Things to do in the Algarve, Portugal:

Zoomarine

To book To book please ring Chris on (00351) 96 455 3693 when you are in Portugal or, to book ahead, email Chris at chris@algarve-retreats.com

Your tickets will be sent direct to your home address - please remember to take them with to the Algarve when you travel.

Enjoy an entertaining day out at the fascinating Zoomarine Park.  Discover the mysteries of the sea through a range of exhibitions and shows featuring dolphins, seals, sharks and other exotic marine life. 

See the spectacular Dolphin show, Peter Pan in "Never Never Land" performed with Seals and Sea Lions and experience the colour of the magical bird shows and visit the aquarium. 

 Relax in the tranquil gardens or enjoy the different amusement rides in the park such as the big wheel, the pirate ship and the mini roller coaster.  There are swimming pools for both adults and children and a variety of shops and restaurants, all of which make Zoomarine an excellent day out for all the family.

Last but not least, there is also an unique opportunity to feel and share the world of the dolphin through the Dolphin Emotions Experiences which is described more fully below.  

Opening Hours:

19.03.2012 - 01.07.2012  10:00h - 18:00h

02.07.2012 - 31.08.2012  10:00h - 19:30h

01.09.2012 - 04.11.2012  10:00h - 18:00h

*you must be a minimum of 6 years old or, if you are 6 or 7 years old, you may take part as long as you are accompanied by another participant aged 16 years or older (please bring your passport/ID which will be checked during booking in).  Please see other requirements listed below.

Dolphin Emotions Experiences details:

Numbers are restricted for the Dolphin Emotions Experiences and early booking is advised if you wish to take part in this programme. 

Here you get the chance to meet the Dolphins at close quarters,  learn more about these wonderful creatures.  Participants are able to enter the water under expert supervision  and get to know the Dolphins while taking part in sequences of aquatic behaviour - an unforgettable experience.  In the special and restricted environment of the Lagoa Azul, guests spend time with bottlenose dolphins and also learn about the many environmental problems facing dolphins throughout the world. 

The Dolphin Emotions Experiences lasts approx 1.5 hours. For the first 40 minutes or so there is a talk on dolphins and the environment (spectators wait outside). The Emotions Experiences participants then get changed into wetsuits and spend approximately 30 minutes in the water with the dolphins and trainers, doing a series or coordinated tasks. This is undertaken as a group session with a maximum of 12 people in the group.

Requirements:  

In order to take part in this programme you must:

be at least 6 years old (this is strictly applied and passport/ID is checked)

Children aged 6 or 7 years must be accompanied by another participant aged 16 years or older (this is strictly applied and passports are checked)

not be pregnant

know how to swim

be in good physical shape and not suffer from any serious physical or psychological limitations (as this may limit the capacity to fully understand instructions and/or perform the aquatic activities

Participants must be at the Emotions Experiences point one hour before the session time to register and be given the rules for the Emotions Experiences: all objects must be removed including glasses.

The use of the wetsuit or vest provided by Zoomarine is compulsory; personal swimwear must be worn underneath. All instructions given by the Zoomarine professionals must be strictly followed and the dolphins treated with respect to avoid any attitude or behaviour that could harm or excite them. The participants need to stay calm at all times.

 The visitor, who has already purchased the ticket to the Theme Park, can buy  the Accompanying Spectator ticket at cost of €2.00 from inside the park.

last updated April 2012

for a fantastic opportunity to these wonderful creatures in their natural habitat

book your Dolphin Seafari trip with Algarve Retreats

Would you like more suggestions?  Take a look at our Things to do in the Algarve and Places to go in the Algarve sections for loads of ideas of what to do and where to go