Children's Water Park in Cuba Sparks Outrage with 500-Peso Half-Hour Fee

A children's water park in Ciego de Ávila has ignited a wave of discontent among Cubans both on and off the island. The controversy doesn't stem from its facilities but from its pricing: a steep 500 Cuban pesos for just a 30-minute swim.

Known as Aquapark, this venue is situated near an area referred to as "La Turbina." It is marketed as a clean and well-maintained recreational option, complete with food offerings like pizza, soda, beer, and other items. While some see it as a novel attraction, many others view it as a glaring example of how out of touch it is with the country's harsh realities.

Disproportionate Pricing in a Struggling Economy

In a nation where the average monthly income barely covers basic necessities, the park's cost is seen as prohibitive for most Cuban families, particularly those with multiple children. "How can a parent earning 4,000 pesos afford to take their kids?" asked one social media user, capturing a sentiment echoed by hundreds. Another user was even more blunt: "500 pesos for half an hour, that's shameless," while a mother summed up the general feeling: "For 500 pesos, it should be an all-day pass, not the time it takes a child to change clothes."

Time Constraints Add to Public Frustration

Critics aren't just targeting the price but also the limited time allowed. Many comments sarcastically suggest that children barely have time to enjoy the water. "By the time the kid is done changing, their time is up," noted one user, while another commented, "It's better to just use a garden hose at home."

The outrage is amplified by contrasting these offerings with everyday life on the island. Several users pointed out the water shortages in the province itself, questioning the existence of such a park while communities endure long periods without supply. "We don't have water for 7 to 9 days, yet they build parks with pools," lamented another commenter.

Subpar Facilities Under Scrutiny

There were also criticisms about the park's very concept. "Water park? It's just painted cement and a hose," mocked an internet user, while others questioned the water quality and actual conditions of the site.

The 500 pesos charged by the park account for roughly 7.3% of the average monthly salary in Cuba, which was a mere 6,830 pesos as of November 2025, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). In the informal market, this amount is nearly equivalent to one U.S. dollar, with the exchange rate reaching a record 520 pesos per dollar just last weekend. For a Cuban family surviving on state wages, this price is a significant burden.

The Broader Picture of Private Recreation Ventures

A family with two children would spend 1,000 pesos for just half an hour of play, not including transportation or food, in a country where the minimum cost of living exceeds 50,000 pesos monthly, and a basic basket for two people costs between 25,000 and 27,000 pesos a month.

The situation at Ciego de Ávila's Aquapark is not unique. As state-run recreational facilities fall into disrepair — with rusty and hazardous children's parks across the country — the private sector has stepped in, offering attractions at prices many Cubans find exorbitant.

The most notable example is Havana's Jalisco Park, which reopened under private management in July 2023, leading to long queues and complaints about high prices. Cuban parents reported needing "up to 20,000 pesos" for a family outing. Similarly, in Pinar del Río, the private sector capitalized on the decline of the state-run Paquito González Park by setting up inflatable parks, drawing similar complaints about costs.