Formerly known as McCormick’s Cable Park, The Cove Tampa is one of the Tampa area’s most unique outdoor adventure destinations, offering wakeboarding, waterskiing, and an inflatable aqua park all in one location. Located in Seffner just east of Tampa, this active waterfront attraction welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced riders looking to sharpen their skills.
Whether you’re stepping onto a wakeboard for the first time or refining advanced tricks, The Cove Tampa makes it easy to learn, practice, and have fun on the water. Professional instruction, beginner-friendly lessons, and multiple water activities make it one of the best places in the Tampa area to try a new sport.
The Cove combines three different water sports experiences in one destination: a full-size cable wake park, a world-class ski school, and the Otter Island Aqua Park, a floating inflatable obstacle course.
Quick Facts
- Formerly: McCormick’s Cable Park
- Best For: Families, teens, wakeboarders, groups, and adventure seekers
- Time Needed: 2 hours to a half day
- Known For: Wakeboarding, waterskiing, and the Otter Island Aqua Park
- Location: Seffner, east of Tampa
- Good For: Beginners and experienced riders
- Outdoor Attraction: Best enjoyed during warm weather
- Reservations: Recommended for wakeboarding lessons and Aqua Park sessions
Top Experiences
- Otter Island Aqua Park – Climb, jump, slide, balance, and splash across a floating inflatable obstacle course designed for kids, teens, and adults.
- Cable Wake Park – Ride around the lake using an overhead cable system instead of a boat. The park includes features for both beginners and experienced wakeboarders.
- Learn-to-Ride Lessons – Professional instructors help first-time riders quickly build confidence on the water.
- Water Ski School – Learn to water ski or improve your technique with experienced instructors.
- Lakeside Viewing Area – Relax along the shoreline while watching riders tackle jumps, rails, and obstacles.
- On-Site Food Options – Grab a meal or snack without leaving the park.
Things to Do
- Wakeboard on the cable park
- Learn to water ski
- Challenge yourself on the Otter Island Aqua Park
- Watch wakeboarders perform tricks from the lakeside viewing area
- Relax between sessions by the lake
- Enjoy food and drinks on site
- Spend a full afternoon outdoors with family or friends
Why Visit The Cove Tampa?
Few attractions around Tampa combine so many water sports into one destination. Beginners can learn to wakeboard or water ski with professional instruction, while experienced riders can spend hours practicing tricks on the cable system.
Families who aren’t interested in wakeboarding can enjoy the inflatable aqua park, relax along the shoreline, or simply watch the action from the viewing areas. The result is an attraction that’s just as enjoyable for spectators as it is for participants.
Perfect For
- Families with older kids and teens
- Wakeboarding beginners
- Experienced riders
- Groups of friends
- Birthday parties
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties
- Corporate team-building events
- Summer adventures
Best Time to Visit
Spring through early fall offers the warmest weather for spending time on the water. Morning sessions are often calmer and can be especially enjoyable for first-time wakeboarders, while weekend afternoons typically have the liveliest atmosphere.
Visitor Tip
If you’re new to wakeboarding, book a beginner lesson and arrive early to watch experienced riders. Seeing how the cable system works before your session can help you feel more comfortable before hitting the water.
First Time Wakeboarding?
Don’t worry if you’ve never wakeboarded before. The Cove offers beginner lessons with professional instruction, making it one of the easiest places in the Tampa area to learn. Most first-time riders spend a few minutes practicing basic techniques before heading onto the cable system.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Water shoes (recommended)
- Change of clothes
- Reusable water bottle
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Sunglasses for spectators
Participation Requirements
- Participants must complete a waiver before taking part in activities.
- Life jackets and helmets are provided where required.
- Some activities have minimum age, height, or swimming requirements.
- Beginner instruction is available for first-time riders.
Good to Know
- The attraction is entirely outdoors.
- Weather may temporarily affect operations.
- Equipment rentals are available.
- Spectators are welcome without purchasing activity passes.
- Changing rooms and restrooms are available.
- Memberships are available for frequent riders.
Hours
Operating hours vary throughout the week and by season. Always check the official website before visiting and reserve activities online when possible.
Pricing
Pricing varies by activity, session length, lessons, and equipment rentals. Check the official website for the latest rates, package options, and online reservations.
Parking
Free on-site parking is available for visitors.
Looking for More Active Adventures?
If you’re looking for more outdoor excitement, continue exploring Empower Adventures Tampa Bay, iFLY Indoor Skydiving Tampa, Adventure Island, or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Nearby Things to Do
The Cove Tampa is located in Seffner, making it easy to combine your visit with Dinosaur World, the Florida State Fairgrounds, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, or other attractions throughout eastern Hillsborough County.
The Cove Tampa Images
