Zoomarine Algarve: our experience at Portugal's most famous park
- e-Vai Por Mim 🌍 Clau Parra
- Jul 27
- 5 min read
Visiting Zoomarine in the middle of the Algarve summer is one of those experiences that refreshes and lingers in your memory! Our visit took place in July, during one of the hottest weeks of the season—and we couldn't have chosen a better destination for a refreshing, fun-filled day.
Where is Zoomarine in the Algarve?
Zoomarine is located in Guia, Albufeira , Algarve, and is considered one of Portugal's top theme parks. In 2025, the park was voted Portugal's Best Theme and Amusement Park for the 8th time at the Publituris Portugal Travel Awards. A true source of Algarve pride! See the map below for directions.
What to expect from the visit?
Zoomarine Algarve combines water attractions, marine animal shows, themed areas, an aquarium, carousels, and much more. The experience is designed for all ages—from young children to adults and seniors. The park is fully adaptable.
We started the day at the pools and slides , which are perfect for cooling off from the Algarve's 40-degree summer heat. Then we explored the themed areas and the aquarium —with colorful fish, turtles, otters, flamingos, penguins, and much more. The grounds are well-maintained, and there are always educational panels on marine conservation.
Park structure and attractions for all tastes
Zoomarine offers a mix of experiences to suit all ages, from water parks and thrill rides to incredible shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, tropical birds, and raptors. But be careful: the park is large, and there are many shows with set times . If you don't plan ahead, you might miss some of them, as most only happen two or three times a day .
🎟️ Talvez por isso o ingresso para o segundo dia tenha um super desconto! Você pode adquiri-lo por um valor bem menor e usá-lo até 10 dias após a primeira visita. Uma excelente oportunidade para ver com calma o que ficou de foraThe shows are the park's strong point
Overall, it's easy to see that Zoomarine's main focus is the shows — and thank goodness they are truly incredible!
The dolphin show is the real highlight of the visit. It's moving to witness the intelligence, delicacy, and rapport between the animals and their trainers. The message of marine conservation is clear and moving. e-Vai Por Mim Tip : when you arrive at the park, go straight to check the show times and plan your day around that.
In addition to the dolphins, the shows featuring sea lions, tropical birds, and birds of prey are also very well produced and engaging—well worth seeing!
Dolphin Emotions: the magical experience with dolphins
We also had the chance to attend a session of the Dolphin Emotions program , a paid activity that allows you to interact directly with dolphins in shallow waters.
💶 Prices range from €125 to €180 , depending on the type of interaction and duration (which ranges from 60 to 90 minutes). Even just watching from the outside, you can already sense that it's a magical, unique, and moving experience —ideal for those who want something truly unforgettable. Our friend João, who tried it, says it was " very moving ."
A curious detail: tents in the park?
Something that caught my attention was seeing several families bringing their own tents to the park —yes, it's very common here! Instead of paying for bungalows or lounge chairs, people set up their own structures and have shade all day. It's functional and economical...📸 But it's beautiful, it's not! It has that improvised camping feel, which clashes a bit with the park's aesthetic. But it's understandable for those who want to spend the day in comfort and without spending extra.
Where to eat at Zoomarine
Inside Zoomarine, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your hunger throughout the day. The park has snack bars scattered throughout the area, offering everything from quick bites to light meals. There are also several ice cream and snack stands for those looking for a refreshment or a snack between attractions. It's a great way to replenish your energy and continue enjoying the park without leaving the main area.
What's worth it (and what wasn't worth the queue)
Given the heat, we started with the wet rides, which was great because the park was still pretty empty. Here are our impressions of the rides we tried:
✅ It was worth every minute in line:
Iguaçu Roller Coaster : thrilling! The drops are super fun and be prepared... you'll get soaked! 😂
Harakiri : a double slide with an inner tube, full of adrenaline. One of the day's favorites.
Quetzal : Another very cool, fast, and fun slide. Ideal for those who enjoy speed and water.
❌ It wasn't worth the wait:
Jurassic River : The idea is good, but the execution leaves something to be desired. The ride is slow, unexciting, and the dinosaurs are visibly poorly maintained—some with visible foam and torn structures. A bit disappointing for a park of this size.
Dinossauros com "feridas"do Jurassic River rsrs.
How much does it cost to visit Zoomarine?
You can purchase discounted tickets online on the official website. As of July 2025, the prices were:
Adult (11 to 64 years old) : €38.00 / with discount: €32.30
Junior (≥ 1 meter up to 10 years old) : €28.00 / with discount: €23.80
Senior (from 65 years old) : €28.00 / with discount: €23.80
🎫 Official website for purchase: zoomarine.pt
Is Zoomarine worth visiting?
Yes, definitely! It's a complete tour, combining fun, nature, environmental education, and moments of pure emotion. We had the joy of sharing this experience with dear friends from Brazil and also with those who follow our journey here in Portimão —which made it all the more special.
If you're planning what to do in the Algarve this summer, include Zoomarine on your itinerary. Trust me: it's a must-see!
Did you enjoy the content? Have you already visited Zoomarine or are you interested in visiting? Take advantage of these tips and plan ahead.
And if you want more honest and real tips about the Algarve in Portugal, click here: I WANT MORE TIPS ABOUT THE ALGARVE
A hug and see you next time.
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Clau Parra
Hi! I'm Clau, mother of Rafa — this beautiful little thing who is always with me on
adventures out there.I'm a tourism expert, marketer, and passionate about discovering the world in all its forms. Traveling is about getting lost, and it's the best way to find yourself. I've been to four continents, and in every corner, I've brought with me
a new way of seeing life.
Here, I want to inspire you with these stories, share honest tips, behind-the-scenes travel experiences, and reflections from those who experience tourism as a profession and essence.
If you love traveling with purpose and believe that each destination has something special to teach, come with me on this journey!
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