How can I get to Zoomarine Algarve without a car?

Zoomarine offers paid shuttle transfers from many towns across the Algarve, including Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos, and Faro. You can also reach the park by taxi, rideshare, or bus — check local routes in advance for public transport options.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the park?

You are not permitted to bring large meals or coolers into the park, but light snacks and water are allowed. Zoomarine also offers a variety of restaurants, kiosks, and picnic areas inside the park.

Does Zoomarine have parking?

Yes, Zoomarine offers ample free parking for visitors, including designated areas for buses and disabled guests.

Are there lockers available at Zoomarine?

Yes, lockers can be rented near the changing areas and at Zoomarine Beach. They’re perfect for storing valuables, towels, and extra clothes.

What language are the shows presented in?

Shows are typically multilingual, with narration and screens in Portuguese and English, and sometimes Spanish. Animal presentations focus more on visuals and interactions, so they’re enjoyable regardless of language.

Is there a lost and found?

Yes, lost and found services are available at the Guest Services desk near the main entrance. If you lose something during your visit, report it as soon as possible.

Does Zoomarine close in bad weather?

Zoomarine operates rain or shine. However, for safety reasons, some rides and outdoor shows may be temporarily suspended in the event of heavy rain, wind, or thunderstorms. Indoor attractions like the 4D cinema and aquarium remain open.

Is the park accessible for guests with reduced mobility?

Yes, Zoomarine is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms, ramps, and reserved seating areas for shows. Wheelchairs may also be available for rent at the entrance (subject to availability).

Can I bring my pet to Zoomarine?

No, pets are not allowed, except for certified assistance dogs, which are permitted in most areas of the park.

Zoomarine Algarve: Marine Life, Rides & Dolphin Shows

Did you know?

Porto D'Abrigo, established by Zoomarine in 2002, serves as Portugal's first Rehabilitation Center for Marine Species, focusing on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine animals in collaboration with the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity.

Zoomarine collaborates with esteemed institutions such as the Marine Megafauna Foundation and universities like the University of Évora and the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, to support conservation efforts and raise awareness about threatened marine species.

Environmental initiatives like the 'Montanha Verde' operation, launched by Zoomarine's 'Together We Protect' philosophy, have planted over 134,000 trees across eight Algarve municipalities since 2016, promoting community involvement in preserving natural landscapes.

Zoomarine Algarve zones

Butterfly and botanical garden

The Butterfly Garden is a 300 m² tropical habitat filled with butterflies from across the globe, from the lush rainforests of Central America to the remote corners of Southeast Asia. Here, more than 70 species of exotic plants support the full butterfly life cycle, allowing you to witness caterpillars becoming butterflies in real time.

Zoomarine Algarve map

Oceanus Aquarium

Zoomarine’s Oceanus Aquarium takes you on a journey through over 20 aquatic ecosystems from around the world. You’ll encounter everything from the native seahorses of Portugal’s Ria Formosa to tropical coral reef dwellers like the clownfish.

The Américas

Wander through a tropical environment in The Américas, a habitat that brings you up close with the incredible fauna of the American continent. This free-roaming zone, surrounded by dense vegetation, allows for quiet encounters with species such as macaws, parakeets, and burrowing owls.

Tortoise habitat

Tucked within a calm, leafy corner of the park lies Zoomarine’s Tortoise Habitat, a peaceful environment designed to mimic the natural terrain of these ancient reptiles. With rocky outcrops, lush vegetation, and a small pond, this zone is home to two different species.

Rides & attractions at Zoomarine Algarve

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Jurassic River

Age group: Ages 5+ (best for families and adventurous kids)
Ride type: Water raft adventure

Embark on a wild journey through a prehistoric world! Zoom through waterfalls and dense jungle terrain as life-sized dinosaurs appear around every bend. Nearly 500 meters of twists, splashes, and surprises await you on this thrilling rafting adventure through the age of the dinosaurs.

Farol (Lighthouse tower)

Age group: Ages 6+ (ideal for kids and pre-teens)
Ride type: Drop tower

Hold on tight! This ride takes you up, drops you down, and gives you a few bounces for good measure. At 6 meters tall, Farol is the perfect introduction to drop rides, thrilling enough to raise your heartbeat, but gentle enough for younger adrenaline chasers.

Cinema 4D

Age group: Ages 4+ (great for all ages)
Ride type: 4D movie experience

Step into a world of immersive storytelling with motion seats, surround sound, wind, water sprays, and other special effects. The 4D cinema offers short films that blend fun and learning, perfect for a relaxing break from the action.

Harakiri

Age group: Ages 8+ (great for teens and daring adults)
Ride type: Extreme water slide

Speed, height, and adrenaline collide on Harakiri — one of Zoomarine’s most thrilling slides. Standing 18 meters tall with dual tracks for racing fun, this high-speed challenge will have you flying down on a double board. A must for thrill-lovers!

Búfalo

Age group: Ages 3–10 (fun for families with small kids)
Ride type: Mini roller coaster

Tiny coaster, big fun! This 4.5-meter-tall mini roller coaster takes families on a bumpy ride through twists and curves, just fast enough to bring smiles to little ones and spark nostalgia for grown-ups.

Zoomarine Express

Age group: All ages
Ride type: Family train ride

Hop on the Zoomarine Express and explore new corners of the park from a relaxing, scenic train. It’s a great way to rest your feet, take in the sights, and spot the next adventure.

Big Wheel

Age group: Ages 3+ (best for families and scenic lovers)
Ride type: Ferris wheel

Take to the skies on this 26-meter panoramic wheel and enjoy the best view in the park. Perfect for photos, family moments, or a peaceful escape above the action below.

Pirate Ship

Age group: Ages 6+ (great for older kids, teens, and parents)
Ride type: Swinging ship

Climb aboard a legendary pirate ship that sways to a daring 70-degree angle! This high-adrenaline ride recreates the feeling of being at sea, thrilling and fun, without needing to get wet.

Zoomarine Beach

Age group: All ages
Ride type: Wave pool & artificial beach

Relax, play, or ride the waves — all in one place! Surrounded by fine white sand, Zoomarine Beach is the ultimate chill-out zone where families can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy beach games. Lifeguards are on duty, making it safe for children too.

Coconut River

Age group: Ages 4+ (perfect for families)
Ride type: Lazy river

Float your way through 400 meters of tranquil water, surrounded by cliffs, waterfalls, and tropical scenery. It’s the perfect slow-paced ride for families wanting to unwind together while still soaking up the fun.

Who designed Zoomarine Algarve?

Zoomarine Algarve was the brainchild of Pedro Lavia, a Portuguese-Argentine engineer, who brought a bold and visionary concept to life in the Algarve.
Born in Argentina in 1940 and later a Portuguese national, Lavia had over four decades of experience working with dolphins across Latin America.
After arriving in Portugal in 1988, he envisioned something beyond a typical theme park—a marine education and entertainment destination modeled loosely after SeaWorld, yet uniquely rooted in conservation and regional culture.
Under Lavia’s guidance, Zoomarine has grown from a small marine park to a 26-hectare educational entertainment hub.

Zoomarine Algarve photos

Aerial view of Zoomarine Algarve showcasing water park attractions and dolphin pools in Portugal.

Tourist descending waterslide at Zoomarine Algarve water park, Portugal.

Dolphin show at Zoomarine theme park in Algarve, Portugal.

Architecture & design of Zoomarine Algarve

Dolphin show at Zoomarine Portugal with audience watching from stadium seats.

Rather than adopting a traditional theme park layout, Zoomarine weaves its attractions into a Mediterranean landscape filled with palm trees, rock formations, and winding paths that mimic the natural flow of coastal ecosystems.

The architecture throughout the park reflects an organic, ocean-inspired aesthetic. Amphitheaters for the dolphin and sea lion presentations are built to resemble open-air lagoons, using gentle curves and natural materials.

Water attractions like Zoomarine Beach and the Rapid River are also harmoniously integrated into the landscape. Instead of flashy designs, these zones feel like natural extensions of the Algarve coastline, with white-sand shores, gentle wave pools, and tropical vegetation creating a relaxed, island-like atmosphere.

Zoomarine rides

History of Zoomarine Algarve in a nutshell

In 1991, Lavia founded Mundo Aquático SA and opened the first Zoomarine in Portugal on August 3 ,1991, in Guia, Albufeira. Zoomarine was one of the first parks in Portugal to combine entertainment with environmental awareness. From its beginnings with just a dolphin show and aquarium, it has grown into a 26-hectare park with dozens of attractions.

Over the years, Zoomarine became a leader in marine life education in the region. In 2002, it opened Portugal’s first marine animal rehabilitation center. In 2017, it eliminated the use of single-use plastics on-site, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.

Today, Zoomarine is recognized not only as a fun-filled day out but also as a symbol of responsible tourism in the Algarve.

Porto d’Abrigo: Portugal’s first marine rehabilitation center

Children interacting with a dolphin at Zoomarine, showcasing a unique marine life experience in Portugal.

At the core of Zoomarine’s conservation efforts is Porto d’Abrigo, Portugal’s first dedicated Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center, established in 2002. Created in collaboration with the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), this pioneering facility is staffed by a skilled team of veterinarians, biologists, and caregivers who work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured or stranded marine animals.

Since opening, Porto d’Abrigo has provided lifesaving care to hundreds of creatures, from sea turtles and seabirds to dolphins. Each patient receives expert medical attention and tailored treatment. The ultimate goal is to return every animal to its natural environment in full health, helping preserve marine biodiversity along Portugal’s coast.

Plan your visit to Zoomarine