Marineland Côte d’Azur - Image 1
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Marineland Antibes

4.1
·17k reviews·Antibes, France

Once a premier marine park, now closed with ongoing concerns for its captive orcas and dolphins.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Past visits (pre-2025 closure)

Experience shows and animal interactions.

CrowdMedium
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Marineland Côte d’Azur - Image 1

Marineland Antibes

Best Time

Past visits (pre-2025 closure)

Experience shows and animal interactions.

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Once a premier marine park, now closed with ongoing concerns for its captive orcas and dolphins.

4.1
(17k reviews)

"Past visitors praised the engaging shows and animal interactions, but current focus is on welfare concerns."

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TIP

Check Current Status

Verify if the park is open and what attractions are accessible due to ongoing developments.

Ethical Considerations

Be aware of the controversies surrounding marine parks and animal captivity.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Orca Encounters

Orca Encounters

Orca Stadium

Witness the majestic orcas, though their future and living conditions are a subject of intense debate and concern.

Dolphin Bay

Dolphin Bay

Dolphin Stadium

Observe playful dolphins and their interactions, a highlight for many past visitors, but also a focus of welfare discussions.

Shark Tunnel

Shark Tunnel

Oceanographic Museum

Explore a fascinating underwater world and get up close with various shark species in this immersive exhibit.

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Planning Your Visit

Current Status & Animal Welfare Concerns

Marineland Antibes has faced significant criticism regarding animal welfare and captivity conditions, particularly for its orcas and dolphins. The park closed to visitors in January 2025, but concerns remain about the animals' fate. Research current information on animal transfers and welfare before planning a visit.

Visitor Experience Amidst Controversy

While some past reviews praise animal care and performances, recent social media content highlights abandonment and ethical concerns. If you choose to visit, be aware of the ongoing debates surrounding marine parks and animal captivity. Consider the ethical implications of supporting such establishments.

Best Times

When
Past visits (pre-2025 closure)
Why
Experience shows and animal interactions.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Depuis plus de 50 ans, Marineland, le plus grand zoo marin d’Europe à Antibes, fait l'objet de critiques pour les conditions de captivité de ses animaux, particulièrement ses 4 orques et 12 dauphins. Mais le parc assure leur bonne santé. Pour Vakita, Ambrine Bdida a donc décidé de s’y rendre en caméra cachée avec Virgile Delatre, de l’association onevoiceanimal, pour vérifier tout ça. Et le cons...
@vakitamedia
409.4K likes • 4.7M views

Check Current Status

Verify if the park is open and what attractions are accessible due to ongoing developments. TikTok+2

Ethical Considerations

Be aware of the controversies surrounding marine parks and animal captivity. TikTokInstagram+1

Le parc est abandonné, mais les orques sont encore enfermées...🐬💀 Checkez @wearetidebreakers pour plus d'informations #abandonne #parcaquatique #urbex #MarinelandAntibes #marineland #Tidebreakers #scandale #animals #abandonned #animaux #orques
@gabietcoco
272.6K likes • 3.3M views
BREAKING NEWS: Three captive orca trapped in captivity at Marineland, Antibes in France have been sold to a Japanese aquarium despite government recommendations the whales be released to sea sanctuaries. 🐳💔 The exploitation of dolphins and whales will be banned in France by 2026 but the park decided to sell orcas to the highest bidder instead of freeing them. 😡 Wild animals belong in the wild no...
warriorforanimals
1.6K likes • 50.7K views

Past Visitor Experiences

Read recent reviews to gauge the current state and animal welfare. Reddit

Animal Welfare Focus

Many creators highlight concerns about orca and dolphin welfare. TikTokInstagram+1

La vie en boucle des animaux dans les delphinariums, ici le Marineland d'Antibes. Et si proche d'eux, le grand large, leur lieu de vie réel... Le cynisme total de l'industrie de la captivité et de ceux qui s'y rendent. #StopDelphinarium #SauvonsNosOrques #UnSanctuairePasLeJapon
onevoiceanimal
7.9K likes • 586.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Current Status

Verify if the park is open and what attractions are accessible due to ongoing developments. TikTok+2

Ethical Considerations

Be aware of the controversies surrounding marine parks and animal captivity. TikTokInstagram+1

Past Visitor Experiences

Read recent reviews to gauge the current state and animal welfare. Reddit

Animal Welfare Focus

Many creators highlight concerns about orca and dolphin welfare. TikTokInstagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.1
(17k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Past reviews of Marineland Antibes often highlighted the engaging animal shows, the perceived care and enthusiasm of the staff, and the unique experience of seeing marine life up close. Visitors frequently recommended it for families, praising the immersive environment and the animals' artistic performances. However, recent developments indicate the park has closed, and significant concerns have arisen regarding the welfare of the remaining animals.

"IT WAS AMAZING!! The animals were so cute. It’s honestly so worth it! We went during a time it wasn’t so busy so we got the best seats. I loved everything and the staff were so kind and knew English too! Definitely take your family with you- and arrive early so you can see every show 💖"

Portia Parker

"Sadly this park is closing at the end of the year. We visited 2 weeks ago. Absolutely loved it. Animals are well cared for and are being relocated. Go and visit. You won’t regret it. Amazing place."

Frex

"To visit the entire park with all attractions takes around 5 hours. But do not rush, the animals at this place are very unique and artistic. The environment is very animal friendly. Decorations are comprehensive and very close to the nature ones."

Stanislav Degtjarjov

What People Like

Engaging animal shows
Enthusiastic staff
Close animal encounters

What People Dislike

Absence of drinking fountains
Contactless card issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Historically, Marineland Antibes was accessible by car via the A8 motorway (exit 44) or by public transport, including buses from Antibes and Nice. However, with the park's closure to visitors, travel information may be outdated. Check local transport updates for any access to the site. Reddit

Previously, Marineland offered ample parking facilities for visitors. Given the park's closure, parking availability is uncertain and likely restricted. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Marineland Antibes closed to visitors in January 2025. While the park is no longer open for public visits, there are ongoing discussions and concerns regarding the animals remaining on site. TikTok+2

As Marineland Antibes is currently closed to the public, ticket prices are no longer applicable. Information regarding past ticket prices is not relevant to current visitor plans. Reddit

Marineland Antibes is closed to visitors. While the animals remain on-site, access is restricted, and there are significant concerns about their welfare and future. TikTok+2

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Historically, Marineland featured orca and dolphin shows, a shark tunnel, and various marine animal exhibits. However, the park's closure means these attractions are not currently accessible to the public. TikTok+1

Marineland Antibes was known for its animal shows, including those featuring orcas and dolphins. These shows are no longer taking place as the park is closed. TikTok+1

Past reviews suggest Marineland was a family-friendly destination with engaging animal performances. However, due to the park's closure and ongoing welfare concerns, its suitability for families is now a complex ethical consideration. Reddit

There are significant concerns about the welfare of the orcas and dolphins remaining at the closed Marineland Antibes. Activists are documenting their situation, and there are reports of planned transfers. TikTokInstagram+3

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

In the past, Marineland offered various food and refreshment options. However, with the park closed to visitors, these facilities are not operational. Reddit

Previously, visitors might have been allowed to bring their own food, but this information is no longer relevant as the park is closed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

In its operational days, the animal shows and exhibits offered numerous photo opportunities. Drone footage has recently captured images of the park and its inhabitants, highlighting the current situation. TikTokInstagram+1

Drone photography has been used to document the current state of Marineland Antibes, particularly by activist groups. However, official policies on drone usage within the park grounds are no longer applicable due to its closure. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Animal Welfare Advocates

For those deeply concerned about animal welfare, Marineland Antibes presents a critical case study. The ongoing documentation of the orcas and dolphins' situation by activist groups provides a stark look at the challenges of captive marine life. It's important to stay informed through reputable animal welfare organizations and their reports on the park and its inhabitants. TikTokInstagram+3

Consider supporting organizations working towards sanctuary solutions and advocating for stricter regulations on marine parks. The discussions around potential transfers and the animals' living conditions are ongoing and warrant attention from anyone passionate about marine conservation and ethical treatment of animals.

Past Visitors

If you visited Marineland Antibes in the past and have fond memories of the shows and animals, it's worth acknowledging the significant shift in the park's status and the ethical discussions that have arisen. While past experiences may have been positive, the current situation calls for a re-evaluation of marine parks and animal captivity. Reddit

Many past visitors recall the engaging performances and the perceived care for the animals. However, the current focus is on the welfare of the remaining inhabitants and the park's closure. Understanding this transition is key to appreciating the complex history and present reality of Marineland Antibes.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Controversy Surrounding Marineland Antibes

Marineland Antibes, once a popular marine park, has become the center of significant controversy regarding animal welfare. For decades, critics have raised concerns about the conditions of captivity for its marine animals, particularly the orcas and dolphins. Recent social media content and activist reports highlight the park's closure in January 2025 and the ongoing plight of the animals left behind. TikTokInstagram+2

Activists and animal welfare organizations have documented the animals' situation, with footage showing orcas and dolphins in what is described as an abandoned park. There are reports of planned transfers of these animals to facilities in Japan or the Canary Islands, which some groups deem as 'another hell.' TikTokInstagram+2 The French ban on cetacean captivity, enacted in 2021, adds another layer to the complex ethical and legal discussions surrounding Marineland's remaining inhabitants. Instagram+1

Past visitor reviews sometimes offered a different perspective, with some praising the staff's interaction with animals and the perceived well-being of the residents. However, the current narrative is dominated by concerns over abandonment, potential exploitation, and the uncertain future of these intelligent creatures. TikTokInstagramReddit

The Fate of the Orcas and Dolphins

The most pressing concern surrounding Marineland Antibes is the fate of its remaining orcas and dolphins. Following the park's closure, two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, and twelve dolphins have been left in the facility. Activist groups have been monitoring their condition, with drone footage revealing their confinement in what appears to be an abandoned environment. TikTokInstagram+1

There have been reports of planned transfers of these animals to other facilities, including in Japan. However, these proposed moves have faced opposition and scrutiny from animal welfare advocates, who question the suitability of the receiving facilities and the ethics of such transfers. Some attempts to move the animals have reportedly been halted by authorities due to inadequate conditions at the destination parks. TikTokInstagram+3

Organizations like Sea Shepherd have reportedly offered significant sums to ensure the animals' welfare and explore sanctuary options, aiming for potential reintroduction to the sea. The situation highlights the challenges in managing captive marine animals after a park's closure and the ongoing debate between conservation efforts and the realities of animal captivity. Instagram+1

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