Cowabunga Bay in Henderson to Close Permanently After 12 Years

Cowabunga Bay in Henderson, Nevada, is shutting its doors. The water park opened in 2014, and that run ends here. It will not reopen for the 2027 summer season.

The operator made a tough call. They are consolidating Las Vegas-area operations at Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin. That location stays open. This move leaves the future of the Henderson property hanging in the air. Ownership is still figuring out what to do with the site.

Cade Vereen, the park's vice president of operations, spoke to local station Fox 5. He explained that moving the operation to the Canyon location about 25 miles west was the right move. "Moving the operation and focusing at the Canyon location in Summerlin really was kind of the best decision for the park," he said.

The company did not share specific financial reasons for the closure. They called it a "difficult decision." A letter to guests acknowledged the disappointment. "After 12 unforgettable years, we've made the difficult decision that Cowabunga Bay will not reopen for the 2027 Summer," the letter read. It noted that families often made visiting the park part of their summer traditions.

The closure hits hard locally. Henderson resident Greco Arias told KTNV that seeing it go is "the saddest thing." She described the park as one of the biggest things for all ages, from kids to adults. Another visitor expressed concern about options for families. "There’s not much for kids to do in this town as it is, and to take away this … it just makes it tough for the parents to find things to do with the kids, you know?" that person told Fox 5.

The 23-acre park featured more than 20 slides, pools, and other attractions. USA Today named it a runner-up in its 2025 list of 10 best outdoor water parks.

Season pass holders have options. If you bought a 2027 season pass for Cowabunga Bay, it remains valid at Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin. No exchange is required. Customers with passes covering both parks can use them at the Canyon location or request a refund. Anyone seeking a refund must submit a request through the company's online form by Dec. 31, 2026.

What about the workers? The company has not announced how many jobs are at risk. Their FAQ directs employees interested in roles at Cowabunga Canyon to the human resources department. FOX Business reached out to Cowabunga Vegas for more details on the closure's impact on staff.

"However our chapter in Henderson is coming to a close, our story in Las Vegas is far from over," the company stated.