Visited 2007
Zoomarine is what would probably be called a Theme Park. However it is small compared to some, features living creatures more than fun-rides and, for me, was one of the highlights of last year's holiday to Portugal. We stayed in Albufeira on The Algarve which is the Southern coast of Portugal. Zoomarine was about a 10 minute coach ride from Albufeira .
BOOKING
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You can book a visit through most of the local hotels and travel agents, book on-line or just pay an entrance fee on the day. We booked through our hotel, and paid a little more to include the transport there and back.
You can book by phone on (+351)289 560 306
PRICES
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Entrance fee for an adult was 21.50 euros or 25.50 euros if you are booking the transport also. Children aged between 5 and 10 years old and senior citizens paid 13 euros whilst the under 5's were free. If you wanted to take part in the dolphin interaction the fee was140 euros and 8 euros for anyone accompanying you as a bystander. Apart from the drinks, food and shopping, everything else inside was free.
OPENING TIMES
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From the 26-3 until the 01-07 Zoomarine is open 10 am until 6pm
From 2-7 until 14-9 it is open 10am until 7.30pm
From 15-9 until 31-10 it is open 10am until 6pm
ZOOMARINE, The Algarve , Portugal .
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Zoomarine is located somewhat off the beaten track, although it is not far away from larger resorts. As you enter through the turnstile you will have your photograph taken, unless you decline, as we did. I assume there is a fee for this but I am not sure. If you pick up an information booklet, either when booking or on arrival, it should include the layout of Zoo marine. It has almost a circular shape to it.
The sections are:-
4D Cinema
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Although our coach arrived at 11.45am and did not pick us up until 6pm we did not have time to visit the 4D cinema. Still we would love to return and if we do this will be our first stop next visit. Apparently it is a movie which uses state of the art digital special effects to explore three of the greatest dangers facing man and the earth today. These are global warming, deforestation and the destruction of the ocean habitat. The show runs on the hour and half hour so you do need to work out a rough plan if you want to visit everything.
A journey into the world of fantasy
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This includes two sections. One is the dolphin show which is truly spectacular and was our favourite. The three trainers and, the stars of the show, the Dolphins, perform a great routine. It was breathtaking and everyone really enjoyed it . Children and adults alike seemed to be impressed equally. The warm up clown was hilarious and got the audience, including us, into a fun mood. There is then a section designed to resemble a pirate ship where a 'play' is performed with trainers, seals and sea-lions. This was funny and very entertaining. As a pirate looked set to be made to walk a high plank a small girl behind us was heard to shout, with relish, 'Push her off'. Priceless.
Twice a day you can watch the sea-lions and seals being fed also.
An encounter with the magic of the forest
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This includes a tropical birds show and a bird of prey show. These are held in two separate parts of the site, but close to each other. Some members of the audience are willingly involved at times.
Discover the fascination and mysteries of nature
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A visit to the aquarium is a must. Here you can see sharks, turtles and a strange array of fish. It is not a large aquarium but was a much bigger display than we imagined it would be. There many tanks in the aurium and it is interesting and entertaining. As you wander around Zoomarine you will also come across crocodiles, turtles, sea lions and a manatee.
Dive into fun and adventure
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There is a section with green areas where you can picnic or just relax and these areas have three outdoor swimming pools which are suitable for adults, children or babies. Here is where the fun-rides can be found. They include a big wheel, pirate boat , mini roller coaster and merry-go-rounds. There is a small log flume ride situated near the birds.
Preserve marine life
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A small science exhibition is designed with the aim of promoting conservation.This was the least impressive display but was still interesting.The problem was the information here was all in Portuguese and so wasted on us. There is also a new rehabilitation centre. This will house any injured, exhausted or sick marine animals which are found on the Portuguese coast.
Feel the emotion of the oceans and the Dolphin
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interaction programme
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This requires booking and has some special requirements. If you are thinking of booking you will need to check the small print for this one. read more