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Algarve holiday experience for all the family at Zoomarine - Albufeira
There is also an aquarium, exhibition centre and areas to see various types of animals. To cool off in the heat of the day there are a couple of swimming pools, bars and restaurants. Zoomarine is firmly aimed at children, but it is a great family day out and a welcome holiday diversion from the beach or sightseeing, especially for the kids. At around € 70 entrance fee for a family of four, it also represents good value for money.
However, bear in mind that in high season it can become very packed.
Shows and attractions at Zoomarine - Albufeira
There are entertaining shows repeated throughout the day (although less regularly out of season). Each show lasts about thirty minutes and there are enough of them to keep you going all day. If you want a good seat then get to the show early as they can get packed. Keep off the blue seats if you want to keep dry though!
The most popular shows are those with the dolphins and with the seals and sea lions (if you don’t know the difference between a seal and a sea lion, you’ll find out here). If you’ve been to Sea World in Florida, don’t expect these shows to be as grand as they are there, but they are all well done and very entertaining.
Apart from the aquatic shows there are also tropical bird and bird of prey shows.
Wandering around Zoomarine, you’ll find various areas where you can visit animals such as seals and alligators, parrots and flamingos in more natural habitats. There is also an aquarium with an interactive section for children and a children’s play area. If you want to see some of the projects undertaken by Zoomarine, have a look in the Exhibition centre and there’s also a 4D cinema, which shows a digitally animated information film – an amazing experience.
After all that education, you’ll be ready for a sit down for something to eat or drink in one of the restaurants and cafes. These are plentiful and are also pretty good value for money.
Further entertainment for the kids is provided by a number different fun fair rides. These are all free and include a rollercoaster, pirate ship, big wheel, log flume and an altogether more sedate kid’s train and a carousel.)
It can get pretty hot at Zoomarine, and there is not a lot of shade to be found. You may be glad therefore to find they have two large free outdoor swimming pools to cool you down. So don’t forget your swimming costumes and towels.
Dolphin Interaction Programme at Zoomarine AlbufeiraNot something I have tried, but people rave about it as an unforgettable experience. For 2007, it will cost you € 140 per person, so it’s not cheap and you’ll have to be 8 years or older to take part (take proof of age, just in case).
Despite the cost it is very popular, and in the summer it is definitely best to book in advance, to avoid disappointment (phone up – they speak good English). If you do book on the day, you may well spend a long time queuing, and there are no guarantees you’ll get a slot for that day. If you don’t get a slot, you can book an alternative session on another day (and you will be able to get in for free for your session).
In the summer, if you can, then book your session early before it gets too hot and busy.
You are allowed to take two spectators into the interaction area free of charge. A spectator may be accompanied by 2 children (under the age of eight). Additional spectators will need to purchase a spectator ticket.
What do you get for your money? Well, you’ll spend about half an hour with a trainer talking to you about dolphins and conservation, and why this is better for dolphins than taking a dolphin watching boat trip. You’ll find out what to expect and what you can and can’t do when you get in the water. You will be provided with a wetsuit (to go over your swimming costume), a towel and a locker.
Divided into groups of 6, you get to spend between 30 and 40mins in the water with the beautiful dolphins, swimming with and being pushed around by them.
Zoomarine will take some great photos of your experience. You can purchase these and/or a DVD afterwards, and are not that expensive, so well worth having.
Booking Zoomarine - AlbufeiraYou do not need to book in advance for entrance into the park and you can pay at the gate or through an agent. However, you can book Zoomarine at most hotels and all travel agencies or book over the phone with a credit card.
It’s worth shopping around for the best prices before you book. Apparently the Modelo supermarket is usually cheaper.
Once you are in then all activities are free. The only thing you’ll have to pay for is food, drinks and gifts.
If you do want to take part in the dolphin interaction programme, it is very worthwhile booking this in advance, as it is very popular. You can do this with a credit card over the phone.
Getting to Zoomarine - AlbufeiraIt is not really worth considering Public transport to get there. Luckily Zoomarine run their own free buses from all the major tourist areas across the Algarve. You can pick up information at your hotel or local travel agents.
If you are travelling by car, then it’s worth arriving early before all the coaches when it’s less busy.
Useful InformationAddress: Zoomarine, Estrada Nacional 125. Km 65. Guia.Albufeira, Algarve 8200-864 Portugal Opening Hours
It opens at 10am daily and stays open until early evening. (7.30pm in the height of the season).
Under 4’s are FREE Under 11’s and over 64’s: € 12.50 Over 11's but under 64’s: € 20.50 Zoomarine website: http://69.51.6.177/
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