lazy-river downtime, and family-friendly fun, WaterCity is a strong pick. The unlimited rides plus included sunbeds and umbrellas make the day feel “worth it,” especially when you arrive early and ride hard for the first stretch.
This is also a great match if you like a park that’s modern in its flow. The wristband cashless system reduces friction, and reviews highlight cleanliness and good staff support.
But I wouldn’t ignore the caveats. If you’re traveling during peak times, you may face queues on popular slides. A few reviews mention colder or dirty-feeling water and limited options for toddlers, so adjust expectations if your group includes very young kids. Also, expect to pay extra for food, drinks, and possibly storage.
So here’s my call:
- Book it if your group wants a true waterpark day and you can arrive early.
- Pass or adjust expectations if you need very young-kid specific features, want to pack your own snacks and drinks, or are sensitive to water temperature.
FAQ
Do I get unlimited access to slides and pools?
Yes. The day pass includes unlimited use of the slides and pools.
Are sunbeds and umbrellas included in the ticket price?
Yes. Sunbeds and umbrellas are included.
Is food and drink included?
No. Food and drinks are not included, and you’ll need to purchase them in the park.
What should I bring to WaterCity Waterpark?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.
What is not allowed inside the park?
Food and drinks are not allowed, and drinks are also listed as not allowed. Pets are not allowed either, though assistance dogs are permitted. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
Are there height limits on the slides?
Yes. Some slides have a minimum height requirement.
Who should avoid this waterpark?
It’s not suitable for people with heart problems, people with high blood pressure, or people with recent surgeries.
Every Other Heraklion Write-Up
Out From Heraklion
Everything else we have written up around Heraklion
Heraklion & Central Crete, side by side.
★ 4.8Heraklion: Dia Island Sailboat Cruise with Swimming and MealFrom $952,579 reviews
★ 4.4Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission TicketFrom $92,055 reviews
★ 4.4From Heraklion/Crete: Santorini Island Guided Day TripFrom $2001,448 reviews
★ 4.9Hersonissos: Jet Boat Tour with SnorkelingFrom $531,385 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Land Rover Safari from Heraklion with LunchFrom $1131,351 reviews
★ 4.9Heraklion: Sailboat Cruise to Dia Island with Drinks & LunchFrom $901,287 reviews
★ 4.9Heraklion: Finikia Horse Riding Tour with Lunch or DinnerFrom $941,231 reviews
★ 4.4Crete: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Guided TourFrom $351,127 reviews
Sits on these lists
















