Every week, Doc Scott and I make a list of things we want to try on our days off to make the most of our time in Cagayan De Oro (CDO) (yes, we moved to the southern part of the Philippines and will be here for about a year), and we make sure we try something we have never done before.
So part of this weekend’s itinerary is the Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort in Barra, Opol. I actually heard about this waterpark 5 years ago and truth be told, it is the only reason I wanna fly to CDO but apparently, this theme park is not in CDO but in its neighboring municipality, Opol. But it is just 6 kilometers away from where we live. Not far…
It took us about 20 minutes to get to the waterpark. And being it my first time in a long while to be out in a “theme park” again, I have to say, it was liberating—to be mask-free, to be in a crowd mingling and enjoying attractions.
Enjoying our time in the waterpark, I thought I’d put together a list of tips for visitors getting ready or planning to spend a day at the Seven Seas waterpark in Opol, Misamis Oriental.
Tips for Spending a Day at the Seven Seas Waterpark
1. Be prepared the night before you leave.
Here’s a handy-dandy basic list of items you’re going to need for a day at the waterpark:
- Towels
- Waterproof sunscreen
- Lots of water (I recommend bringing your water bottle with you, after all, we need to hydrate every now and then, especially when we are under the sun)
- Extra clothes
- Plastic bag to throw your wet clothes in
- Go Pro or waterproof camera – if you like taking pictures
- Small waterproof bag for your valuebles (the big bags are stored in the locker)
- Change, if you wish to rent a locker
- Toiletries (Shampoo, soap, lotion, qtips)
2. Rent a locker
For Php50 locker rental fee, in case you don’t want to cart your things around all day. You can put all your valuables inside the locker — shoes, mobile phones, water bottles, etc.
3. Do not miss these attractions/ slides
First thing’s first: While Seven Seas definitely has activities for all ages, some attractions do have height (4ft) and weight (40kg) (90kg) restrictions, which is good to be aware of before you try these activities I am recommending below.
Cyclone
The Cyclone is the largest water slide in the Philippines. It is a huge conical steel fiberglass structure 20 meters in diameter, which can accommodate a four-person raft which drops from a six-storey launch tube. Riders experience near vertical spins and wallops as the raft swings on the funnel walls.
Plank Drop
The “Plank Drop” is the first vertical aqua loop water slide in the country where riders are launched from a transparent capsule-like cylinder from a height of 20 meters. This ride is not for the faint-hearted but provides riders and spectators total exhilaration since you can see thru the semi-translucent fiberglass tube.
RipTide Reef
The Riptide Reef boomerang slide allows two riders on a special two holes inflatable raft to experience slips and turns before sliding vertically into the bottom of a sheer wall. An extended free fall is experienced as the raft reverses direction and exits into the landing pool.
3. Only plan your visit on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (10 am to 6PM)
Seven Seas Waterpark and Resort is closed for maintenance on Mondays to Wednesdays.
4. Dress for the park
Make sure you have comfortable flip flops for exploring the park, a hat/ cap, and a change of clothes for when you are not in the water anymore (in my case, I just wear my cropped top and denim shorts. I just take them off when I am getting into the water/ slide)
Most people wear rash guards and shorts. If you prefer wearing bikinis (like me) it is also okay.
5. Mingle around
To be able to slide through the cyclone, you have to be in a group of four. If you’ve met some people in the park, you can ask them to enjoy the cyclone with you. Just like in our case, I and Scott met these two CDO residents who are down trying out all the extreme slides so it didn’t become a problem to us. One couple had trouble waiting for another couple to accommodate a four-person raft. So mingle around. Plus, it is always great to make new friends.
6. Arrive early
One main slide attraction closes at 1 PM so make sure you arrive at the opening at 10 am to make the most out of it.
Also, rule number one for waterpark fun is to get there early when the slides are less busy.
7. Explore the entire area
You’ll probably be surprised there are some great spots to be silly and take photos. Just like what we found.
8. Relax at the lazy river
After some packed adventure sliding through the extremes, you may want to relax. The lazy river is a great attraction to do it.
The Mighty Maui River is the longest lazy river in the Philippines having a whopping 400 meter (1,312 ft) length. There is also a powerful wave generator giving people on inflatables an exciting time as they snake thru islands, low-hanging bridges, and Fort San Agustin’s tunnel moat.
9. Eat
Scott and I were expecting the food in the theme park to be expensive but we’re glad to know (and to tell you) they are reasonably priced. Below are the food selections you can eat.
Frequently Asked Questions: Things You Need to Know Before Going to Seven Seas Waterpark & Resort
How much is the entrance fee/park ticket?
Entrance and Swim – Php599 PER PERSON – Includes entry to the waterpark, access to Buccaneer Bay wave pool, Mighty Maui Lazy River, and Captain Kidd’s Pool
Unlimited Slides – Php349 PER PERSON – Add on to the Entrance and Swim, access to all 8 extreme slides
Where is Seven Seas Waterpark located?
It’s located in Barra, Opol, Misamis Oriental, Philippines (a town next to Cagayan de Oro City).
How to get to Seven Seas Waterpark?
FROM CDO
If you’re coming from Cagayan de Oro, stay on the Butuan-CDO-Iligan Rd, make a right after SnR, go straight along Bulua Terminal, then make a left on the Opol -Bulua Diversion Rd. Stay on that road until you cross the bridge and see a gas station, the entrance to the waterpark will be on your right..
If you are commuting from Cagayan de Oro City (ideally from the malls – SM CDO Downtown, Centrio Mall, Gaisano, Limketkai), hire a taxi for Seven Seas. Fare can be between P150 to P250 depending on your point of origin. You can also text or call this kind taxi driver we met in CDO at 0906-794-8625 (I also wanna add that if you are looking to hire a cab driver to get around the city or the nearby province like bukidnon, this Kuya driver is your guy)
FROM LAGUINDINGAN AIRPORT
From Laguindinangan Airport, hire a taxi to bring you to Seven Seas Waterpark or book a Grab. Fare can be a little higher but the place is not too far from the airport.
FROM OTHER PARTS OF MINDANAO
If you are from other parts of Mindanao, ride a bus headed for Cagayan de Oro City and disembark at your designated terminal depending on your point of origin. From either Agora Bus Terminal or at the Westbound terminal beside Gaisano Bulua, ride a taxi to bring you to the waterpark. Seven Seas Waterpark is very near Westbound Terminal in Bulua.
FROM MANILA OR CEBU
Book a flight to Cagayan De Oro through Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines. If you want to travel by sea, you can book 2GO. Read this article about my experience traveling from Manila to Cagayan De Oro via 2GO Ferry.
If you want to bring your vehicles with you, please see the map below for directions.
How much is the cottage rate?
There are 3 types of cottages: Beach Gazebo, Privateer and Islander Huts. Below are the rates.
Beach Gazebo – Php900
Privateer – Php700
Islander Huts – Php600
What are the park rules?
- Supervise children at all time.
- Obey all park rules posted inside the waterpark.
- For your safety, attractions in the waterpark have respective height and weight requirements.
- Attractions may be suspended w/o prior notice.
- Outside food and beverage is not allowed.
- Alcoholic beverages & smoking are strictly prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Proper swimwear attire must be worn. Guests not wearing the correct swimming attire will not be allowed to ride some attractions.
- Lockers are available for rent, for your convenience.
Is there a hotel accommodation in Seven Seas Waterpark?
Not yet. But there are hotels nearby. You can check on Apple Tree Hotel and other hotels in Cagayan de Oro City.
How to contact Seven Seas Waterpark for inquiries, group bookings, and reservations?
For group bookings, events, team building, and birthday parties, you can email your bookings at sevenseaswaterparkreservations@gmail.com or send a message on their Facebook Page.
Parking Area
Seven Seas Waterpark has wide parking area inside.
Parting Words
Above all else, keep in mind that your day in this waterpark is all about making memories, so go on and get in the water with your companion, rather than just watching. Be kids again! Take a ride down the slide.
Enjoy your Sevenseas Waterpark and Resort adventure!
