Zoomarine

Inland from Guia, a few kilometres from the Albufeira coast, Zoomarine has been the Algarve’s marine theme park since 1991. It mixes shows, aquariums and water rides with an explicit mission of environmental education, and on a summer day its pools and shaded walks fill with families escaping the beach for an afternoon.

A park built around the sea

The park’s heart is its dolphin family, seen in daily presentations and, on booked programmes, in the water; seals and sea lions, tropical birds and birds of prey fill out the schedule. There is an aquarium of local Atlantic species, a 4D cinema, and a set of water attractions — a wave pool, lazy river and slides — that make the park a full day out in the heat. Zoomarine presents itself as more than entertainment: its education programmes and animal-care work are part of the visit, and the park sits amid the low hills of the Albufeira municipality, a short drive from the resorts of Albufeira and the coast of Algarve.

What to see

• Dolphin, seal and sea lion presentations
• The aquarium of Atlantic and local species
• The wave pool, slides and water attractions
• Birds of prey and tropical bird displays
• Shaded gardens and picnic areas

Practical information

Zoomarine lies near Guia, in the Albufeira municipality of the central Algarve, a short drive from the coast resorts and served by the region’s roads. Summer days are hot and shaded seating fills early: bring sun protection, swimwear for the water rides, and check the official website for session times before visiting.

Image credit: Zoomarine Algarve 06 by Joseolgon — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.