Six Flags Hurricane Harbor to open May 29 with world’s tallest water coaster

When Six Flags’ Hurricane Harbor water park opens May 29, guests will get their first chance to ride the new Tsunami Surge, the world’s tallest water coaster.

Its opening delayed a year because of the pandemic, Tsunami Surge stands 86 feet tall at its highest point. The ride also is fast: Riders can expect top speeds of about 28 mph as they hurdle around hairpin turns in three-person flotation devices.

Park officials said the ride uses water jets to blast riders uphill three different times during the 950-feet ride. In addition, the ride features a visual effects system called AquaLucent to create bursts of color and patterns to further thrill riders.

Tsunami Surge will be in the Riptide Bay area of Hurricane Harbor.

Park officials also announced that going forward, the water park no longer will be accessible through the neighboring Great America theme park. Until now, guests could access the water park by paying a fee on top of the Great America admission, but this year, guests will have to buy separate tickets for each park. However, Six Flags members and Great America season pass holders will continue to have access to the theme park and the water park.

Currently, one-day tickets to the theme park start at $39.99 and one-day tickets to the water park start at $24.99. Season passes start at $59.99, which park officials said is the lowest season ticket price in more than 20 years.

Last year, the theme park was dormant all summer because of COVID-19, and the water park opened for an abbreviated season in late July. When Hurricane Harbor opened, guests had to use an online reservation system to help park officials ensure capacity limits were maintained.

Other safety features implemented were a thermal scanning system that check incoming guests’ body temperatures and act as a touch-free metal detector, as well as social distancing requirements.

The online reservation system and the safety precautions will return this year, park officials said.

Six Flags Great America is set to open to the public April 24.