Zoos and an Oceanarium in Alicante

Alicante is one of the best resorts for families with children. As you know, young travelers can’t sit still and immediately look for suitable entertainment. Therefore, today we, the team of Alicante.rent, will tell you about the zoos in the vicinity of the province, why you should visit the Alicante Safari Park and the nearby oceanarium. We have been working for over 10 years and regularly provide advice to families with children on vacations in this region.

Is there a zoo and an aquarium in Alicante itself?

There is often a question whether there is a traditional zoo in Alicante (Spain) or a large aquarium in the city. The answer is simple: there is no classic zoo and no aquarium either. But tourists sometimes confuse local small exhibitions or shows with animals with similar parks. To get interesting impressions, it is worth going outside the city, within a radius of 40-90 minutes you will find different zoos and an aquarium.

The Best Zoos Near Alicante

Terra Natura Zoo

Terra Natura (Benidorm) is a zoo with a high level of animal care. It is also one of the most famous parks in the region. It operates according to the concept of a “zoo without cages,” where animals live in spacious enclosures in a natural environment. Nearby is Aqua Natura (the Aquapark in Alicante), which can be considered two parts of the same facility. The park is home to over 1,500 animals of various species, many of which are rare or endangered. In addition, several thousand plants grow here.

The park covers an area of over 36 hectares and is divided into five zones: Pangea, America, Asia, Our Sea, and Europe. Each zone features animals and plants characteristic of that particular climate zone. The park also has information boards for visitors, providing detailed information about the animals and plants on display. There are also interactive areas for children and places to relax. It is recommended to arrive in the morning to avoid long queues, and tickets should be purchased in advance.

Benidorm is located at Foia del Verdader 1. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m., but the closing time may vary. You can check the current schedule on the zoo’s official website. It is recommended to purchase tickets online. However, keep in mind that the Russian version may not always be available.

The park is located 43 kilometers from the city of Alicante. You can get to the park by car or public transportation. By car, it takes 1 minute from the AP-7 motorway or the N-332 highway. From Alicante, take exit 65A. You can also take a train and then transfer to a bus: take a tram to Benidorm, and then take a city bus numbered 001, 042, or 015 to Terra Natura. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop to the park entrance.

Terra Natura Zoo

Safari Aitana Safari Park

Safari Aitana is a safari-style park that is a good alternative to a classic zoo. Here, you can get up close and personal with animals and birds, just like on a real safari. There are two routes: one is for walking, and the other is for driving. The part that can be driven includes several fenced-off areas with both carnivorous and herbivorous animals. Moreover, they can walk or run just a few meters away from the car, and their freedom is not restricted, as there are no enclosures. If you choose this route (approximately 7 kilometers long), it is not recommended to get out of the car. The walking path is a small area (a mini-zoo and walking trails) for viewing animals and interacting with small species. Additionally, the park features an excellent restaurant, a playground, and a barbecue area.

The safari is open approximately from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer. The ticket price for adults and children over the age of 11 is 25 euros, while children between the ages of 4 and 10 can enter for 21 euros. Children under the age of 3 can enter for free. The exact opening hours and ticket prices can be found on the official website. The easiest way to get to these places from Alicante is by car, and the journey takes approximately 55-70 minutes. You can take the toll-free AP-7 highway or the free N-332 highway, and then follow the signs to CV-785. There is a parking lot available. Public transportation is also an option, but there is no direct route. Therefore, our guests usually take a taxi to the nearby town of Torremanzanas and then a taxi to the park itself.

Safari Aitana Safari Park

Rio safari Elche Zoo

Rio safari Elche is another safari-style zoo in the vicinity of Alicante. It was opened in 1982. The zoo is accessible by specially equipped trains. The zoo features a crocodile farm, an aquarium, a terrarium, and regular shows featuring sea lions. For the latest information on events, please visit riosafari.com.

The safari park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There may be seasonal changes in the schedule, and in summer, the opening hours are usually extended to 20 hours. Adults must pay 22.50 euros for a ticket, children aged 3 to 12 must pay 17 euros, and children under 2 years old can visit for free. From Alicante, you can take a bus or train to Elche.

Rio safari Elche Zoo

Mundomar Oceanarium and nearby marine parks

Are you looking for an aquarium in Alicante? Then head to Mundomar. It is a large marine park with a diverse fauna. Here you can see an exciting show of dolphins and sea lions. Also, this park has a lot of exotic birds, and there are regular interactive shows and feedings. It is located in the city of Benidorm, Alicante province. This marine park was opened in 1996.

This place is suitable for visiting with children over 4-5 years old, and for anyone who likes to interact with marine life. Please note that the only food available on site is fast food, so if you prefer a healthier diet, it is recommended to bring your own lunch. There are also many designated picnic areas.

The Oceanarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May to November, and only on weekends during the rest of the year. However, the opening hours may vary depending on the season. For more information, please visit the website.

Mundomar Aquarium

The fastest way to get to Mundomar is by car or taxi. It usually takes about 40 minutes (50-52 km) for our guests to travel from Alicante to their destination. If you take a taxi, the one-way trip will cost between 70 and 90 euros. Another option is to take a bus to Benidorm and then transfer to a city bus (001, 010, 011) at the park stop.

If your goal is a large aquarium with a world-class exhibition, it is better to go to Valencia and visit L’Oceanogràfic. This is the largest oceanographic park in Europe dedicated to marine life. If you don’t have time for a separate tour but still want to explore the sea, we recommend visiting The Ocean Race Museum in Alicante. Located in the old city port, this museum offers a variety of exhibits related to the Ocean Race regatta, including stories about sailors and more.