If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out in Germany, Tropical Islands is one experience you simply cannot miss. This was actually our second visit. We first came in 2023 and my daughter has been asking to return ever since. I’m so glad we finally made it back, because Tropical Islands truly is one of our favourite European water parks, and we’ve been to quite a few.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers, or a group of adults, this guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get there by train from Berlin to what’s included in your ticket, what to expect on arrival, and how to make the most of your day.
How to Get to Tropical Islands from Berlin by Train
Getting to Tropical Islands from Berlin is surprisingly straightforward, and the train is a great option. The station you depart from will depend on where you’re staying, but we used Ostkreuz, as it was the closest to our accommodation.
To book your tickets, simply download the DB Navigator app. It’s easy to use and you can book everything directly through it. I opted for single tickets rather than returns because I wasn’t sure what time we’d be heading back. You could book an open return, but I felt singles worked out cheaper for us. The fares came to £10.33 for myself and £7.79 for my daughter (one way).
The train was the RE7, which takes you to Brand Tropical Islands, the station is very close to the resort. The journey from Ostkreuz is only 44 minutes with 7 stops, and I found navigating the platforms and route really easy using Apple Maps.
One of the best things about arriving by train is that Tropical Islands offers a free shuttle bus that runs in line with the train timetable. As soon as you step off the train, the shuttle will be waiting outside to take you straight to the resort. The same applies on the way back. You can check the bus times inside the park to know exactly when you need to be at the stop to make your train connection.
Booking Your Tickets: How to Save Money
We booked our entry tickets through GetYourGuide, which came to €68.36 for two of us, and it actually worked out cheaper than booking directly with Tropical Islands.
If you’re planning a visit and want to save a little extra, download the GetYourGuide app and use my discount code KIDDOADVENTURES5 at checkout. Just keep in mind that pricing varies depending on the day of the week and the size of your group.
Arriving at Tropical Islands: What to Expect
On arrival, we simply scanned our tickets and collected our wristbands. These wristbands do a lot. They open and close your locker and also work as a cashless payment system throughout the day. Anything you purchase inside the park (food, drinks, accessories, I ended up buying goggles) gets added to a tab linked to your wristband. Before you leave, you settle the total at one of the machines near the exit.
The lockers are spacious, so you should be able to fit a good amount of belongings inside without any issues.
One practical tip: Tropical Islands does not permit guests to bring in their own food or drinks. The exceptions are baby food and special dietary items for guests with allergies or medical conditions. This is worth factoring into your budget before you go, as food and drink inside the park is on the pricier side.
Renting Towels and Bathrobes
If you’re travelling light, as we were with only hand luggage, it’s worth knowing that you can hire towels and bathrobes at an additional cost. Current prices are €4.50 for a bath towel (with a €30 deposit) and €6.00 for a bathrobe (with a €60 deposit). That said, towels can run out on busy days, so arriving early is a smart move if you’re relying on renting one.
What’s Included in Your Ticket
Tropical Islands is open most days from 8am to 11pm, giving you a generous window to enjoy everything the resort has to offer. The park is absolutely enormous, and there’s genuinely enough to fill an entire day.
The Water Areas
The main attraction is Tropical Sea, a sprawling water complex covering 3,000 square metres. Alongside this you’ll find lagoons, pools, rivers, and a fantastic range of slides and play areas.
The Whitewater River is a 250-metre current channel that’s great fun for all ages. The Jungle Splash water playground spans over 650 square metres, stands more than 15 metres tall, and features 8 slides with plenty of additional play opportunities.
For younger children, Kraki Beach is a dedicated toddler zone with 3 slides, 2 shallow pools, a waterfall, 2 water cannons, and more. Before you visit, it’s a good idea to check the height restrictions on the Tropical Islands website, especially if you’re coming with children, to avoid any disappointment on the day.
The Rainforest and Wildlife
What makes Tropical Islands so unique is that it’s far more than just a water park. There’s a beautiful rainforest walk where you can spot exotic birds, parrots, flamingos, turtles, and even butterflies. It’s a genuinely immersive experience that sets this place apart from a standard leisure pool.
Food and Drink
There’s a wide variety of food options throughout the resort, and you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of halal and vegan choices available. As mentioned, food is on the more expensive side, so budget accordingly.
I picked up one of their refillable drink cups for €19, which allows you to top up your drink every 45 minutes. Honestly, the 45-minute wait between refills is a little long. I actually set an alarm each time to make sure I got my money’s worth, but if you’re planning a long day, it can still be worth it.
Extra Activities and Add-Ons
There are several additional experiences at Tropical Islands that come at an extra cost on top of your entry ticket.
Ohana Town is the resort’s entertainment hub, offering bowling, karaoke, shuffleboard, darts, billiards, and table football. It’s great for an evening or if you want a break from the water.
The free-floating hot air balloon is a unique experience that looks absolutely incredible and gives you amazing views over the resort. This is charged separately but is well worth looking into.
The Dive for Fun Diving School operates within the Tropical Sea and offers both beginner lessons and skill development sessions for experienced divers, all led by qualified instructors. There is an additional charge for this.
The spa is another popular area that’s not included in the standard entry ticket and requires a separate payment if you’d like to use it.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Arrive early. We arrived just after 9am and the park was wonderfully quiet. We had no trouble finding loungers and could get settled without the crowds. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of securing a good spot, especially on busy weekends.
Kids birthday? They get in free. This one’s worth knowing. Children of all ages receive free admission to the Tropical Adventure Landscape and the AMAZONIA outdoor area on their actual birthday. You’ll need to bring valid ID to prove the date of birth!
Can You Stay Overnight?
Yes, and this is something we’re seriously considering for our next visit. Tropical Islands offers a range of on-site accommodation options, from glamping-style lodges to more luxurious rooms. It would make for a really special experience to stay overnight and enjoy the park across two days. Check the official Tropical Islands website for the full list of accommodation types and current pricing.
Final Thoughts: Is Tropical Islands Worth It?
Absolutely, without question. Tropical Islands is one of those places that genuinely delivers for everyone: young children, teenagers, and adults alike. Between the water attractions, the rainforest, the wildlife, the food options, and the sheer scale of the place, it’s a full day of entertainment that’s hard to beat.
We will definitely be back, and if you haven’t visited yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Use the tips in this guide to plan your trip, save money on your tickets, and make the most of every minute you’re there.
This looks like a great place to visit thanks so much for sharing!
Author
You’re welcome 🥰
This looks so fab for all ages! Thank you for sharing. I wonder if we could make a long weekend for our family & do other activities nearby too x
Author
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it!