The one common denominator with family holidays, is deciding where to go…. to tire out the kids! How about a day with Dolphins, Parakeets, Crocodiles and Snakes? No, not on Safari in some far flung country, but right here on the Costa Del Sol, Benalmádena, Málaga province…where they can be safely tucked up in bed, exhausted, by nightfall! …. Satisfaction guaranteed, for everyone!
Port side out
The Selwo Marina is part of a package of three, that are made up of the Cable car, the Adventure Park and the one we visited last weekend, the Marina which was the basis for a day out for our village school. Not easy pleasing all of the kids, all of the time, but I think we managed it here!
You’ll find it close to the Marina in town, next to the Auditorium, with a large Car Park in front and plenty of spaces for everyone. If you buy a ticket on the Internet it is slightly cheaper, group discounts are available, 40 of us and we managed to haggle another couple of Euro off too but this may not be available to all!
Here are the INTERNET prices : ( Add another 1 Euro or so if you pay on the day.)
- AGED 10 TO 65: €17,00
- AGED 3 TO 9: €12,00
- AGED 65+: €12,00
Happy Dolphins
Happy Dolphins
What can we hope to see there?
The star of the show has to be the Dolphin spectacle. Also worth noting is the healthy state they are in, and the clarity of the water and pool – I observed the levels being checked at least twice during our day there. The show itself involved much leaping and diving with a lot of interaction from the trainers, who seem to have developed a special bond…the sheer strength and agility of the Dolphins will amaze you – but sit in the front row and you will get wet! Also at the water you can see the Sea Lion show…all the times of the shows are displayed by the ticket booth. For a fairly hefty extra fee of around €60,00 you may book a time – slot and actually meet the Dolphins and the Sea lions.
The Parrot show was good too – lots of colourful wings flying over our heads and the usual tricks and capers. It involved amongst others:
- Parrots
- Cockatoos
- Macaws
I wasn’t so keen on the other animal show, I don’t think the shy snakes, tarantula and the poor old armadillo appreciated being pushed out and handled…just a personal opinion.
In addition, you can see:
- Penguins
- Spider Monkeys
- Crocodiles
- Flamingos
Vibrant colours
Vibrant colours
What about eating there?
There are a couple of on site places to eat, the main restaurant inside the main gate which offers a Menu Del Dia for €11,95 for adults, and €7,90 for kids. It’s okay, standard fare, salad or pasta for starters, fish or meat for mains and your dessert and drink included…also on site a fast-food hut next to the playground, burgers, chips, pizzas – that sort of thing and also under €10 per head. We were booked into the restaurant on a group reservation, but if I were to visit again as a family, I think we would prefer to eat outside of the complex. By the way, the children’s playground is a nice area too, with a slide down into it, and lots of equipment. For €5,00 for 5 minutes you can be zipped into a huge plastic ball and make a complete fool of yourself trying to stand up in a swimming pool…seems like a short time, but 5 minutes in a plastic ball in the heat is quite enough! (Speaking of heat, it does get high temperatures down there, protect the kids and remember the sun hats and high factor sunscreen. Sounds obvious, but to forget them could ruin your whole holiday….)
Souvenir shopping
There’s a little souvenir shop too, where you can buy a reminder plush toy of your favourite Dolphin or Monkey – the usual mugs, fridge magnets and pens – and refreshments throughout the day are also available for all. A good day, still a little unsure if there is enough on site to occupy a family for a whole day, you an always walk down to the harbour and book the little train that loops around the seafront (€3,00) or just stroll and cast envious looks, I mean admire, the yachts that are moored there…
Hmm, which one is mine...?
Starboard home…
Then, afterwards, if you happen to have no handsome sailor to bring you aboard, how about some nice accommodation of your own? Have a browse through these holiday homes and see whether you feel tempted! There are lots of other days out in Benalmádena, including the Butterfly Farm. Not to mention the superb beach for lazy days making sandcastles.
Your little Indiana Jones or mini Steve Irwin can dream of their exciting day and wrestle some crocodiles or swim with dolphins in their sleep! Happy dreams!
