Zoomarine Algarve

Zoomarine is the Algarve's big family day out: part marine park, part amusement park, part water park, all on one site in Guia, ten minutes inland from Albufeira. Most families give it a full day and still don't see everything.

Where it is and how to get there

The park sits on the N125, the old coast road, between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra. From Albufeira it is about 15 minutes by car, from Faro Airport around 40 minutes on the A22 motorway, and there is a large free car park at the entrance. Without a car, the easiest options are the park's own shuttle buses from the main resorts in high season, a taxi from Albufeira, or a tour that bundles transport with the ticket.

What there is to see and do

The presentations are the reason most people come. Dolphins, sea lions, seals, tropical birds and birds of prey each have their own arena and a timetable that is handed out at the gate, so plan the day around the shows you don't want to miss. Around them you'll find an aquarium, a 4D cinema, a small collection of rides for younger children including a big wheel and a carousel, and a wildlife area with reptiles, amphibians and rescued animals from the park's marine rehabilitation centre.

The other half of the park is water. There is a sandy beach around a large pool with gentle waves, slides for different ages, and plenty of shade and sunbeds, so bring towels and swimwear even if you think you'll only watch the shows. Restaurants and kiosks are inside the park; you can leave and come back the same day with your ticket.

Dolphin Emotions

Zoomarine's best-known extra is Dolphin Emotions, a supervised session in the water with the dolphins. There are three levels: Encounter (around an hour, from age 6), Premium (about 90 minutes, from age 8) and Exclusive (90 minutes in a smaller group, from age 8). It costs well over the standard entry and sells out weeks ahead in July and August, so book it before you travel.

Tickets and opening times

Zoomarine is seasonal. It usually opens in spring and closes in early November, with daily opening in summer and reduced days at the start and end of the season, so check the calendar for your dates. Adult entry bought online starts at around €29, children and seniors pay less, and under-fives go free. Booking online is cheaper than the gate and skips the queue.

The official site is zoomarine.pt, where the show timetable and the Dolphin Emotions availability are published.

Tips for the day

Arrive at opening: the first dolphin presentation is the least crowded, and the pools are empty until lunchtime. Bring sun cream and hats, because most of the walking is in the open. If you are staying in the eastern Algarve, the trip is long enough that one of the water parks nearer to you may be the better choice for small children, and Zoomarine works as the one big day out.