If you are looking for a fun family day out while you are on the Costa del Sol then the Sea Life Centre in Benalmadena will be right up your street. It is located right on the marina in the centre of town and its location really lends itself to the creatures that wait for you inside!
The Sea Life Centre is open daily from Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm (excluding Christmas Day, even sharks need a day off!) Tickets are just 9 Euros each if you buy online before you go, this saves you a fair amount of money as adults entry is usually 16.25 Euros and children pay 14.00 Euros. If you are really keen you can buy yourself an annual pass for 24 Euros that gives you 12 months unlimited entry and discounts in the cafe and gift shop.
The Sea Life Centre has a vast array of creatures on show including sharks, rays, seahorses, octopus, eels, otters and much more. There is plenty to look at and also plenty of interactive activities for children to get involved with. The ocean tunnel is one of the highlights where you walk right through with sharks, rays and fish all swimming above your head.
A new feature is the ‘Otter Oasis’ where you can view Asian short-clawed otters close up and learn about this endangered species. Feeding times are also fun; if you visit on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday you can watch the sharks and turtles being fed and the otters get fed 3 times daily (very greedy!) so you’ll be sure to see this. The centre also has a big focus on rescuing and protecting marine animals and there is lots of educational information about this as you walk around.
The Sea Life Centre is a great day out if you fancy a change from the beach or lazing by the pool. If you take a day trip to Benalmadena it is also really well located to have lunch or dinner on the marina and take in all the sights there. It is well managed and represents good value for money, particularly if you get your tickets online before you go.
