Zoos and an Oceanarium in Alicante
Alicante – One of the Best Resorts to Visit with Kids
As we all know, little travelers can’t sit still and are always on the lookout for suitable entertainment. That’s why today, the Alicante.rent team is here to tell you about the zoos in the province’s surroundings, why you should visit the Alicante safari park, and the nearby aquarium. We’ve been working for over 10 years and regularly consult families with children on vacationing in this region.
Are There a Zoo and an Aquarium in Alicante Itself?
A common question is 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 or aquarium here. However, tourists sometimes confuse local small exhibitions or animal shows with such parks. For a truly interesting experience, it’s worth venturing outside the city—within a 40-90 minute radius, you’ll find various zoos and an aquarium.
The Best Zoos Near Alicante
Terra Natura Zoo
Terra Natura (Benidorm) is a zoo with a high standard of animal care and one of the most famous parks in the region. It operates on the concept of a “zoo without cages”: animals live in spacious enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats. Right next door is Aqua Natura (Alicante Water Park), so you could say these are two parts of the same complex. The park is home to over 1,500 animals of various species, many of which are rare or endangered. Additionally, several thousand plants grow here.
The park covers more than 36 hectares and is divided into five zones: Pangea, America, Asia, Our Sea, and Europe. Each zone features animals and plants characteristic of that climate. There are information stands for visitors with detailed info about the species. There are also interactive areas for kids and rest spots. It’s best to arrive in the morning to avoid long lines, and we recommend buying tickets in advance.
Benidorm address: Foia del Verdader 1. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM, closing times may vary. Check the official website for up-to-date schedules. By the way, it’s better to buy tickets online, but note that the Russian version of the site may not always open.
The park is 43 kilometers from Alicante. You can get there by car or public transport. By car—1 minute off the AP-7 motorway or N-332 highway. From Alicante—exit 65A. You can also take a train and then a bus: take the tram to Benidorm, and from there, city buses 001, 042, or 015 go to Terra Natura. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the stop to the park entrance.
Safari Park Safari Aitana
Safari Aitana is a safari-style park that makes a great alternative to a classic zoo. Here, you can get acquainted with animals and birds almost as closely as on a real safari. There are two routes: one for pedestrians and one for cars. The driving route includes several fenced-off sections with predators and herbivores. The animals can walk or run just a few meters from your car, and their freedom is not restricted by enclosures. If you choose this route (about 7 km long), it’s not recommended to leave your vehicle. The pedestrian path is a smaller area (mini-zoo and walking trails) for viewing animals and close interaction with smaller species. There’s also an excellent restaurant, a children’s playground, and a barbecue area on-site.
The safari operates approximately from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in winter and to 7:00 PM in summer. Ticket prices are 25 euros for adults and children over 11, 21 euros for kids aged 4-10, and free for children under three. Exact hours and ticket prices can be found on the official website. The easiest way to get there from Alicante is by car—the journey takes about 55-70 minutes, either via the toll road AP-7 or the free N-332, then follow signs to CV-785. There is parking on-site. Public transport is possible, but there’s no direct route. Usually, our guests take transport to the nearest town, Torremanzanas, and then a taxi to the park.
Rio Safari Elche Zoo
Rio Safari Elche is another safari-style zoo near Alicante. It opened in 1982. You move around the park on specially equipped trains. This zoo has a crocodile farm, an aquarium, a terrarium, and regular sea lion shows. Up-to-date event info can be found at riosafari.com.
The safari park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with possible seasonal changes—summer hours are usually extended to 8:00 PM. Tickets cost 22.50 euros for adults, 17 euros for children aged 3-12, and are free for kids under two. You can get there from Alicante by bus or train to Elche.
Mundomar Aquarium and Nearby Marine Parks
Looking for an aquarium in Alicante? Then head to Mundomar. This is a large marine park with diverse fauna. Here you can see exciting dolphin and sea lion shows. There are also many exotic birds, interactive shows, and feedings. It’s located in Benidorm, Alicante province. The marine park opened in 1996.
This place is suitable for visiting with children over 4-5 years old and anyone who loves interacting with marine life. Note that you can only buy fast food on-site, so if you prefer healthy eating, bring your own lunch. There are plenty of equipped picnic areas.
The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from May to November, and only on weekends during the rest of the year. Schedules may change by season—check the website for details.
The fastest way to get to Mundomar is by private car or taxi. For our apartment guests, the trip from Alicante takes about 40 minutes (50-52 km). A one-way taxi ride costs between 70 and 90 euros. Another option is to take a bus to Benidorm and then transfer to city buses (001, 010, 011) and get off at the park stop.
If your goal is a large-scale aquarium with a world-class exhibition, it’s better to go to Valencia and visit L’Oceanogràfic—the largest oceanographic park in Europe dedicated to marine flora and fauna. If you don’t have time for a separate excursion but still want to get acquainted with the sea, we recommend visiting The Ocean Race maritime museum in Alicante’s old port. It offers diverse exhibitions about The Ocean Race regatta, tells sailors’ stories, and more.