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Mini Zoo de la Magdalena

3.9
·3k reviews·Santander, Spain

A charming, free mini zoo on Santander's scenic Magdalena Peninsula, home to seals and penguins with beautiful sea views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning feeding times

Animals are active and fed

CrowdMedium
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Sea lion

Mini Zoo de la Magdalena

Best Time

Morning feeding times

Animals are active and fed

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, free mini zoo on Santander's scenic Magdalena Peninsula, home to seals and penguins with beautiful sea views.

3.9
(3k reviews)

"Beautiful zoo in front of the sea with seals and penguins that look for a bit of cool in their caves."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Feeding Times

Don't miss the seal and penguin feeding around 1 PM for the best viewing opportunities!

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the peninsula, so comfy shoes are a must. [:athletic_shoe:]

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 3,108 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Seal and Penguin Encounters

Seal and Penguin Encounters

Mini Zoo enclosures

Witness playful seals and charming penguins in their well-maintained habitats. Feeding times are a must-see!

Palace of Magdalena Views

Palace of Magdalena Views

Overlooking the Mini Zoo

Enjoy stunning views of the historic Palace of Magdalena from the zoo's scenic location.

Coastal Scenery

Coastal Scenery

Magdalena Peninsula

The zoo is situated on a beautiful peninsula offering picturesque sea views and a refreshing coastal atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To avoid crowds and see the animals at their most active, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Feeding times, especially for seals and penguins, are popular and can draw a crowd, so plan accordingly. Consider visiting outside peak season for a more relaxed experience.

Understanding the Mini Zoo's Context

While the Mini Zoo de la Magdalena offers a free glimpse of seals and penguins, some visitors express concerns about animal welfare and enclosure size. It's important to be aware of these perspectives and decide if the experience aligns with your values.

Best Times

When
Morning feeding times
Why
Animals are active and fed
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour
Crowd
Low
When
Off-season weekdays
Why
Quieter, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@sebastianyatra en santander! #sebastianyatra #magdalenaenvivo #concierto #cristina
@lucialbaina
254.8K likes • 1.7M views

🎯 Catch the Feeding Times

Don't miss the seal and penguin feeding around 1 PM for the best viewing opportunities! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the peninsula, so comfy shoes are a must. [:athletic_shoe:]

Palacio de la Magdalena en España #santanderespaña
@rodra.oficial
6.3K likes • 247.1K views
Hola… hoy te damos los buenos días con un vídeo que hicimos ayer en el mini zoo de la Península de la Magdalena #eltomavistasdesantander #cantabria
eltomavistas
1.4K likes • 48.3K views

🐶 Pet-Friendly Paths

Bring your furry friends along; the peninsula is generally dog-friendly for walks. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The mini zoo offers lovely coastal vistas and glimpses of the palace. [:camerawithflash:] Instagram

Esta mañana, todo el segundo ciclo de Educación Infantil hemos disfrutado de una bonita jornada de convivencia en la Magdalena, con recorrido en tren y paseo por el mini-zoo. ¡La visita al museo marítimo nos ha encantado! 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟#proyectociencia
ceip.jose.ramon.sanchez
56 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Feeding Times

Don't miss the seal and penguin feeding around 1 PM for the best viewing opportunities! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the peninsula, so comfy shoes are a must. [:athletic_shoe:]

🐶 Pet-Friendly Paths

Bring your furry friends along; the peninsula is generally dog-friendly for walks. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The mini zoo offers lovely coastal vistas and glimpses of the palace. [:camerawithflash:] Instagram

💡 Consider Animal Welfare

Be aware of differing opinions on the zoo's conditions before your visit. Instagram+2

What Travellers Say

3.9
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Mini Zoo de la Magdalena for its free entry and the opportunity to see seals and penguins, especially during feeding times. The scenic location on the Magdalena Peninsula, with views of the palace and sea, is a major draw. However, some express concerns about the size of the animal enclosures and the ethics of keeping animals in captivity.

"Those who don’t like seeing animals kept in cramped conditions shouldn’t be concerned; these guys clearly have quite a bit of space, and seemed to be happy. We visited out of season and only caught occasional glimpses of seals and a single penguin, which was an absolute pleasure! I suppose the reason for a 4* rather than 5 is because it would have been nice to see some more interactive stuff for the seals to play with. Great play park nearby, ice cream shop, visitors centre and land trains. Well worth the extra walk 👍🏼"

Thomas Geoffrey

"Beautiful zoo in front of the sea. There are seals and penguins that look for a bit of cool in their caves. Around 13:00 they feed them and you can see them well."

The Frameshifter

"This was a big surprise although they don’t really have good variety of animals They were very good taken care of on top of that. We gotta appreciate that this is for your entrance so you can just walk and see some animals specially penguins and seals."

Marcos O. Diogo

What People Like

Free entry
Seal and penguin sightings
Scenic peninsula location

What People Dislike

Small enclosure size
Animal welfare concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mini Zoo is located on the Magdalena Peninsula. You can reach it by walking from El Sardinero beach or by taking the tourist train that circles the park. Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk or train ride to get there. TikTokInstagram

Parking is available on the Magdalena Peninsula, but it can get busy, especially during peak season. Arriving early or considering public transport or walking is recommended. TikTok

Yes, it's a pleasant walk along the coast from El Sardinero beach to the Magdalena Peninsula, offering beautiful views along the way. Instagram

The tourist train that operates around the Magdalena Peninsula typically stops at key points of interest, including areas near the Mini Zoo, making it a convenient option. Instagram

Exploring the Magdalena Peninsula can be done on foot, by bike, or via the tourist train. The Mini Zoo is just one of the attractions; consider dedicating ample time to enjoy the palace and surrounding nature. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Mini Zoo de la Magdalena is generally free to enter, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors. Instagram

While the zoo itself doesn't have strict opening hours like a traditional ticketed attraction, it's best visited during daylight hours when the animals are visible and the peninsula is accessible. Check local information for any specific park hours. TikTok

No, as the Mini Zoo is free to access, no advance booking or tickets are required. You can simply visit when the peninsula is open. Instagram

While not a primary focus, sometimes local organizations or educational groups conduct activities. The feeding times are a highlight that many visitors attend. Instagram

To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings on weekdays or during the off-season. Weekends and peak summer months can be busier. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Mini Zoo primarily features seals and penguins. Visitors often report seeing these animals actively swimming and interacting. InstagramReddit

Reviews are mixed, with some visitors noting the animals have 'quite a bit of space' and seem happy, while others describe the enclosures as 'sad and small.' InstagramReddit+1

The feeding times, typically around 1 PM, are the best opportunities to see the seals and penguins actively engaged. Reddit

Yes, children often enjoy seeing the animals, and there's a great play park nearby. The tourist train ride is also a hit with families. Instagram+1

The peninsula offers much more, including the stunning Palace of Magdalena, beautiful gardens, walking trails, beaches like El Camello, and panoramic sea views. TikTokInstagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture close-ups of the seals and penguins, especially during feeding times. The scenic backdrop of the sea and the Palace of Magdalena also offer great photo ops. Instagram

The animals are often active, so patience is key. Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for photography. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the animals. Instagram

A smartphone with a good zoom function is usually sufficient for capturing the animals. For wider scenic shots, any camera will do justice to the beautiful landscape. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in protected areas and near historical buildings like the Palace of Magdalena. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

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