Are you planning a visit to the Costa del Sol? How about getting away from the beach and pool for a few hours? If you have an interest in animals and nature, read on to find some great excursions and days out that will keep the whole family entertained. Further information and booking details on these are available in most hotel reception areas and online.
Born To Be Wild Eco Tour
Fancy a jeep safari off the beaten track? Discover the real Andalusia on a day trip through the nature reserves and picturesque whitewashed villages that are just a few miles from the coast but are largely unknown by tourists. You will be collected from your resort and travel in a convoy of army-style jeeps, accompanied by knowledgeable and entertaining English-speaking guides. This is a trip not to be missed!
Crocodile Park, Torremolinos
Crocodile species have survived since the age of the dinosaurs, over 200 million years. A visit to the crocodile park lets you get to see these monstrous, very dangerous creatures up close and personal. You may even get the chance to handle a small one for a photo opportunity. Amazingly, the guide at the park even climbs into the pens with the crocodiles, some of which are over 20 feet long! Rather him than me! You can book online for a 25% discount. This is an entertaining and fascinating day out.
River Walk, Benahavis
No more than 15 minutes from Marbella, inland a couple of miles you will find what is known locally as the River Walk. There is no neon sign…just look for a lot of cars parked at the side of the road with no obvious explanation as to why. Park up, hide your keys and change into swimming gear. Head down into the gorge (follow the sound of excited shouts) to discover a large natural pool surrounded by smooth, high rocks. This is the beginning of your two hour, unaccompanied nature trek downriver. You will come across natural waterfalls, slides, deep water, shallow water, little frogs and fish…even a gorge carved from solid rock with a boulder wedged precariously at the top. It is honestly as exciting as it sounds. If you are not the strongest swimmer, you will need some sort of float and everyone needs to wear water shoes. When you get out downriver you will be about fifteen minutes walk from your car. Please note this attraction is completely free!
Sea Life, Benalmadena
Right on Benalmadena Port the Sea Life Centre offers visitors a very informative and entertaining few hours away from the heat of the sun. Open from 10 AM until 6 PM every day, you can view over 2,000 sea creatures – some you can touch and even feed. You will walk through an underwater glass tunnel with sharks swimming overhead. There is also a play area for smaller children and a snack bar/cafe.
Bioparc, Fuengirola
Situated in the centre of Fuengirola, this is billed as one of the finest animal parks in the world and is committed to preserving species and informing about the wonders of the natural world. There are hundreds of animals at the park some of the most popular being the tigers and leopards, the numerous snakes and the primates including orang-utans, monkeys and gorillas. There are two options for eating inside the park, the Restaurant Africa and the Cafeteria Asia. There are also many more bars and restaurants situated just outside the main gate.
Adventure Amazonia, Marbella
This is a wild, exciting day out! The park is full of trees walking ropes, climbing frames and walls, rope swings and zip wires. All you need to bring is a head for heights, some sturdy shoes and all the ‘bottle’ you can muster. Your entrance fee gets you three hours on the six circuits of the park. If you have small children, don’t worry as there are activities for them too. You will not be bored! Terrified, maybe but not bored.
Selwo Aventura, Estepona
Really, this is a cross between a zoo, a safari park, animal ride and a hotel! You will get so see some very large animals like hippos, zebras, camels, giraffe and leopards and can even get to ride on the camels. There is a ride-on truck to take you around some of the enclosures and the drive can be a bit hairy. There are also some extras you won’t find in many zoos, like zip wires, trampolines and archery and the park is served by two restaurants and an ice cream parlour. The Selwo Lodge Hotel at the park offers an authentic African Experience with guests staying in huts in either the Masai or Watu village. The price of stay at the lodge includes entry to the park as well. The park is served by two restaurants and an ice cream parlour
Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer in the travel industry working alongside local companies like Penguin Car Hire – who offer great rates for Malaga Airport travel.
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