Some slides reach speeds of up to 65mph while others are water coasters that take us up as well as down in spectacular loop-the-loops.

With the summer sun shining and water on our minds, here are some of the biggest, fastest and finest water slides in the world. 

DOLPHIN PLUNGE: Aquatica, Orlando, USA

The jewel in the crown of this SeaWorld water park in Orlando, Florida, features two side-by-side enclosed tubes that run through a pool of water before you reach the pool at the end. On its path you'll zoom by a pod of friendly black-and-white Commerson's Dolphins, who are renowned for their playfulness and aren't shy of having a race with you. 

JUMEIRAH SCEIRAH: Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai 

This 395ft-long tandem slide begins with two guests crossing their arms and legs before a sudden 30ft drop through a trap door at a 70-degree angle. By the end of it, you're sliding at up to 50 miles per hour. It's all over in a matter of seconds but the bragging rights, given the racing element, can last a lifetime. A bonus for visitors is that after the 100ft climb to the top you can get a spectacular panoramic view of the entire park.

ROYAL FLUSH: BSR Cable Park, in Waco, Texas

A viral video brought this slide to international acclaim - the tanned and toned young people starring no doubt didn't do it any harm. But the fact it has an exciting ski-jump like ending should impress as well. Unlike the video, proper paying visitors will have to don a lifejacket, and fair enough too given the height that can be achieved when sliding at speed.

LEAP OF FAITH: Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

Among nine very different slides at Atlantis, the Leap of Faith is by far the most exhilarating. It boasts a 60ft near-vertical drop from the top of a replica Mayan temple but that's not even the fun part. As the sliders speed down they go through a clear tube that goes through lagoon filled with a shiver of circling sharks.

VERRUCKT: Schlitterbahn Water Park, Kansas City, USA

Since Verruckt is the world’s tallest water slide, standing at a scary 168ft 7in, there are rules. Two or three people, weighing a total of between 400 and 500 pounds, slide at the same time in an inflatable raft. High demand means those who don't want to miss out on a turn must arrive first thing in the morning to make a reservation, which is a bonus as it means you can try out the other rides in the park while you wait. It appears the huge delays in its completion, with early tests seeing rafts filled with sandbags to replicate people flying off the edge, served only to make the slide even more appealing.

L2: Wave Water Park (Worgler Wasserwelten), Tyrol, Austria 

Anticipation is palpable as you stand with crossed arms in a clear tube waiting for the operator to begin the thrill ride through the world's first double looping slide. Once the trapdoor is open you fall feet first for 45ft to pick up the required speed for what's to come next, a gravity defying loop-the-loop... twice!

(dailymail.co.uk)