Selwo Marina Marine Park Ticket Benalmadena Malaga

Selwo Marina in Parque de la Paloma, Benalmádena

Selwo Marina sits inside Parque de la Paloma, one of the largest green parks on the Costa del Sol, in the seaside district of Benalmádena Costa. The park around it is a pleasant place in its own right, with lawns, a lake, shady paths and free-roaming rabbits and ducks, so families often arrive early and spend a little time there before or after the visit. The marine park itself is compact and easy to walk, with paved paths that link each habitat.

Many visitors ask how to get to Selwo Marina from Malaga. Benalmádena is about 20 minutes by car or taxi from the centre of Malaga, and the suburban train stops at Arroyo de la Miel, a walk of around 15 minutes from the park. If you are staying in Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Fuengirola, it is an easy outing for a morning or an afternoon.

Penguins on Ice Island

The highlight for most visitors is Ice Island, the cold, glass-fronted enclosure where penguins live in a setting of rock, snow and chilled water. Through the glass you can watch them waddle across the rocks, dive and shoot through the pool, and gather noisily when the keepers arrive. Penguin feeding is one of the scheduled moments of the day and is well worth planning around, so check the day's timetable at the entrance.

The keepers' talks explain where each species comes from, how they survive in the wild and the threats they face from warming seas and overfishing. Children love being so close to the birds, and the cool air of the enclosure is welcome on hot Andalusian afternoons. For a closer look, the park sells optional encounters with the penguins, paid on site and subject to availability.

Sea lions, tropical jungle and exotic birds

Beyond Ice Island, the visit continues through habitats inspired by the Amazon and the Caribbean. The sea lions are a favourite: agile in the water, playful and very vocal, they are easiest to watch during the presentations in their pool area, when the keepers explain their training, their diet and how they are cared for. Bring your camera, as they often swim right up to the viewing side.

The jungle areas are planted with lush tropical vegetation, and the bird zones show off brightly coloured species, some flying freely overhead. Each area has information panels and many host short talks during the day, so the visit mixes fun with learning about conservation. Is Selwo Marina worth visiting? For families with children up to about twelve, and for anyone who enjoys animals, it is one of the most popular family days out near Malaga.

Planning your visit and the combo options

The park opens at 10:00 on its seasonal calendar; the booking panel shows the dates available. Allow three to four hours to see everything without rushing and to catch at least one feeding and one talk. Food, drinks, glass objects, bikes, scooters and pets are not allowed inside (assistance dogs are welcome), and minors must be accompanied. Tickets are by height: adults from 140 cm, children from 100 to 140 cm, and under 100 cm enter free.

Two combo options make the day bigger. The Benalmádena cable car leaves from beside the park and climbs to the summit of Mount Calamorro, with sweeping views over the Costa del Sol and, on clear days, towards Africa. The larger combo also adds Selwo Aventura in Estepona, a wildlife adventure park with over 2,000 animals. All attractions in a combo must be visited on the same day.