Zoomarine Algarve is a marine-themed park located on the EN125 national road at Guia, in the municipality of Albufeira, central Algarve, Portugal, combining zoological presentations, a dolphin habitat, sea lion and stingray habitats, water attractions, a wave beach, mechanical rides, a 4D cinema, and an aquarium within a single admission. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there, parking, accessibility, what is included, and practical tips for planning your visit.
To skip the detail and just book your tickets, head this way.
Last updated: April 2026. Two things many guides get wrong about Zoomarine: first, most describe it as a dolphin show park, significantly underrepresenting what the ticket includes — water slides, a wave beach, swimming pools, sea lion shows, mechanical rides, a 4D cinema, and a stingray habitat are all included in standard admission. Second, the park’s 2026 season runs to 28 November, not to the end of October as many guides suggest. The 2-day ticket — which gives a second visit valid up to 10 days after the first — is also absent from almost every guide, despite offering substantial value.
Quick facts: Zoomarine Algarve
| Season | 12 March – 28 November 2026 |
| Park hours | Check the Zoomarine app or zoomarine.pt/en/park-calendar for daily times |
| Adult gate price – low season | €32 (online from €28.90) |
| Adult gate price – high season | €41 (online from €34.90) |
| Junior/Senior gate price – low season | €22 (online from €18.90) |
| Junior/Senior gate price – high season | €31 (online from €26.90) |
| Children under 1m tall | Free |
| Low season dates | 12 Mar–31 May and 1 Oct–28 Nov |
| High season dates | 1 Jun–30 Sep |
| Address | Estrada Nacional 125, KM 65, 8201-864 Guia, Albufeira |
| Nearest public transport | Vamus bus; ‘Zoomarine’ stop 300 m from the park |
| Parking | Free on site |
| Typical visit duration | Full day (6–8 hours minimum) |
Zoomarine opening hours
Zoomarine is open from 12 March to 28 November 2026. Daily opening and closing times vary throughout the season and are published on the day-by-day park calendar. Because the calendar is image-based, specific times per day are most reliably checked through the free Zoomarine app (available on iOS, Android, and Huawei AppGallery), which also shows the daily timetable for presentations and attractions.
As a guide, the park generally opens at 10:00, with closing times varying from around 17:00 in shoulder months to 19:00 or later in peak summer. Low season runs from 12 March to 31 May and from 1 October to 28 November. High season runs from 1 June to 30 September. The park recommends spending at least one full day. Some attractions and restaurants have different opening hours from the park itself and may be closed at certain times of year.
Zoomarine ticket prices
The standard adult gate ticket (ages 11–64) costs €32 in low season and €41 in high season. Junior tickets (children aged up to 10 who are at least 1 metre tall) and senior tickets (ages 65 and over) cost €22 in low season and €31 in high season. Children under 1 metre in height enter free but must be included in the booking. Height is measured with shoes on at the park entrance.
Buying online saves money — from €28.90 for adults in low season and from €34.90 in high season. Online tickets can be purchased up to 15:00 on the day of the visit and are valid only for the specified date. If plans change, the date can be amended in line with the cancellation policy.
1-day fixed date ticket
| Category | Low season (gate) | Low season (online from) | High season (gate) | High season (online from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal (age 11–64) | €32 | €28.90 | €41 | €34.90 |
| Junior (≥1m, up to age 10) / Senior (65+) | €22 | €18.90 | €31 | €26.90 |
| Under 1m tall | Free | Free | Free | Free |
2-day fixed date ticket
The 2-day ticket covers a first-day visit on the specified date and a second visit valid for up to 10 days after that first visit. The second-day access must be purchased during the first visit at the Extra Fun Kiosk inside the park, before leaving. It cannot be obtained after exiting. The second visit uses biometric recognition (fingerprint) or an identification wristband issued on the first day.
| Category | Low season (gate) | Low season (online from) | High season (gate) | High season (online from) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal (age 11–64) | €44 | €39.90 | €53 | €45.90 |
| Junior / Senior | €34 | €29.90 | €43 | €37.90 |
1-day flexible ticket
A flexible ticket allows the visitor to choose any one day within the selected season without a fixed date. It costs €41 for adults and €31 for juniors/seniors. Flexible tickets are not transferable between seasons and are non-refundable.
Special entry tickets (gate only, with proof)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Disability ≥33% | €22 |
| Pregnant women | €27 |
Special entry tickets are only available at the park ticket office on the day of the visit, on presentation of a valid supporting document or pregnancy certificate.
Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
Five great things to do in the Algarve
- 🏝️ Stop at three incredible islands – on a Ria Formosa cruise from Faro.
- 🚙 On a jeep tour – explore the hidden secrets and mountains of the Algarve.
- 🌊 Jump, climb and splash – on a coasteering tour along the coastline.
- 🥧 At a baking class – learn how to make Portugal’s famous custard tarts.
- 🛶 Explore the Benagil sea caves – up close on a small group kayaking tour.
How to get to Zoomarine
The most practical way to reach Zoomarine is by car. The park is located on the EN125 at Guia, approximately 10 km from Albufeira, 8 km from Armação de Pêra, and 40 km from Faro Airport. From the A22 (Via do Infante) motorway, take the Guia or Algoz exit and follow signs to the EN125 and the park. The address for navigation is EN125, KM 65, Guia, Albufeira.
By bus, Vamus operates services along the EN125 with a dedicated ‘Zoomarine’ stop approximately 300 m from the park entrance. The nearest train station is Ferreiras, approximately 7 km away. From Ferreiras, a taxi or Uber is needed to reach the park. Uber and Bolt are widely available in the Albufeira area and serve the park directly. Private hotel transfers can also be arranged via local companies.
Parking at Zoomarine
Parking at Zoomarine is free. The park has a large free car park. The official advice is to note your parking location on arrival, lock the vehicle, and avoid leaving valuables inside. Zoomarine is not responsible for theft or damage to vehicles in the car park. Overnight parking and camping are not permitted.
How long to spend at Zoomarine
Zoomarine recommends spending at least one full day. Given the range of included content — multiple daily presentations with set times, water attractions, mechanical rides, habitats, restaurants, and the 4D cinema — six to eight hours is a realistic minimum for visitors who want to see the main presentations and try the water attractions. Families with young children may need to plan around nap and feeding times, which affects how much can be covered. The 2-day ticket is worth considering for visitors who want a more relaxed pace over two days within a 10-day window.
Accessibility at Zoomarine
Zoomarine is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility for the main presentations, aquatic attractions, and leisure areas. Some attractions and experiences, due to their nature and safety requirements, may limit access for any visitor regardless of mobility — this applies to all guests and is not specific to those with disabilities. The official site states that visitors with reduced mobility can attend zoological presentations, attractions, and other leisure areas. Visitors with specific requirements are advised to contact the park in advance at [email protected] or +351 289 560 300.
What’s included in the Zoomarine ticket
The standard admission ticket includes all of the following:
Presentations and shows
Dolphin presentation is the park’s flagship show, staged in the main amphitheatre. The dolphins used in the presentations are the same animals involved in the separate paid Dolphin Emotions experiences. The daily schedule is published on the Zoomarine app; the programme includes educational commentary on dolphin behaviour and marine conservation. Front rows closest to the water are likely to get wet.
Sea lion presentation features the park’s California sea lions in a dedicated stadium, with a programme covering their natural behaviours.
Bird of prey presentation includes a free-flying bird of prey demonstration, showcasing species in flight around the audience.
4D Cinema is an enclosed theatre attraction with a motion-simulation screen experience included in the general admission.
Zoological habitats
Stingray habitat allows visitors to observe stingrays in a dedicated open habitat. Interaction conditions vary; check the daily schedule on the app.
Aquarium contains a range of marine species in a walk-through display format. It is fully enclosed and provides a cooler environment on hot days.
Flamingo and other wildlife areas are accessible as part of the general park walk.
Aquatic attractions and pools
Zoomarine Beach is a wave beach — a wave-generating pool in a sandy beach setting — included in admission. A swimsuit and towel are required. Walking barefoot is permitted only in the beach and pool areas.
Water slides include a range of covered and open slides of varying speeds. Height requirements apply per slide; check signage at each attraction.
Swimming pools are open to all visitors as part of the general admission.
Mechanical and family attractions
The park includes a range of mechanical rides included in admission. Specific ride names and height requirements are listed on the Zoomarine app and at each ride entrance.
What the ticket does NOT include
The following are not covered by standard admission and must be purchased separately:
- Dolphin Emotions experiences (Encounter, Premium, and Exclusive programmes) — advance booking required at least 24 hours in advance; minimum age 6 or 8 years depending on programme; park admission is included in the Dolphin Emotions ticket
- Restaurant and snack bar food and drink
- Merchandise and shop purchases
- Rental services (such as towels, lockers)
- PhotoMemories photo package
Dolphin Emotions experiences (paid separately)
Three Dolphin Emotions programmes are available at additional cost, each requiring advance booking at least 24 hours before the session:
Encounter (60 minutes): In-water interaction with dolphins, with educational commentary from a trainer. Minimum age 6. Park admission included.
Premium (90 minutes): A longer programme with additional interaction elements. Minimum age 8. Park admission included.
Exclusive (91 minutes): The most in-depth programme. Minimum age 8. Park admission included.
Identity documents proving the participant’s age are required at check-in.
Practical visitor tips for Zoomarine
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Download the app | The Zoomarine app shows the daily presentation schedule and an interactive map. Presentation times are not published in advance on the website — the app is the most reliable source. |
| Plan around presentation times | The main dolphin, sea lion, and bird of prey presentations run at fixed times with limited stadium capacity (30 minutes before each show). Missing the schedule means waiting for the next session. |
| Buy online to save | Online tickets are cheaper than gate prices. They can be purchased up to 15:00 on the day of the visit. Fixed-date tickets can be rescheduled if needed. |
| Buy the 2nd day ticket inside the park | The second-day access for the 2-day ticket must be purchased at the Extra Fun Kiosk before leaving the park on your first day. It cannot be obtained after exit. |
| Book Dolphin Emotions in advance | Dolphin Emotions sessions require booking at least 24 hours before. Sessions sell out in peak season. |
| Front rows get wet | Seats near the water at the dolphin and sea lion shows can get wet. If this is a concern, choose rows further back. |
| Bring swimwear and a towel | The wave beach, water slides, and pools require a full swimsuit. Walking barefoot outside pool and beach areas is not permitted. |
| No glass or tents | Glass objects and canopies/tents are not permitted inside the park. Picnic areas with tables are available but cannot be reserved. |
| No pets | Pets are not permitted inside the park. Animals must not be left in vehicles due to heat. Guide dogs are permitted. |
| Lockers | Locker rental is available inside the park (not included in admission). Specific pricing is not listed online; check at the park shop. |
Frequently asked questions about Zoomarine
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Zoomarine open year-round? | No. The 2026 season runs from 12 March to 28 November. It is closed from December to mid-March. |
| Is the dolphin show included in the ticket? | Yes. The dolphin presentation is included in the standard admission ticket. The separate Dolphin Emotions in-water experiences are not included and must be booked and paid for separately. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | Advance booking is not required but is recommended to save money (online prices are lower than gate prices). Dolphin Emotions experiences require booking at least 24 hours in advance. |
| What is the minimum height for the water slides? | Height requirements vary by attraction. Children under 1 metre enter free but may not be able to use some slides. Check the app or signage at each attraction. |
| Is parking free at Zoomarine? | Yes. The car park is free. It is not surveilled; do not leave valuables in your vehicle. |
| Is Zoomarine accessible for wheelchair users? | The park is accessible for the main presentations, pools, and many leisure areas. Some attractions have restrictions that apply to all visitors regardless of mobility. Contact the park in advance for specific queries. |
| Can you bring your own food? | Picnic areas are available but cannot be used in restaurant areas. The useful information page does not explicitly prohibit bringing outside food to picnic areas, unlike the indoor park at Aquashow. Confirm with the park if in doubt. |
| What age can children take part in Dolphin Emotions? | Minimum age 6 for the Encounter programme and 8 for the Premium and Exclusive programmes. ID must be presented. |
| How far is Zoomarine from Albufeira? | Approximately 10 km by road; around 15 minutes by car, or reachable via Vamus bus with a stop 300 m from the entrance. |
| Is Zoomarine included in any tourist pass? | No. It is not part of the Go City Algarve pass or any equivalent scheme. |
Things to do near Zoomarine
Albufeira is approximately 10 km east. The resort town has a large central beach, an old town area, and an active marina with boat trips and dolphin-watching tours departing throughout the season. It is the most visited coastal resort in the central Algarve.
Armação de Pêra is around 8 km west. A long sandy beach, a fish market, and a 17th-century fortress chapel on the headland. It is quieter than Albufeira and a practical alternative for a beach afternoon before or after the park.
Guia town is immediately adjacent to the park. The small inland town is notable for Piri Piri chicken restaurants with several well-known restaurants lining the EN125. It is a practical lunch or dinner stop.
Praia da Galé is approximately 10 km west, a broad sandy beach between Albufeira and Armação de Pêra with calm water and fewer visitors than the main Albufeira beaches.
Silves is approximately 25 km north-west. The historic inland town has a Moorish castle, a Gothic cathedral, and a riverside area with restaurants. It suits a half-day excursion for visitors staying in the Albufeira area.
What to visit tomorrow: marine parks and animal attractions near Zoomarine
Slide & Splash, Estombar (Lagoa) is approximately 35 km west. The largest dedicated water park in the western Algarve, with a full range of slides, pools, and water attractions. A practical second-day option for families who want a water-focused day after Zoomarine.
Aquashow Park, Quarteira is approximately 25 km east. The Algarve’s other major water and theme park, with over 20 attractions including a wave pool, tube slides, mechanical rides, and a Flash Coaster.
Krazy World, Algoz is approximately 20 km north-west. An interactive zoo and activity park combining animal habitats and interactions (including lemurs, reptiles, wallabies, and macaws) with pools, mini golf, and a spray park. Well suited to families with younger children.
Lagos Zoological Park, Barão de São João is approximately 60 km west. A privately run zoo in a rural setting with primates, big cats, reptiles, and birds. Smaller and quieter in tone than Zoomarine, but a practical option for an animal-focused second day in the western Algarve.
Badoca Safari Park, Vila Nova de Santo André is approximately 120 km north, on the Alentejo coast. A drive-through and walk-through safari park with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and other African savannah species. At roughly two hours from Albufeira, it suits visitors travelling between the Algarve and Setúbal or Lisbon.
More Algarve travel
Other Algarve travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Why the Algarve’s Benagil Cave is best seen on a kayak tour.
- Praia da Marinha visitor guide: What you need to know about the Algarve’s top beach.
- The best way to see the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
- All you need to need to know about visiting the Sagres Fortress on the Algarve.
- What to see when visiting Loulé Castle on the Algarve.
