Zoomarine Algarve - The complete Guide
Zoomarine Algarve is a popular theme park. Learn everything you need to know about Zoomarine Algarve, including attractions, prices, hours, tips for planning your visit, and more.
Zoomarine Algarve - When did it open?
Zoomarine Algarve is located in Guia, Albufeira. The park opened its doors for the first time on August 3rd, 1991.
When Zoomarine opened its doors, the main attraction was Sam & Cher. These two bottlenose dolphins were born in captivity and trained as young dolphins to perform tricks and create strong bonds with their trainers.
Sam, the Male dolphin, was known to be very intelligent and enjoyed putting on a show for visitors. He is also the father and grandfather of most of the dolphins born at Zoomarine Algarve.
Cher, the female dolphin, known for her ability to perform tricks through hoops, dancing, and tricks in the air.
Sam & Cher were very popular with visitors and helped make Zoomarine Algarve the successful theme park today.
We still remember watching Sam & Cher dancing ‘The Lambarda’, diving through the air from one side of the pool to the next.
Unfortunately Sam & Cher died in the early 2000s, but they are still remembered today. The Dolphin Show Arena has been renamed Sam’s Stadium as a tribute.
Zoomarine Algarve is one of the main Theme Parks of the Algarve, offering a variety of marine shows, bird shows, rides and attractions.
What to Expect When You Visit Zoomarine Algarve?
This marine park in the Algarve is not just a place to see spectacular marine life shows; it’s an immersive experience where families can enjoy thrilling rides, relax in pools, and learn about the ocean’s precious inhabitants and their habitats.
Zoomarine is more than an amusement park; it is a place where conservation meets entertainment, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with and learn about marine life, all while having a memorable day.
Zoomarine Algarve Opening Times
What time does Zoomarine in Guia Algarve Open? Is Zoomarine open all year round?
Zoomarine has specific opening hours and days throughout the year.
Our marine friends need their well-deserved rest over the winter. Zoomarine Algarve Park will be closed from 01/12/2024 until March 2025.
It is important you check the opening times before you plan your visit to Zoomarine.
WHERE CAN I BUY MY ZOOMARINE TICKET?
Planning Your Visit to Zoomarine Algarve
Best Times to Visit
Choosing the right time to visit Zoomarine Algarve can greatly enhance your experience. While the park is a year-round destination, the summer months of June through August offer the full range of shows and attractions, making it the peak season. However, for those looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed visit, the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October provide milder weather and shorter lines, without compromising on the fun.
It’s also wise to check the park’s schedule in advance, as opening days and hours may vary throughout the year. Planning your visit around the park’s peak times can help ensure you get the best experience possible, with ample time to enjoy all that Zoomarine has to offer.
Facilities and Services
Zoomarine Algarve is designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient visit for all guests.
The park features a range of dining options, from quick snacks to sit-down meals, catering to various tastes and dietary requirements.
Gift shops located throughout the park offer a selection of souvenirs, from fluffy toys to educational books, allowing visitors to take a piece of their Zoomarine experience home with them.
The park is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, with ramps and designated viewing areas ensuring everyone can enjoy the attractions. Families with young children will find ample facilities, including changing rooms and stroller rentals, making for a hassle-free day out.
Zoomarine Attractions and Shows
Zoomarine Algarve is centered around its spectacular marine life shows, featuring dolphins, seals, and sea lions.
These performances are not only entertaining but also educational, offering insights into the behaviors and skills of these amazing creatures. The dolphin shows, in particular, are a must-see, showcasing the incredible intelligence and agility of these marine mammals in a series of choreographed routines that leave audiences in awe.
Beyond the marine shows, the park houses a fascinating aquarium where visitors can marvel at exotic fish, sharks, and other marine species, offering a window into the underwater world. The bird shows are another highlight, where eagles and falcons soar through the sky, demonstrating their hunting prowess and incredible flight skills.
We have outlined a list of everything you can do at Zoomarine.
To find out all the details for each attraction, just click on the name of the attractions or shows.
The park is divided into several areas, including;
Can you swim with dolphins at Zoomarine Algarve?
Yes, you can swim with the dolphins. Zoomarine Algarve has a Dolphin Emotion Program with 3 options available to suit everyone and all ages.
This is an experience you do not want to miss out on. To be able to interact with these beautiful, intelligent mammals.
It is highly recommended that you pre-book your Dolphin Emotions in advance.
Dolphin Emotions Encounter – Zoomarine Algarve
A new program designed especially for children over the age of 6 years old.
Ideal for children who do not know how to swim or are not comfortable in deep water.
6 or 7 year olds must be accompanied by a participant over the age of 16.
The program is approximately 60 minutes.
Includes an educational period where the children get to know the history, facts, environment, and other interesting facts about bottlenose dolphins.
After the educational tutorial, it’s time to meet the dolphins!
They will spend approximately 20 minutes in the pool under the supervision of Zoomarine trainers.
Here, they will have their first contact with a bottlenose dolphin.
They will share some moments of affection and learn a couple of training moves to perform.
All this is done in the shallow end of the pool at an ideal depth for young children.
The Dolphin Emotions Encounter experience includes Free entry to the Theme Park; a Participation Certificate; Photos (1x individual printed + 3x digital format).
The group only has up to 10 children at a time.
How Much does it cost to swim with dolphins?
Low Season – 09/03 – 31/05/2023 & 01/10 – 25/11/2023
Buying your ticket Online – 125 euros
Buying your ticket at the Park – 137 euros
High Season – 01/06 – 30/09/2024
Buying your ticket Online – 145 euros
Buying your ticket at the Park – 157 euros
Dolphin Emotions Premium – Zoomarine Algarve
This program is ideal for over 8-year-olds, it is mandatory that you know how to swim. you will be swimming in shallow and deep water.
The Dolphin Emotions Premium is the best value program with a duration of 90 minutes.
You will receive an educational tutorial about bottlenose dolphins, including their habitat, behaviors, etc.
It is time to meet the dolphins you will spend 35 minutes interacting with the bottlenose dolphins and performing an aquatic behaviour sequence.
The Dolphin Emotions Premium experience includes; Free entry to the Theme Park; a Participation Certificate; Photos (1x individual printed + 5x digital format); Video of the session (digital format).
The group only has up to 12 participants at a time.
PRICES
Low Season – 09/03 – 31/05/2024 & 01/10 – 25/11/2024
Buying your ticket Online – 155 euros
Buying your ticket at the Park – 167 euros
High Season – 01/06 – 30/09/2024
Buying your ticket Online – 175 euros
Buying your ticket at the Park – 187 euros
Dolphin Emotions Exclusive – Zoomarine Algarve
This is the same program as the Dolphin Emotions Premium but, it’s an exclusive private lesson program with only 2 people participating at a time.
It is possible to add a 3rd person to the program.
PRICES
Buying your ticket Online for 2 participants – 872 euros
Buying your ticket at the Park for 2 participants – 969 euros
3rd person ticket
Buying your ticket Online – 198 euros
Buying your ticket at the Park – 218 euros
What shows can I see at Zoomarine Algarve?
- Dream & Fantasy – Dolphin Show. A show that highlights the relationship of trust between trainers and dolphins.
- Sea Adventures Seals & Sea Lion Show. Travel the world and discover the seals and sea lions that inhabit our seas.
- Flying Colours – Tropical Birds show.
This show includes Macaws, parrots, and cockatoos revealing the color, sounds, and other secrets of the magical forest.
- Wings of the World – Birds of Prey Show. You will be able to see where hawks, eagles, and owls.
- Pirates Bay – An acrobatic show full of fun and many pirates.
Aquarium
The aquarium is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, a variety of fish and sea turtles.
You can watch the animals up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
The Aquarium is open throughout the day.
Zoomarine 4D cinema
At the moment the 4D movie is ICE AGE – NO TIME FOR NUTS.
You will be given 3D glasses when you enter the cinema. you must return them on your way out
The movie shows how Scrat travels in time to search for his beloved nut while being zapped by a time machine.
During the movie, you will feel the wind and even feel the water splashing on you whilst you join Scrat on his adventure.
Make sure you check the movie schedule & times when you arrive at the park so you do not miss out on this fun 4D movie!
There are several viewing times throughout the day.
Water Rides & Pools
The Aquatube & Body Slide are fun water slides. Unfortunately, if you are under the height of 1.20m you are not allowed on these slides.
From the 01/06 – 30/109/24 you will be able to try;
- The Coconut River – A slow 400 metre river, that will take you through the tropical vegetation, 8 metre waterfalls and cliffs.
- Fantasy Island – Ideal for the young ones. they will have their own mini water slides.
- Treasure Island – Also designed for childrens, where they can play on the treasure island park with slides and activities.
All the pools are salt-watered pools.
There is a large main pool, but the main attraction is the artificial beach with a wave pool.
Children have their own pool and play area ideal for small children.
Butterfly Garden
In 2022 zoomarine opened the Butterfly garden.
Walk along the trail, see the exotic species of butterflies, of different sizes and colours.
They will flutter about you and even land on your shoulder, your hand or on your clothing.
Please do not harm the butterflies.
There are information leaflets within the garden so you can learn about the metamorphosis of butterflies.
The variety of plants and flowers that fill this garden house the perfect environment for you to witness, up close, the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly.
Commencing from egg to caterpillar, from pupa to adult butterfly.
Restaurants at Zoomarine Algarve
You have a variety of choices of restaurants at the park. There are a few restaurants to choose from. Next to the pool area you have fast food restaurant such as burger and Fries, baguettes and snacks.
In front of the Dolphin Show arena you have a large indoor eating area.
You can also choose from pizza, charcoal chicken piri piri, tacos burgers etc.
In front of the 4D Cinema the restaurant offers set dishes with a variety of choice, such as vegetarian, meat dish or a fish dish.
Throughout the park you will also find snack stands for ice-creams and drinks.
Buying meals at the park can be costly especially if you are a family.
Can I take food into Zoomarine?
There is a grass picnic area near the pool area. You can take your own food and drink. Please do not take glass into the park.
There are also several picnic tables throughout the park. You will always find a place to have your meal.
Are there lockers at Zoomarine?
You can rent lockers to store your bags, you do not have to carry your things with you the whole day.
You can easily get to Zoomarine from all locations in the Algarve. Click on the map below to and insert your location to get the best and fast route to the park.
Zoomarine’s Conservation Efforts
At its core, Zoomarine Algarve is deeply committed to the conservation of marine life.
The park plays a critical role in the rehabilitation of injured or sick marine animals, with a dedicated team working tirelessly to nurse these creatures back to health before releasing them back into the wild.
Visitors to Zoomarine are not only entertained but also educated on the importance of preserving our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
Tips and Tricks for a Memorable Visit
A day at Zoomarine Algarve is sure to be filled with fun, learning, and unforgettable memories. To maximize your experience, consider these tips:
- Arrive Early: Getting to the park as it opens can help you beat the crowds, especially during peak season. This allows you to enjoy the popular attractions before the lines get too long.
- Plan Your Day: Take a few minutes to review the park map and show schedules. Prioritize your must-see shows and attractions, and plan your route around the park to minimize backtracking.
- Pack Smartly: Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan on enjoying the water attractions, don’t forget your swimwear and towels. Lockers are available for rent to store your belongings.
- Stay Hydrated: The Algarve sun can be intense, especially in the summer months. Keep hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water, which is available at various points around the park.
How do I get to Zoomarine Algarve from my location?
Zoomarine Algarve is the perfect Theme Park if you’re looking for a unique experience or traveling with kids. We’ll tell you everything you need to know!
