Animal Parks and Nature Parks
Buy a ticket for the fantastic Selwo Marina and discover an endless number of fascinating animals such as penguins, dolphins, macaws, iguanas, and even primates. Selwo Marina Ticket. When you visit Selwo Marina, you will discover a huge variety...
- Outdoors
Feel the rush on a jeep tour of Jardim da Serra and Boca dos Namorados while in Madeira. Plus, try your luck at spotting whales in their natural habitat!. Dolphin Watching Details. At the appointed time, we'll pick you up at your hotel in Funchal...
- 8 hours
- City activities
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Whale & Puffin Watching. Embark on a wildlife watching boat tour from Húsavík to witness whales and puffins in their natural habitat. Departing from the port in Húsavík, you'll board a traditional Icelandic oak boat for a three-hour journey in...
- 4 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Sekumpul Private Hiking Tour + Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
- Active tourism and nature
Explore a hidden gem in the Balinese jungle with an exclusive guide on this hiking route through the waterfalls of Sekumpul, including a visit to the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. Tour Options. When booking, you can choose between a medium route...
- 11 hours
- Outdoors
Enjoy a boat ride across the Atlantic Ocean and admire dolphins as well as views of the Lagos coastline. Lagos Dolphin Watching. At the agreed time, we will meet at the train station and proceed to the Marina de Lagos, a short walk away. Upon...
- 2 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Setúbal is one of the best places to observe the biodiversity of the Atlantic coast. On this tour, we'll see dolphins in the Sado Estuary and visit Arrábida Park. Sado Estuary Dolphin Watching & Arrábida Tour. We'll pick you up at the indicated...
- 4 hours
- City activities
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Perito Moreno Southern Face Boat Trip & Hiking
- Active tourism and nature
On our boat trip along the southern face of Perito Moreno, we'll cruise along the glacier's blue ice floes and set off on a hike along the coastline. Tour Details. We will meet at Bajos las Sombras port, located 4 miles (7 km) from the Perito...
- 3 - 8 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Paracas National Reserve Sunset Hike. At 3:30 pm, we will meet at the Paracas Restaurant and proceed to the Paracas National Reserve on the southern coastline of Peru. There, we will embark on a 1-hour 15-minute walk along the golden cliffs and...
- 3 hours
- Outdoors
Have a fun day enjoying Faro's marine life! Get the chance to see dolphins as we explore Atlantic waters and Ria Formosa Estuary. With a little luck, we could even see sharks, whales, and various bird species!. Faro Dolphin Watching Tour. At the...
- 3 hours
- City activities
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Enjoy a magnificent cruise across the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean while whale watching onboard a catamaran. A delicious lunch is also included!. Whale Watching Catamaran Trip. At the time of your choice, we will pick you up at your hotel...
- 3 - 4 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
- 3 hours
- Outdoors
If you're staying in Costa Adeje, don't miss our whale and dolphin-watching experience! We'll cruise along Tenerife's western coast in search of the dolphin and whale families that inhabit this area. Description. At the indicated time, we'll meet...
- 5 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Enjoy a unique experience in the Atlantic Ocean swimming with dolphins in Sao Miguel. Description. After meeting at the port of Sao Miguel, a professional instructor will provide a short briefing on how to swim safely with dolphins, emphasizing...
- 3 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Jump into the beautiful sea and play with the friendliest underwater mammals. On this tour, we'll take you swimming with dolphins off the coast of Terceira. This is an experience simply not to be missed!. Description. At the scheduled start time,...
- 3 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Admire spectacular scenery and mammals in their natural habitat with this Terceira Whale Watching. See one of the world's largest mammals up close in this unique experience!. Terceira Whale Watching. We'll meet at the agreed time at the Angra do...
- 3 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
If you want to see the most beautiful rock formations of the Algarve and the wildlife of the Atlantic, join us on this dolphin-watching activity in Albufeira. This is an adventure you'll never forget!. Dolphin Watching in Albufeira. At the...
- 3 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
- 5 hours
- Outdoors
Discover the incredible wildlife that lives off the coast of Portugal: enjoy this unforgettable dolphin-watching boat trip from Lisbon!. Dolphin Watching Cruise Itinerary. After meeting at the scheduled time at Santo Amaro Docks in Lisbon, you'll...
- 3 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Go whale watching as you glide along the Atlantic Ocean just off Costa Adeje on board a modern and comfortable yacht and enjoy a 3-hour dolphin and whale cruise. Whale Watching Tenerife. Begin your tour from Pier 8 at Puerto Colón. From this...
- 3 hours
- Water activities
- Outdoors
Sail along the southwest coast of Tenerife and admire some incredible marine animals in their natural habitat on our Las Galletas Dolphin & Whale Watching Activity. Las Galletas Dolphin & Whale Watching Activity. At the scheduled time, we'll meet...
- 3 - 4 hours
- Outdoors
What do animal parks and nature parks have in common? Above all, their spectacular natural surroundings—places where sustainability and environmental respect are not just important, but essential. These are spaces that deserve minimal human intervention and maximum protection to preserve their beauty and biodiversity.
There is, of course, a key difference. In animal parks, you'll find a wide variety of species living in habitats designed to replicate their natural environments. To access them, you’ll usually need to purchase a ticket—and the best place to find discounted prices is right here on Reserving. On the other hand, many nature parks are open-access, though some may require reservations or tickets for specific activities. On our website, you’ll always find up-to-date information about entry, booking requirements, and any last-minute changes.
How Have Animal Parks Evolved?
Modern animal parks are a far cry from traditional zoos. Across countries like Spain and beyond, several of these parks now allow species to live in semi-freedom. And just as animals roam more freely, you’ll also feel a sense of freedom exploring nature parks preserved for their breathtaking beauty.
The shift from old-school zoos to today’s animal parks has been driven by growing awareness and animal welfare concerns. These spaces now strive to replicate natural ecosystems, offering animals more autonomy while limiting human interference. The goal: to observe creatures in environments that feel closer to home.
Instead of peering at animals in cages, visitors now step into vast natural landscapes where, with a bit of luck, they can watch wildlife behaving as they would in the wild. While traditional zoos still exist, the trend is clear: more and more travelers seek out animal parks where animals live with dignity and space.
What Are National and Nature Parks?
In many countries, a national park is defined as a natural area of exceptional ecological, scenic, or cultural value, largely unaltered by human activity. These areas are granted special protection due to their unique flora, fauna, and landscapes and are often considered part of the nation’s natural heritage.
Nature parks, while similar, tend to have a lower level of protection and may be managed at a regional or local level. They still offer remarkable scenery and rich biodiversity but with slightly more flexible regulations regarding tourism and recreational use.
Top Animal Parks in Spain
Spain is home to a wide array of animal and nature parks. Many of them are available to book on Reserving, always at the best prices. Perhaps the most famous is the Cabárceno Nature Park in Cantabria—a vast space where animals roam freely. Also worth visiting are Bioparc Fuengirola, Loro Parque, Lacuniacha, and Terra Natura. Pro tip: combine your visit to Terra Natura with Aqua Natura for a full day of land and water adventures.
While these are focused on terrestrial animals, you can also dive into the underwater world at Oceanogràfic Valencia, which boasts Europe’s longest underwater tunnel. If you go, consider getting a combined ticket to visit the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural and scientific marvel.
Spain’s Most Spectacular National and Nature Parks
It’s impossible to name them all in such a short space—but here are a few national parks that stand out for their natural beauty and ecological importance:
- Picos de Europa
- Timanfaya
- Ordesa y Monte Perdido
- Caldera de Taburiente
- Monfragüe
- Doñana
- Cabañeros
Each one offers unique landscapes and incredible opportunities to connect with nature. Due to conservation efforts, access is often regulated—so check if you need to book in advance. And don’t miss the variety of activities available nearby, from hiking and birdwatching to photography and guided tours.
As for nature parks, the list could go on forever. Here are just a few that deserve a visit:
- Los Valles Occidentales
- Sierra y Cañones de Guara
- Posets-Maladeta
- Cap de Creus
- Hoces del Río Duratón
- Cañón del Río Lobos
- El Montillo
- Peñón de Ifach
Where Will Nature Take You Next?
Already know which animal or nature park you’ll visit on your next trip? Then all that’s left is to book your tickets at the best price through Reserving. And if you haven’t sorted your stay yet, explore our selection of hotels with special offers and exclusive discounts. It’s time to escape and reconnect—with nature, with animals, and with unforgettable adventures.