Here’s a look inside the OWA Tropic Falls water park expansion on the Gulf Coast

OWA’s Tropic Falls in Foley, Alabama, unofficially opened to the public last summer.

But OWA on Friday the park kicked off its grand opening weekend with the opening of the brand-new Big Water Bay wave pool and Coastal Curl wave simulator.

The addition of the water park that took 2.5 years to build adds a $70 million dollar expansion to the existing 14-acre, 23-ride theme park. The water park features a 100,000 square foot indoor area with a retractable roof as well as a 30,000 square foot outdoor wave pool.

OWA, founded and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in partnership with the city of Foley, opened in 2017 and also features 44,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space called Downtown OWA accessible with no admission charge.

“The assets we have are very diverse. There’s really something for everyone and that was really the concept of this project from day one,” said Kristin Hellmich, Director of External Communications for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Opening weekend events at OWA

On Friday morning, the park hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the water park.

Friday afternoon the park will host the Jimmy Lumpkin Duo, followed by interactive mermaid performances in the new wave pool. The Poarch Band Pow Wow Club will also perform a ceremonial dance.

On Saturday, guests can enjoy tropical games, a bubble party and street performers. At 7 p.m. the festivities will wrap up with a performance by Wes Loper. Guests can also meet the park’s mascot, Tuki, throughout the weekend.

New rides, food at OWA

The newest addition to the park is the outdoor water park area featuring Big Water Bay wave pool with a 48 foot wide LED screen overlooking it to show movies and host live performances. The area also features Coastal Curl, a surf simulator and Breakers Bar and Grill.

Inside the 100,000 square foot indoor area are 11 total water slides, six of which are meant for thrill seekers and five that are more family friendly. Tangerine Scream, a 75 foot tall free fall-slide and Piranha Plunge, a 75 foot super loop slide with a drop floor are some of the most popular slides.

The indoor area also features a lazy river called Castaway Creek, private party rooms, private cabanas, a quick service restaurant called Grub, and Libations, a tropical cocktail bar.

Guests visiting the water park also have access to the theme park. Rollin’ Thunder, a rollercoaster that takes riders upside-down, is a can’t miss.

OWA does not currently post wait times for its rides.

Pricing at OWA water park

A regular price admission ticket to Tropic Falls costs $63 and includes access to both the theme park and water park for the whole day, including the surf simulator. Guests are also able to leave and come back from the park without buying a new ticket.

The park also offers a $99 two-day admission ticket, a four pack of tickets designed for families for $230 and a $26.99 ticket for guests who just want to visit the theme park only.

A number of discounts are also available. A discount of 20% is available for seniors ages 55+ and a 15% military discount available with ID. Children ages 3 and under are free.

Two season pass options are available for 2023. The Diamond season pass ($299.99) gives guests four tickets to bring a friend for free and 15% off select lodging, dining and merchandise. The Platinum season pass ($269.99) gives guests two tickets to bring a friend for free and 10% off select lodging, dining and merchandise. Both passes give guests unlimited visits to the park.

Hours and distance

Hours for the park vary by the time of year. Hours for April 15-23 are Mon-Thurs: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri-Sat: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sun: 10 a.m. to 7p.m. Through the remainder of spring, the wave pool will be open on the weekends starting at 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. In June, the wave pool will be open seven days a week – weather permitting.

Downtown OWA, the shopping and dining center, is free of charge and is open seven days a week. Hours of operation vary by business. OWA also has accommodations on site.

Here are the distances to OWA from Gulf Coast cities.

Drive time from Biloxi: 1.5 hours

Drive time from New Orleans: 3 hours

Drive time from Slidell: 2.5 hours

Drive time from Mobile: 1 hour

Drive time from Pensacola: 1 hour

Coming soon

OWA isn’t done expanding their offerings. The park plans to open a 190 lot luxury RV lot this summer called Tropic Hideaway RV Resort. The RV park will offer amenities like pickleball courts, pool and a clubhouse.

Hellmich said plans are also in the works for more accommodations on property as well as more attractions at the theme park and water park.

“The best is yet to come,” she said.