Gulf Island Waterpark 2026: Tickets, Hours, Prices & Map
If you searched “Gulf Island Waterpark,” the official place you want is Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Mississippi. It is a Gulf Coast outdoor summer waterpark with day tickets, season passes, free parking, free tube rentals, complimentary life-jacket use, a lazy river, kids’ areas, thrill slides, cabanas, groups, dining and a map-based family route.
This guide covers the real visitor questions for 2026: ticket prices, season-pass value, 42-inch height pricing, free age-2-and-under admission, current 10AM–6PM hours, weather/rain-check rules, ride planning, cabanas, lockers, directions, parking, hotels, food, and the first-hour plan that makes the day easier.
Quick answer: Gulf Islands Waterpark is at 17200 16th Street, Gulfport, MS 39503. Official 2026 day tickets list $49.99 for guests 42 inches and up, $29.99 for guests under 42 inches, and ages 2 and under free with a completed waiver. Official park hours currently show 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. All admissions include complimentary Pepsi fountain beverages, and official ticket information says prices include free parking, free tube rentals and complimentary life-jacket use.
What “Gulf Island Waterpark” Search Really Means
Most people searching this keyword want practical help, not just a park description. They need to know whether the official name is Gulf Islands Waterpark, how much tickets cost, whether parking is free, if kids under 42 inches pay less, whether a season pass is worth it, what rides fit each height, and what happens when Gulf Coast storms roll in.
Tickets intent
Visitors need day-ticket pricing, online vs admissions-office purchase, age-2-and-under rules, taxes/fees, future-date savings and season pass value.
Height intent
Families need to separate under-42-inch pricing from 42-inch ride access. A cheaper child ticket does not mean every big ride is available.
Map and near-me intent
Gulfport visitors need the 16th Street address, parking plan, Google Map, official park map, hotels nearby and a first-hour route before the group gets wet.
Gulf Islands Waterpark Trip Checker
Use this before buying tickets or leaving your hotel. It helps choose the best ticket path, first-hour route and weather plan.
Gulf Islands Waterpark Tickets and Prices 2026
Ticket pricing is simple, but the family decision is not. Your best value depends on height, number of visits, whether you want Gulf Islands only, whether Blue Bayou also matters, and whether you are buying same-day or for a future date.
| Ticket / pass | Official listed detail | Best for | Important planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day Ticket 42 inches and up | $49.99 plus applicable taxes/fees if shown at checkout | Adults, teens and taller children. | Do not confuse height-based pricing with ride eligibility; check ride signs too. |
| Day Ticket under 42 inches | $29.99 | Smaller children under 42 inches. | Smaller children should use lazy river, wave pool, toddler areas and any-height attractions first. |
| Ages 2 and under | Free with completed waiver | Families with toddlers or babies. | Free admission does not mean every attraction is suitable for toddlers. |
| Future-date tickets | Official page says you can save money when you buy for a future date. | Families with a fixed date and clear weather plan. | Date-change and refund rules matter; read terms first. |
| Group tickets | Group and party reservations use the official group page. | Church groups, teams, youth groups, company outings and birthdays. | Plan at least 72 hours ahead when group reservations are required. |
Included-value note: official ticket information says admissions include complimentary Pepsi fountain beverages, free parking, free tube rentals and complimentary life-jacket use. That makes the real value better than a ticket-only price comparison.
Season Passes: Single Park vs Two-Waterpark Pass
A season pass can be a better deal for local Mississippi Gulf Coast families, especially because the official pass language includes unlimited 2026 visits and unlimited fountain drinks. The two-waterpark option matters if you also plan to use Blue Bayou.
| Pass | Official listed price | Included value | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Single Park Season Pass | $89.99 plus taxes and fees | Unlimited Gulf Islands visits all 2026 season and unlimited fountain drinks. | Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach and coastal Mississippi families who will return. |
| Two-Waterpark Pass | $99.99 plus taxes and fees | Gulf Islands + Blue Bayou access, unlimited 2026 visits and unlimited fountain drinks. | Families who realistically plan to visit both parks. |
| Premium Two-Waterpark Pass | Listed as sold out when checked | Premium perks were listed, including Saturday early admission, bring-a-friend ticket and food/beverage discount. | Only useful if available again and if the perks match your dates. |
Worth-it math: if your family may visit twice or more, compare day-ticket total with the season-pass price. Include the value of unlimited fountain drinks, free parking and tube rentals in the calculation.
Gulf Islands Waterpark Hours 2026
The official 2026 hours page currently shows the park open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Because Gulf Coast weather, calendar updates, special events and season blocks can change operations, check the official calendar the night before and again the morning of your trip.
Current posted hours
The official calendar shows 10:00 AM–6:00 PM for the open schedule.
Best arrival
Arrive near opening for easier seating, calmer locker setup and better early ride access.
Weather check
Storms can pause or close attractions. Keep your receipt or confirmation email for Sunshine Ticket rules.
Same-day check
Open the official calendar before driving from Biloxi, Gulfport, Mobile, New Orleans or inland Mississippi.
Gulf Islands Waterpark Rides, Slides and Height Rules
Gulf Islands is strongest when you plan by height and energy level. The official rides page filters attractions by “42 inches and up” and “Any Height.” That makes it easier to avoid promising a ride to a child who is not ready or tall enough.
Horn Island Blaster
The Gulf Coast’s water roller coaster style ride, with 500+ feet of twists, turns, drops and uphill blasts. Minimum height: 42 inches.
Camille Cutter
A 400-plus-foot family rafting adventure. Good for groups that want to ride together, but height and weight rules apply.
Lazy Pearl River
A relaxing river longer than three football fields. Children under 10 should be with an adult.
Lil’ Pelicans Bay
A small-kid zone with water cannons, giant squirt guns, two open flume body slides and a shallow wading area.
Wave pool
A useful family meeting zone and cooling-off break. Smaller swimmers need close supervision when waves are active.
Barefoot Bay
A gentle cool-off area that fits smaller children and parents who need a slower splash break.
Cat Island Catapult
A twisting tube-slide style attraction. Use this after checking the posted rider rules.
Deer Island Express
A tube-slide complex described by Gulf Coast tourism sources as one of the faster splash-down experiences at the park.
Height-planning rule: build your day around two groups: under-42-inch kids and 42-inch-plus riders. That avoids disappointment and keeps the first hour smoother.
The First-Hour Plan at Gulf Islands Waterpark
The first hour decides whether the day feels easy or messy. Do not let kids run in different directions before one adult handles tickets, one adult handles bags, and everyone knows the meeting point.
Before leaving home or hotel
Check official hours, weather, tickets, waiver, swimsuit rules, parking, map, towels, sunscreen, phone pouch and credit card.
Arrive near opening
Opening arrival gives better seating, easier cabana/locker setup and more time before Gulf Coast heat builds.
Pick a base spot
Choose a landmark near your main group need: kids’ area, lazy river, wave pool, cabana zone or ride-heavy side.
Split by height
Under-42-inch children start with any-height and small-kid areas. 42-inch-plus riders can prioritize the thrill slides.
Do must-rides first
Put Horn Island Blaster, Camille Cutter or other big rides early before heat, lines and weather interruptions affect the group.
Reset with Lazy Pearl River
Use the river as a cooling loop and family regrouping point between bigger rides, food and rest breaks.
Rules, Waiver, Payment and Safety
Gulf Islands Waterpark has standard waterpark rules, a waiver link, and official FAQ topics that cover payment, food and drink, lifejackets, tubes, rafts, swimwear, height requirements, smoking/vaping, service animals and re-entry.
Waiver
Age 2 and under are free with a completed waiver, and the official site links to an online waiver.
Payment
The official ticket page states tickets are available online and at the admissions office, and the park accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
Life jackets
Complimentary life-jacket use is included. Bring extra caution for young or nervous swimmers.
Tubes
Tube rentals are listed as free with admission. Follow staff directions for which tube belongs on which ride.
Swimwear
Use proper swimwear for pools and attractions. Avoid clothing that can damage slides or create safety problems.
Re-entry
The rain-policy page says guests leaving and returning same day need a hand stamp or wristband before exiting.
Rain Check and Sunshine Ticket Policy
Gulf Coast weather can change quickly. Official policy says waterpark attractions may remain open during rain depending on conditions, but severe weather or lightning can require guests to exit the water until weather passes.
Rain alone
Rain does not automatically close the park. Staff decide based on conditions and safety.
90-minute closure
If all of the park closes for a continuous 90 minutes, a Sunshine Ticket may be issued for the same operating season.
Keep receipt
Your purchase receipt or online confirmation acts as proof. No advance Sunshine Tickets are issued for forecasted weather.
Important: Sunshine Tickets are not issued if the park is forced to shut down within 90 minutes before closing. Admissions and ticket sales are final, and locker/cabana/amenity refunds are not covered by Sunshine Ticket language.
Cabanas, Groups, Parties and Lockers
Comfort planning matters in Mississippi heat. Cabanas and shaded spaces can help families with toddlers, grandparents, birthdays or all-day plans. Group visits need advance planning, especially when using party packages or group tickets.
| Option | What to use it for | Best for | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabana rental | Reserved shaded comfort base. | Birthdays, toddlers, grandparents, all-day groups. | Book early; availability and price depend on date/location. |
| Cabana map | Choose location before arrival. | Families comparing river, kid zone or ride access. | Use the official cabana map before checkout. |
| Group tickets | Church, team, school, company or reunion visit. | Large groups that need coordinated pricing and entry. | Plan at least 72 hours in advance where reservation timing applies. |
| Locker strategy | Protect phones, keys, wallets, dry clothes and medicine. | Anyone riding or floating most of the day. | Handle valuables before everyone splits up. |
Dining, Drinks and Real Cost Planning
Gulf Islands has a strong value point because all admissions include complimentary Pepsi fountain beverages. Still, the real trip cost includes food, snacks, cabana or locker choices, taxes/fees, gas, hotels, sunscreen, towels and any date-change fee if plans shift.
Complimentary fountain drinks
Official pass/ticket information says admissions include complimentary Pepsi fountain beverages.
Dining options
The official site has a dining section. Use it to decide whether to eat in the park or plan meals before/after your visit.
Date-change cost
Official rain-policy text says discounted date-specific ticket changes require contacting the park and may have a per-ticket fee.
Budget rule: compare full cost, not only ticket price: admission + taxes/fees + food + cabana/locker + fuel + hotel + weather/date-change risk.
Gulf Islands Waterpark Near Me: Address, Parking and Map
Gulf Islands Waterpark is located at 17200 16th Street, Gulfport, MS 39503. It is a practical summer choice for Gulfport, Biloxi, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, D’Iberville, Wiggins, Hattiesburg day-trippers, Mobile-area families and New Orleans visitors who want a Gulf Coast waterpark day.
Exact address
17200 16th Street, Gulfport, MS 39503.
Parking
Official ticket information says prices include free parking.
Map strategy
Open the park map before entry so your group knows the river, kids’ areas, rides, dining and meeting point.
Best Gulf Islands Plan by Visitor Type
A toddler family, 42-inch-plus thrill group, budget season-pass family and grandparent visit should not use the same plan.
Kids under 42 inches
Start with Lil’ Pelicans Bay, Barefoot Bay, Lazy Pearl River and gentle family areas. Avoid promising 42-inch rides too soon.
42-inch-plus riders
Start with Horn Island Blaster, Camille Cutter and bigger slides before lines or weather slow the day.
Seniors or grandparents
Prioritize shade, cabana seating, fewer walking loops, hydration and a clear base spot.
Budget locals
Compare day ticket, single-park season pass and two-waterpark pass. The drinks and parking value can change the math.
What to Bring to Gulf Islands Waterpark
A good packing list keeps the day easy and helps you avoid extra purchases.
Bring these
- Tickets, receipt or online confirmation email.
- Completed waiver where needed, especially for age 2 and under.
- Credit card; official ticket page lists Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
- Towels, dry clothes, sandals or water shoes.
- Sunscreen, hats and phone waterproof pouch.
- Small bag for wet clothes and a clear valuables plan.
- Receipt kept safe for Sunshine Ticket/rain-check situations.
Double-check first
- Official hours and weather the morning of your visit.
- Ride height rules for under-42 and 42-inch-plus children.
- Food and drink rules on the official FAQ page.
- Locker/cabana availability if valuables or shade matter.
- Re-entry stamp or wristband before leaving the park.
- Date-change policy before buying a discounted date-specific ticket.
Gulf Islands Waterpark Video Preview
Use video to preview the park feel, slide size, lazy river, wave pool and kids’ zones before you choose the first-hour route. Use official pages for current tickets, rules and hours.
Official video channel
Open Gulf Islands Waterpark’s official YouTube channel for current and older video previews before planning rides and expectations.
Open Official YouTubeGulf Islands Waterpark FAQ
Is it Gulf Island Waterpark or Gulf Islands Waterpark?
The official name is Gulf Islands Waterpark. Many people search the singular “Gulf Island Waterpark,” but the park uses the plural name.
Where is Gulf Islands Waterpark located?
Gulf Islands Waterpark is located at 17200 16th Street, Gulfport, MS 39503.
What is the Gulf Islands Waterpark phone number?
The official site lists the phone number as 228-328-1266.
What are Gulf Islands Waterpark hours in 2026?
The official 2026 hours page currently shows 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Always check the calendar for your exact date.
How much are Gulf Islands Waterpark tickets in 2026?
Official day ticket prices list $49.99 for guests 42 inches and up, $29.99 for guests under 42 inches, and ages 2 and under free with a completed waiver.
Are taxes and fees included?
The official ticket page lists season passes as plus taxes and fees. Check live checkout for final ticket total before paying.
Is parking free?
Yes. Official ticket information says prices include free parking.
Are tubes free?
Yes. Official ticket information says prices include free tube rentals.
Are life jackets free?
Official ticket information says complimentary life-jacket use is included.
Do tickets include drinks?
Official ticket information says all admissions come with complimentary Pepsi fountain beverages.
How much is the 2026 single-park season pass?
The official ticket page lists the 2026 single-park season pass at $89.99 plus taxes and fees.
How much is the two-waterpark pass?
The official page lists the Gulf Islands and Blue Bayou two-waterpark pass at $99.99 plus taxes and fees.
Is the premium two-waterpark pass available?
The official page showed the Premium Two-Waterpark Pass as sold out when checked. Check the live page before making a decision.
What is the Horn Island Blaster height requirement?
The official Horn Island Blaster page lists a 42-inch minimum height requirement.
Is Lazy Pearl River good for families?
Yes. Lazy Pearl River is a relaxing tube river, but the official page says children under 10 should be with an adult.
What is best for little kids?
Lil’ Pelicans Bay, Barefoot Bay, Lazy Pearl River with adult help and any-height areas are better starting points for small children.
Does Gulf Islands Waterpark issue rain checks?
If weather causes all of the park to close continuously for 90 minutes, a Sunshine Ticket may be issued for a return visit during the same operating season. Receipt or confirmation email matters.
Are refunds available?
Official Sunshine Ticket policy says admission and ticket sales are final and refunds are not available.
Can I leave and come back the same day?
Official policy says guests who leave and return the same day need a hand stamp or wristband before exiting, or a dated receipt for readmission.
Is Gulf Islands Waterpark worth it in 2026?
It is worth considering for Gulfport and Mississippi Gulf Coast families who want a local outdoor waterpark with free parking, free tube rentals, complimentary fountain drinks, lazy river, wave pool, kids’ areas, thrill slides and season-pass options.
Final Take: Is Gulf Islands Waterpark Worth It in 2026?
Gulf Islands Waterpark is worth planning if your family wants a Gulfport waterpark day with 2026 day tickets, season passes, free parking, free tube rentals, complimentary fountain beverages, complimentary life-jacket use, a lazy river, water coaster-style thrill ride, kids’ play areas, cabanas, groups and a simple 10AM–6PM summer-day structure.
The smartest plan is simple: check official hours and weather, buy the right ticket for height and visit count, complete the waiver when needed, keep your receipt for weather policy, arrive near opening, handle valuables early, split the group by height, do must-rides first and use Lazy Pearl River as the family reset zone.