Congo River Rapids: A Wild Plunge into Adventure
Experience a thrilling whitewater adventure on the Congo River Rapids at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, where you'll brave waterfalls and a mysterious cave in this family-friendly ride.
Brave the Congo River Rapids at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for a thrilling whitewater adventure! This family-friendly ride plunges you into a swirling river, dodging waterfalls and navigating a mysterious water cave. Expect to get soaked as bystanders add to the fun with water spray jets. With a minimum height of 42 inches, it's a perfect blend of excitement and cooling relief on a hot Florida day. The circular raft seats up to twelve people, allowing you to swirl about in the currents on a terrific journey through the Congo. Dare you ride the Congo River Rapids?
A brief summary to Congo River Rapids
- 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, Terrace Park, Florida, 33612, US
- +1813-884-4386
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-8 pm
- Sunday 10 am-8 pm
Local tips
- Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, as you're guaranteed to get soaked on this ride.
- Consider bringing a waterproof bag to protect phones and other valuables from the water.
- Bystanders can spray you with water, so be prepared for an interactive experience.
Getting There
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Driving
If driving to Busch Gardens, follow McKinley Drive to the main entrance. Parking is available in the park's lot. General parking starts at $30 for cars, motorcycles, trucks, recreation vehicles, and campers. Preferred parking is also available for a higher fee.
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Public Transport
While direct public transportation to Busch Gardens is limited, the Mears shuttle service offers round-trip transportation from various locations in Orlando with a paid Busch Gardens ticket. Passengers are responsible for their own transportation to the designated pick-up and drop-off locations in Orlando. Contact Mears for schedules and pick-up points.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxi and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available in the Tampa area. Simply provide 'Busch Gardens Tampa Bay' as your destination. Expect to pay between $20-$40 for a ride from downtown Tampa, depending on traffic and surge pricing.
Discover more about Congo River Rapids
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Goods - Coffee & Gifts
5.1 km
A Seminole Heights coffee and gift shop featuring specialty coffee, gourmet treats, and unique, locally-sourced gifts for every occasion.
Hamner Tower
5.4 km
Discover Tampa's historic Hamner Tower, an architectural gem that offers stunning views and a deep dive into the city's rich heritage.
The C House
5.5 km
Tampa's unique dining destination in Seminole Heights, where everything starts with 'C': Champagne, Charcuterie, Cheesecake, and Creative Cuisine.
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
5.8 km
A beloved Tampa restaurant and live music venue known for its eclectic menu, vibrant folk art, and community-focused atmosphere in Seminole Heights.
Seminole Heights General Store
6.0 km
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Giunta Homestead and Farm
8.6 km
Experience the rich agricultural heritage and serene beauty of Giunta Homestead and Farm, a historical landmark in Tampa's vibrant Ybor City.
9/11 Fallen Heroes Memorial
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Centennial Park
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Centro Asturiano de Tampa
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Tampa Bay Tour Company
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Ybor City Gateway
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Arturo Fuente Building
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Murder House
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Armature Works
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Water Works Park
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kumba
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Falcon's Fury
0.3 km
Experience the ultimate freefall at Falcon's Fury in Busch Gardens Tampa, North America's tallest drop tower, where you'll dive face-first from 335 feet at 60 mph for an unmatched thrill.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Howl-O-Scream
0.3 km
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Serengeti Safari
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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
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Adventure Island
1.1 km
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USF Botanical Gardens
2.0 km
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Museum of Science & Industry
2.4 km
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Mann-Wagnon Memorial Park
3.3 km
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Sulphur Springs Water Tower
4.0 km
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Lowry Park
5.0 km
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ZooTampa at Lowry Park
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Epps Park
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Lettuce Lake Park
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Rivercrest Park
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Essential places to dine
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The Rollin' Mullet
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Hampton Station Pizza, Beer & Records
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Rooster & the Till
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Trip's Diner
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Trophy Fish
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Front Porch & Bart's Tavern
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Old Heights Bistro
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Sugar Factory - Tampa Bay
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Rosenheim Restaurant
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Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour
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7th + Grove
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Columbia Restaurant
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Carmine's Restaurant & Bar - Ybor
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Acropolis Greek Taverna - Ybor City
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tiger Treasures
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Iron Gwazi Gifts
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Xcursions
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Island Surf Shop
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Seminole Heights Shopping Center
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Tampa Bay Designer World
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Cleanse Apothecary
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Chicmirror
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ZooTampa Gift Shop
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House of Fancy
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The Shoppes
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Retro Mania Vintage Market
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The Far Forest
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Corner Club Tampa
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Velvet Gypsy
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The Hole in the Wall Bar
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Shuffle
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SpookEasy Lounge
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The Catacombs
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The Dirty Shame
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Big Easy Bar
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Coyote Ugly Saloon
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Ybor City Tap House
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Showbar Ybor
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The Copper Shaker Ybor
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