VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The highly anticipated Atlantic Park Surf Lagoon has hit a major development milestone, with its 2.67-acre surf lagoon now completely filled. The attraction, located in the heart of the Virginia Beach oceanfront, is on track for a mid-summer public opening.
When it opens, Atlantic Park Surf will become the first Wavegarden Cove Surf Lagoon in North America, offering a state-of-the-art surfing experience powered by cutting-edge technology. The lagoon uses the Wavegarden Cove system, renowned as the most energy-efficient wave-generation technology in the world. It can produce up to 1,000 waves per hour, generating more than 20 different wave types ranging in height from one to seven feet, accommodating surfers of all skill levels.
“Centrally located and integrated within an urban environment adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic Park is unlike any other surf park in the world,” said Blake Hess, COO of Beach Street, the surf park’s operator. “With the 46-module Cove making waves, Atlantic Park Surf offers unlimited profiles to cater to all levels.”
Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder, emphasized the significance of the Virginia Beach location: “It’s the first Wavegarden Cove in the U.S. and shows how our wave pools can transform a community. This project creates a sports and entertainment hub that boosts business, tourism, and lifestyle.”
The lagoon’s filling marks the beginning of an intensive pre-opening phase, including wet commissioning and wave programming. During this process, engineers will fine-tune the technology to ensure waves can be customized for both novice and experienced surfers.
The surrounding beach area offers more than just waves. Designed as a premium beach-club setting, it includes lounge chairs, cabanas, and food-and-beverage options. Non-surfers can also enjoy the beach environment by purchasing a daily pass.
Those who joined the Atlantic Park Surf Club or bought pre-sale surf passes earlier this year will receive early booking access. The general booking calendar will open to the public later this month at AtlanticParkSurf.com.
Surf sessions will last 55 minutes and be available year-round, with hours adjusted seasonally. Each session allows surfers to catch approximately 12 waves, with capacities ranging from 20 to 40 participants depending on wave settings. Pricing ranges from $91 to $161 per session, based on the wave profile and time of year. A limited number of memberships to the Atlantic Park Surf Club remain available.
The surf lagoon is the central feature of the $350 million Atlantic Park development. Spanning more than 10 acres, the project will also include live entertainment, shopping, dining, residential units, and boutique lodging.
Atlantic Park is a public-private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach, the Virginia Beach Development Authority, Venture Realty Group, and several private entities. The development is championed by Virginia Beach native and global entertainer Pharrell Williams, who has played a leading role in shaping the project to reflect the city’s culture and surfing heritage.
Other components of the Atlantic Park complex, including the newly opened venue The Dome, will continue to debut through the fall.