Six Flags Hurricane Harbor splashes into a much-anticipated arrival of summer by opening its gates for the 19th season Saturday.

Pirates Paradise, which opened to rave reviews last summer, continues to be the centerpiece of weekend live entertainment.

New this season is Cabana Cove, featuring private rental cabanas with table, lounge chairs, food and beverage wait service and free tube rentals.

“Our cabanas have been so popular since we introduced them to the water park several years ago that we now have a whole sprawling that’s called Cabana cove,” said Sue Carpenter, park spokeswoman.

Located next to Lizard Lagoon, Cabana Cove offers guests a bit more privacy and shade for their families and friends.

With its water slides, rain curtains and squirting effects to keep everyone cool in the hot California sun, Splash Island has something for everyone to enjoy.

Mom and dad can relax in nearby lounge chairs while keeping an eye on the little ones as they explore a variety of water play platforms and fountains throughout the structure.

Bigger, better and wetter than ever, Hurricane Harbor is ready to keep Southern Californian’s cool all summer long with over 23 unique water slides, including the ever popular six-story funnel of fun, Tornado, plus a wave “Hurricane Harbor continues to be the perfect summer spot for water lovers of all ages,” said Bonnie Rabjohn, park president of Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor.

“With its tropical theme and wide variety of thrilling water adventures, the water park provides unlimited fun for the entire family.”

Hurricane Harbor has something for everyone.  Whether it’s sliding down one of the tallest speed slides in California or relaxing next to a pool, this 25-acre water oasis has all of your needs covered.

On Tornado, riders are sucked into the beginning of their experience 75 feet in the air by blasting down a 132-foot long tunnel, leading to the mammoth, open-ended funnel.

The ride’s specially designed, four-person cloverleaf shaped tubes hug the inside of the funnel, splashing back and forth on 5,000 gallons of swirling water into a cool catch pool below.

One of the most thrilling attractions in Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is Black Snake Summit, a 75-foot-tall tower featuring five water slides including Twisted Fang and Coiled Cobra both 500 feet long.

Bamboo Racer is a unique six-lane racing attraction that places riders head first, side-by-side, on specially designed water toboggans, guests then speed down the 45-foot-tall water slides.

The sprawling 3.2-acre Lizard Lagoon has a tropical beach resort atmosphere featuring adult and teen activities including a three-and-a-half feet deep recreational pool with basketball hoops, water volleyball and comfortable lounge chairs beneath bamboo shade structures and swaying palm trees.

Other park attractions include Taboo Tower with three different body speed slides including Daredevil Plunge; three twisting, turning open tube slides on Lightning Falls; Tiki Falls with three translucent tube slides; Castaway Cove, the Forgotten Sea wave pool; and The River Cruise lazy river.

Six Flags fun will be even more affordable in 2013 with a Season Pass.  For just $47.99, guests will be able to return any operating day during the 2013 season.  The best value is a Combo Pass which is good for unlimited visits to both Hurricane Harbor and the adjacent theme park, Magic Mountain.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, north of Los Angeles off Interstate 5 at the Magic Mountain Parkway exit.

For information call (661) 255-4111 or visit sixflags.com for operating days and hours.