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Lazy Rivers in Las Vegas – Resorts & Waterparks


Key Points:

  • On the Strip, only Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand offer a lazy river as part of their pool complex.

  • Away from the Strip, lazy rivers can be found at Tahiti Villiage, Cowabunga Bay, and Cowabunga Canyon.

It’s funny, I get a lot of REALLY niche questions submitted via this website and associated social media pages – Things like “Are the Bellagio Fountains turned on” or “How much does it cost to check in early at South Point”.

If you’re curious, yes, the fountains are active, and no, I have no idea what early check-in costs at South Point.

One question that seems to find its way into my inbox every spring is “What hotels have a lazy river?” Luckily, that is an easier question to address. It makes sense. After all, what beats floating slowly in an infinite circle with a beverage in hand?

Related: An updated list of Las Vegas pools that stay open year-round.

Strip Hotels With a Lazy River

MGM Grand: Spanning 6.6 acres, MGM Grand’s pool complex is impressive. In addition to multiple pools and 5 separate whirlpools, MGM’s “Backlot River” boasts over 1,000 feet of slow-moving lazy river action.

Note that only circular tubes are allowed in MGM Grand’s lazy river, no gaudy monstrosities.

While the lazy river is accessible to both guests staying at MGM Grand and The Signature at MGM, anyone can gain access to MGM’s sprawling (and impressive) pool complex with a cabana or daybed rental. Worth it.

If I had to pick one, I’d declare MGM Grand’s the best lazy river in Las Vegas.

Lazy river cuts through palm trees and seating at MGM Grand.
Courtesy of MGM Resorts

Mandalay Bay: Like MGM Grand, the pool complex at Mandalay Bay is elaborate. Known as “The Beach”, Mandalay offers guests access to a 1.6 million gallon wave pool, four swimming pools, and a jogging track in addition to a lazy river.

A unique feature, Mandalay’s pool also incorporates 2,700 tons of real sand. It’s a tropical paradise.

Mandalay Bay also allows guests not staying in their hotel to access the pool and lazy river provided they rent a cabana or daybed.

Mandalay Bay's Pool complex from above which includes a wave pool, lazy river, and additional pools.
Lazy river on the right at Mandalay Bay

Related: The Best Pools in Las Vegas – On the Strip and Downtown.

Other Notable Lazy Rivers in Las Vegas

Tahiti Villiage: Located about 2 miles south of Mandalay Bay on Las Vegas Boulevard, Tahiti Villiage’s pool complex offers a 1/8 mile lazy river which is heated year-round.

Forget your tube at home? Don’t worry, Tahiti Villiage offers free tubes for all guests. The lazy river is part of a larger pool complex that is over an acre in size, incorporates real sand, and over 250,000 gallons of water.

Cowabunga Canyon: Although not part of a resort’s pool complex, Cowabunga Canyon (formerly Wet ‘n’ Wild) offers a lazy river as one of its core attractions.

Known as the Colorado Cooler, guests are invited to do an unlimited number of laps around the leisurely lazy river. Wet ‘n’ Wild is about 10 miles or a 15-20 minute ride from hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.

Cowabunga Bay: Another waterpark within driving distance of resorts on the Strip, Cowabunga Bay offers a lazy river that meanders riders past some neat scenery including a 1967 Volkswagon Bug.

In addition to having a lazy river pool, Cowabunga Bay also offers an assortment of pools and waterslides.

Hopefully, I was able to identify a lazy river that’ll work well for you! While lazy rivers in Vegas are a somewhat uncommon feature of resort pools, there are still a few solid options.

See Also: Las Vegas pools that non-guests are able to access for free or a fee.

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