Tidal Wave

A large boat ride with a 25m drop - riders and spectators on the bridge above both get drenched.

About Tidal Wave

Tidal Wave is Thorpe Park's large shoot-the-chute ride, manufactured by Hafema. Riders board a large circular boat that travels along a water channel before being hauled up a lift hill to 25 metres. At the top, the boat releases and slides down the flume at speed, hitting the water at the bottom and sending a wave outward in every direction.

What makes Tidal Wave distinctive is the scale of the splash. A walkway bridge crosses directly over the splash zone, and spectators standing on it - as well as anyone watching from the nearby seating area - can expect to get as wet as the riders. On busy summer days the bridge is a destination in itself for groups who want to watch and get soaked without queuing for the ride.

What to Expect

The ride itself is not particularly intense by thrill ride standards - the drop is large but the boat is heavy and stable, and there are no inversions or significant speed. The primary experience is the drop, the anticipation beforehand, and the cold shock of the wave at the bottom. In warm weather this is extremely popular; on cold days it becomes one of the quieter rides in the park.

Getting wet is not optional - even riders trying to stay dry using ponchos typically end up with at least wet feet and legs. Don't ride Tidal Wave if you're not willing to spend the rest of the day with wet clothes, or if you've stored anything water-sensitive on your person.

Tips for Riding Tidal Wave

• Ride on hot days. On a warm summer day, Tidal Wave's queue is long and the drenching is welcome. On cold or wet days, you'll walk straight on and may regret it immediately.
• Bring a poncho - or don't bother. Ponchos from the park shop reduce some splash but not all. Some riders prefer to accept the soaking rather than half-heartedly resist it.
• Leave valuables in a locker. Phones, wallets, and anything else that can't get wet should be secured before boarding. The splash is unpredictable in direction and volume.
• The bridge is worth visiting even without riding. Standing on the walkway as a boat drops underneath is one of the more entertaining spectator moments at the park, especially with a group.
• Queue times spike in hot weather. Check the live queue page - on a 25°C day this can hit 45+ minute waits. Ride early morning or late afternoon when the sun has cooled.

← All Rides  |  Visitor Guide