Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Europe's largest water park, Thai- themed Siam Park, opened to the public on the holiday island of Tenerife in mid-September. Siam Park is "a little bit Disney, and a little Indiana Jones," said the park's director, Christoph Kiessling.
The theme park is the sister park to Loro Parque animal sanctuary in the north of the island that opened 30 years ago with a collection of parrots. It's now home to sea lions, tigers, gorillas, dolphins and orcas.
The Kiessling family, who run Siam Park, has a special affection for Thai culture.
Siam Park is located on a 185,000 square-metre plot of land and was designed by the world's leading water-theme park architects, according to Kiessling.
Creating the park meant an extensive remodelling programme had to take place in what is the most arid section of the island. Construction work took more than six years.
Water slides and an artificial beach with a wave-making machine are just two of the attractions awaiting visitors. The owners plan to hold surfing competitions on the waves later.
