In Almaty and its surrounding areas, discover serene swimming spots and rejuvenating relaxation venues.
Almaty, Kazakhstan, offers a variety of water-based attractions for locals and tourists alike. From natural lakes and reservoirs to commercial water parks, there's something for everyone. Here's a breakdown of the costs and locations of some popular water-based attractions in and around Almaty.
**Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure (Gorky Park)**
Located in Central Almaty, Gorky Park is a large public park with amusement rides, green spaces, and seasonal water-based activities. Admission prices are usually low or free for the park, with fees for rides and attractions. However, it's important to note that Gorky Park is not a dedicated water park.
**Natural and Outdoor Water Attractions**
**Big Almaty Lake**
Approximately 15 kilometers south of Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is a stunning natural lake that doesn't feature water park facilities. Typically, visiting the lake is free, though guided tours may have associated fees.
**Kapchagay Reservoir**
Located about 80 kilometers north of Almaty, the Kapchagay Reservoir is a popular destination for relaxation. Access is generally free, but renting beach equipment, food, and water sports activities may incur additional costs. Swimming, boating, and sunbathing are popular activities, and there are several organized beach areas and some low-cost guesthouses or resorts around the reservoir.
**Other Notable Water-Based Attractions**
Outside Almaty, but within the greater region, you'll find Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon. These attractions are best visited as part of a day trip. Day tours typically range from $43 to $60 per adult, depending on inclusions. Activities at these sites include hiking, swimming (where allowed), and sightseeing.
**Commercial Water Parks**
**Family Park**
Another family-friendly park, Family Park, has opened in another district of the city on Abai Avenue. The entrance fee for the water park on weekdays is 7,500 tenge for an adult and 5,400 tenge for a child.
**Kapchagai Water Park**
Built in 1993, the Kapchagai Water Park includes pools, adult and children's lagoons, a waterfall, jacuzzi, and slides of lengths 2.5, 5, 17, and 23 meters. During hot summer days, the water park can accommodate 2,000 visitors or more.
**Pricing Information**
The cost of visiting Family Park for adults is 6,500 tenge on weekdays and 7,500 tenge on weekends. For children under 12, the cost is 5,000 tenge on weekdays and 6,000 tenge on weekends.
At the "Fisherman's Village," 12 hours of fishing costs 5,000 tenge for one fisherman on weekdays and 7,000 tenge on weekends. Women are offered lake rental at a more attractive price - 1,500 and 2,000 tenge, respectively.
The cost of staying in a rest zone at Kapchagay starts at 10,000 tenge per person per day. The cost of visiting rest zones without an overnight stay starts at 1,000 (often 2,000) tenge per visitor.
There are 57 swimming pools in Almaty, including three 50-meter pools (Shanyrak Olympic Reserve Pool, D-fitness, and CB Rahat) and six open-air pools. The monthly cost of visiting these pools ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 tenge.
**Note**
There are currently no major, well-known commercial water parks in Almaty or directly adjacent to the Kapchagay Reservoir based on available information. Most water-based leisure in the region is centered around natural lakes, reservoirs, and seasonal outdoor activities. Fees for additional services and tours are relatively modest.
In Almaty, apart from the water parks and lakes mentioned, one can experience outdoor-living and home-and-garden lifestyle by renting beach equipment or staying at a rest zone at Kapchagay Reservoir for a daily fee starting at 10,000 tenge per person. Additionally, there are 57 swimming pools in Almaty, offering a monthly membership for a fee ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 tenge.
