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Zoomarine Algarve

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Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)

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Zoomarine Algarve, located in Guia near Albufeira, is Portugal's premier marine theme park focused on marine biology and ocean conservation. Opened in 1991, the park successfully blends educational goals with entertainment, featuring dolphin and sea lion presentations alongside birds of prey demonstrations. A core element of the institution is 'Porto d'Abrigo', Portugal's first rehabilitation center for marine species, which treats stranded or injured sea animals. Geographically, the park is situated in the heart of the Algarve region, making it a top tourist attraction for families visiting southern Portugal. Beyond its animal exhibits, the complex includes water rides, a wave pool, and an artificial sand beach. Zoomarine is deeply involved in scientific research projects and environmental awareness campaigns aimed at protecting oceanic ecosystems. Visitors can engage in interactive programs designed to teach about marine ecology and the importance of species preservation. Economically, the park is a major contributor to the regional tourism industry, employing hundreds of staff during the peak season. The mission of Zoomarine remains the dissemination of knowledge about marine life while fostering a respectful attitude toward nature.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141415161820212221201715
Rain mm5554727138814247810178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Zoomarine Algarve is a large leisure park with shows, water slides, and an aquarium. The park is accessible both indoors and outdoors, with many activities for the whole family.
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Typical hours
The park is open seasonally: daily from spring to autumn, only on certain days in winter. Exact hours should be checked on the website.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, but not during shows to avoid disturbing the animals. There are no restrictions for personal photos outside shows.
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Time needed
Plan to spend a full day for a visit to enjoy all shows, slides, and the aquarium. With children, you can easily spend six to eight hours.
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Combine with
The park is located in the Algarve and can be combined with a beach day or a visit to the city of Albufeira. The nearby Benagil cliffs are also worth a trip.
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Getting there
The park is accessible by car or bus from surrounding towns. There is a large parking lot on site, and shuttle buses run from some hotels.
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Insider tip
Book your tickets online to get discounts and avoid queues. Pack swimwear and sunscreen, as there are water slides.

Geography

Coordinates
37.12830, -8.31900

Facts

  • Zoomarine officially opened on August 3, 1991, in the Algarve.
  • The park covers a total area of approximately 10.5 hectares.
  • The 'Porto d'Abrigo' center has rescued and treated hundreds of sea animals.
  • The artificial 'Zoomarine Beach' features a fully functional wave pool.
  • The park has been repeatedly voted the best theme park in Portugal.
  • Interactive dolphin programs like 'Dolphin Emotions' are a signature feature.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Armação de PêraArmação de Pêra5 km · SWExplore →
AlbufeiraAlbufeira8 km · SEExplore →
Benagil CaveBenagil Cave10 km · SWExplore →
Olhos de ÁguaOlhos de Água12 km · EExplore →
Silves CastleSilves Castle13 km · NWExplore →
CarvoeiroCarvoeiro13 km · WExplore →
Slide & Splash Water ParkSlide & Splash Water Park14 km · WExplore →
Krazy World ZooKrazy World Zoo16 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zoomarine Algarve (10)

Aquário Oceanus

Large aquarium with marine animals, part of Zoomarine Algarve theme park.

Habitat Cowabunga

Water play area with splash pads and small pools for children.

Porto d'Abrigo

Viewpoint in the park overlooking the lagoon and dolphin pool.

Habitat Jacaré do Missicipi

Observation platform above the alligator enclosure.

Árvore Milenar

Replica of a thousand-year-old tree, climbing and play structure.

Habitat Mississippiensis

Enclosure for Mississippi alligators with species information.

Waterfall and carp pond

Artificial waterfall with a carp pond, quiet area in the park.

Consciencia🏛 museum

Environmental education museum with interactive sustainability exhibits.

Zoomarine Algarve

Theme park in Guia, Albufeira, featuring dolphin shows and water slides.

Barco Pirata

Pirate ship play attraction for children with climbing and sliding.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction at Zoomarine?
The dolphin shows and the opportunity to swim with dolphins (prior booking required).
Are there swimming pools as well?
Yes, there is an area with pools, slides, and even an artificial beach.
How much time should you spend there?
You should plan for a whole day to enjoy all the shows and attractions.
Where is the park located?
In Guia, near Albufeira, directly on the EN125 national road.
Is the park open all year round?
No, the park is usually closed in winter (approx. November to February).
Zoomarine Algarve: where is it located?
Zoomarine Algarve is located in Algarve, Portugal.
Zoomarine Algarve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Aquário Oceanus, Habitat Cowabunga, Porto d'Abrigo.
Zoomarine Algarve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Zoomarine Algarve: why is it worth visiting?
Zoomarine Algarve, located in Guia near Albufeira, is Portugal's premier marine theme park focused on marine biology and ocean conservation.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Armação de Pêra — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Armação de Pêra
A former fishing village boasting one of the largest sandy beaches in the Algarve and spectacular nearby sea caves.
Albufeira — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Albufeira
Albufeira is the largest tourist center in the Algarve.
Olhos de Água — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Olhos de Água
A charming former fishing village in the central Algarve, named after the freshwater springs that emerge on the beach at low tide.
Carvoeiro — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Carvoeiro
A picturesque fishing village in the Algarve, where white houses cascade down a steep cliff to a small sandy cove.
Praia da Rocha — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Praia da Rocha
A spectacular beach featuring monumental rock formations, a vibrant nightlife, and the historic Santa Catarina fortress.
Portimao — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Portimao
Portimao is a well-known coastal city in western Algarve with large beaches and an active harbor.
Quarteira — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Quarteira
A lively coastal resort in the Algarve, famous for its daily fresh fish market and the extensive beachfront promenade.
Vale do Lobo — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Vale do Lobo
An exclusive luxury resort famous for its world-class golf courses, red cliffs, and one of the finest tennis academies in Europe.
Alvor — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Alvor
A charming fishing village featuring a protected lagoon, wooden boardwalks through a nature reserve, and a historic old town.
Loule — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Loule
Loule is a lively market town in the center of Algarve with a strong everyday character.
Monchique — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Monchique
An idyllic mountain town in the Serra de Monchique, renowned for its thermal springs, cork oak forests, and panoramic views from Fóia.
Lagos — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Lagos
A historic port city in the Algarve, known for its impressive cliffs, golden beaches, and lively old town.
🗺️
Montenegro
A charming civil parish in Faro, serving as the gateway to the beautiful Praia da Ilha de Faro and the Ria Formosa.
Faro — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and serves as the gateway to southern Portugal.
Luz — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Luz
A captivating seaside resort town in the Algarve, famous for its cliffs and beaches.

History & landmarks

Benagil Cave — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Benagil Cave
The Benagil Cave is a spectacular sea cave on the Algarve coast, famous for its circular ceiling opening.
Ria Formosa — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa in the Algarve is a vast system of lagoons and islands.

Nature

Ponta da Piedade Grottoes — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Ponta da Piedade Grottoes
A stunning headland near Lagos with spectacular rock formations, sea arches, and grottoes, best explored by boat.

More places

Culatra Island — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Culatra Island
Ilha da Culatra is one of the calm islands of the Ria Formosa in the Algarve.
Silves Castle — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Silves Castle
Silves Castle is the most important Moorish fortress in the Algarve.
Slide & Splash Water Park — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Slide & Splash Water Park
One of the largest and most popular water parks in Portugal, offering a wide variety of slides and attractions for all ages.
Krazy World Zoo — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Krazy World Zoo
An interactive zoo and amusement park in the Algarve, combining animal shows, a petting farm, and pools for a family fun day.
Serra de Monchique — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Serra de Monchique
The Serra de Monchique is a mountain range in the Algarve.
Serra de Monchique North — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Serra de Monchique North
The northern side of the Serra de Monchique is more forested and less developed for tourism.
Milreu Roman Ruins — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Milreu Roman Ruins
The Roman ruins of Milreu are near Faro and show the ancient history of the Algarve.
Estoi Palace — Zoomarine Algarve (Portugal)
Estoi Palace
This Rococo-style palace is located in the Algarve near Faro.