Benalmadena: Selwo Marina Admission Ticket

If you’re planning a day out in Benalmádena and considering a visit to Selwo Marina, you’re in the right place. This attraction promises a fun, educational experience centered around marine animals like dolphins, penguins, and sea lions. While we haven’t been ourselves, we’ve gathered enough insights from travelers to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What we really appreciate about Selwo Marina is its focus on both entertainment and education. Visitors often mention how engaging the animal shows are — especially the dolphins performing their cartwheels and the penguin feeding sessions. Plus, the relatively affordable entry fee of $18 makes it accessible for many travelers. One possible downside is that the space isn’t huge, so if you’re expecting a sprawling zoo, this might feel a little compact. Overall, it’s a great pick for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a relaxed day of sightseeing in Benalmádena.

This tour suits those who want a blend of cute animal encounters, lively shows, and some easy-going outdoor exploration. If you’re traveling with kids or simply love marine life, you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy here. Just keep in mind that it’s best to check the opening hours in advance, as it’s a one-day ticket with specific times.

Key Points

• Affordable Entry: At about $18 per person, this ticket offers good value for a day filled with animal sights and shows.
• Focus on Marine Animals: Dolphins, penguins, and sea lions are the main stars, with opportunities for educational talks and interactions.
• Compact but Well-Organized: The park isn’t huge, but it’s laid out in a way that makes viewing and exploring manageable.
• Engaging Shows and Talks: Visitors love the dolphin cartwheels, penguin feedings, and variety of educational presentations.
• Well-Cared-For Animals: Multiple reviews mention the animals seem happy and healthy, and staff are friendly.
• Good for Families and Animal Enthusiasts: It’s especially appreciated by visitors traveling with children, but enjoyable for all ages.
• Check Availability: As it’s a one-day activity, checking opening hours and availability beforehand is recommended.
• No Food or Drinks Allowed: Remember, outside food and drinks aren’t permitted inside, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect at Selwo Marina

When you arrive at Selwo Marina, you’ll find yourself in a lively marine environment where the main focus is on interactive animal experiences. The park is designed to showcase a variety of Amazonian and Caribbean wildlife, so the habitats are vibrant and colorful, mimicking their natural settings as much as possible.

Animal Encounters and Shows

The highlight for many visitors is watching the dolphin shows. These are quite lively, with dolphins performing impressive cartwheels and jumps. People rave about how talented and playful the dolphins are, making it a must-see for animal lovers. The penguin feeding sessions on Ice Island stand out as well; it’s a rare opportunity to see these adorable birds close-up and learn about their habits.

The sea lions often put on entertaining displays, and there’s also a variety of exotic birds flying freely in designated areas. Throughout the day, there are educational talks about the animals’ natural environments and conservation efforts — a nice touch that adds value beyond just the entertainment.

Interactive Experiences

If you’re up for a closer connection with the animals, Selwo Marina offers Unique Experiences like the Encounter with Dolphins or the Penguin Experience. These options, typically paid separately, allow for more personal interactions, which many visitors find memorable and worth the extra cost.

Park Layout and Atmosphere

The park isn’t sprawling but is designed to maximize views and access. Several reviewers describe it as “not very big but well set out,” meaning you can see everything comfortably within a few hours. There are shaded areas and seating, which are handy if you need a break or to escape the midday heat.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Check opening hours before your visit to plan your day accordingly.
• Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially during peak summer months.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for photos — the animals and shows offer plenty of photo-worthy moments.
• Respect the rules: Food, drinks, pets (except assistance dogs), bikes, glass objects, and scooters are not allowed inside.
• Consider upgrading to interactive experiences if you’re keen on a more personal animal encounter.

The Visitor Experience: What People Are Saying

Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and the quality of animal care. One visitor mentioned, “The animals all seemed happy and well looked after,” which is reassuring if you’re concerned about animal welfare. Others enjoyed how compact the park is, noting that it’s perfect for a relaxed visit without the exhaustion of large zoos.

The dolphin shows often receive high praise. One reviewer said, “The dolphin show was brilliant,” emphasizing how entertaining and well-organized the performances are. For those interested in education, the talks about the animals are appreciated, especially since they’re presented in both Spanish and English.

A common observation is that the value for money is good, especially given the variety of animals and shows included. However, some mention that food and drinks inside the park can be pricey, so bringing snacks (if allowed) might be a good idea.

Practical Considerations and Limitations

While Selwo Marina provides a solid experience, it’s worth noting that space is limited compared to larger parks or zoos. If you’re looking for a sprawling animal park or multiple days of exploration, this might not fully satisfy those expectations. Since it’s mainly a marine-focused attraction, terrestrial animals and larger exhibits are less prominent.

The one-day ticket inclusion means you’ll want to make the most of your visit. The park’s opening hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to see shows, participate in talks, and enjoy animal encounters.

Price-wise, at $18, many think it’s reasonable, especially when you consider the entertainment value and educational content. Still, some reviews point out that food costs are high, so plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Selwo Marina is particularly well-suited for families with children, as kids love animals and engaging shows. It’s also great for animal enthusiasts looking for a relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re traveling on a budget, the ticket price offers decent value, especially with the chance to see animals perform and learn about conservation.

However, if you’re seeking extensive walking, large exhibits, or a wide variety of terrestrial wildlife, you might find this experience somewhat limited. Also, those who prefer a more comprehensive zoo experience might want to combine this with other attractions in the area, like the Benalmádena Cable Car or Selwo Aventura park.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Selwo Marina in Benalmádena offers a charming, animal-centered outing that balances fun and education. Its affordable price point combined with entertaining shows and close-up animal encounters make it an appealing choice for a relaxed day out.

While it’s not enormous, its well-thought-out layout and caring environment make it a worthwhile stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want to experience marine life up close. The park’s emphasis on conservation education can also leave you with a little more appreciation for these incredible creatures.

In the end, this experience is best if you’re after a family-friendly, manageable outing with plenty of opportunities for animal interaction, without the hassle of large crowds or lengthy visits.

FAQs

Is the ticket valid for the whole day?
Yes, the ticket is valid for one day, so you can enjoy the park at your own pace during its opening hours.

Are there any age restrictions for the animal encounters?
While specific age restrictions aren’t detailed, many experiences like dolphin or penguin encounters are designed to be family-friendly, typically suitable for most ages with supervision.

Can I see all the animals during my visit?
Most visitors find that, despite its smaller size, the park offers a good variety of animals, and the layout allows you to see everything comfortably.

Is Selwo Marina wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the experience.

Are there food options inside?
Yes, but reviews suggest that food and drinks can be pricey, so consider bringing snacks if you prefer to save.

What is the best time to visit?
Mornings are usually less crowded, and arriving early helps you enjoy shows and animal interactions with fewer people around.

Can I take photos of the animals?
Absolutely. The animals are often in vibrant habitats, perfect for photos, so bring your camera or smartphone.

Is this experience suitable for a full day out?
Typically, visitors spend around 2 hours here, so it’s manageable as a half-day activity. For a full day, you might want to combine it with nearby attractions like the cable car or other parks.

To sum it up, Selwo Marina in Benalmádena offers a neat, affordable glimpse into marine wildlife with lively shows, close encounters, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s especially great if you want a relaxed, family-friendly activity that combines fun and learning without overwhelming you with size or complexity.

You can check availability for your dates here: