Marineland Mallorca — Attraction in Calvià

We booked tickets through an agent along the street. Priced them online ourselves too but no difference in price. There is extreme secrecy about where the free bus pick up points are. The woman we purchased from would only divulge this information when we had paid. Tickets are expensive (there were five of us) and I had read reviews which had reported that the bus did not turn up. Our pick up time was 11;25. We chose the later time as we wouldn't have been ready for the earlier time. We walked to our pick up point arriving a good half hour in advance. There is a play park and trees for shade (it was 35 degrees) and some shops in the area. We waited on a wall at the bus stop. The bus was 45 minutes late. Another group had already given up and had left to try to get a taxi. I thought we wouldn't make it to see the shows but on arrival we were given a map of the park with different show times on it compared to the leaflet I had. The children enjoyed all 3 shows with the parrots, sea lions and dolphins. They really enjoyed feeding the koi! You can buy fish feed which comes in a small baby's bottle for 5 Euro. When you return the bottle you get 2 Euro back. You can watch all the animals being fed and have your picture taken with a parrot, a dolphin and a sea lion. If you take the free bus our pick up time was 4:45. The driver was on time so the bus was quite empty on our return journey! So our visit was very swift. We didn't get to go into the pool area to cool off, or go to the beach. We didn't have time to look in the souvenir shop either which was probably just a benefit! The obligitary purchase of the photo was even conducted swiftly as we passed through the turnstile. A good experience for children and you can't help but smile at the animals' performances, but just another tourist conveyor belt to take as much money plus extra when they have you there and then churn you out to ensure they can get...

Please, before you go, read this.

Marineland has faced numerous criticisms for the conditions of its captive dolphins. The tanks are notoriously small, limiting the space these marine mammals need to exhibit natural behaviors, resulting in stress and abnormal behaviors. They are also mistreated by workers. I attach video evidence below.

There are also numerous reports of health problems among the dolphins, including diseases and injuries uncommon in their natural habitat. Premature deaths are another tragic consequence of captivity.

Animal welfare organizations and activists have denounced these practices, arguing that Marineland's environment is inadequate and cruel.

The public has shown growing opposition to these practices, demanding more humane and ethical treatment for dolphins and other marine animals in captivity. Although keeping any animal in captivity should not be allowed.

Additionally, there have been reports of mistreatment of Marineland's workers. These employees often face poor conditions, receiving unfair treatment. These conditions not only affect the animals but also the well-being of the workers.

It is crucial to consider these voices and act in favor of the welfare of both the animals and the employees.

You also can read the comments below this post to see exactly what's happening in Marineland. How workers are treated, and how dolphins and other animals are treated in captivity.

https://youtu.be/spfmDqzhfYQ?si=7J0hUQXT3O9ANFTU

Please, before you buy your ticket and think you're going to have a nice day out with the family, read this again. Inform yourself, verify the information, spread the word. Mallorca and our sea has a lot to offer, it has a great biodiversity, where you can see marine life in freedom, where children will enjoy observing, understanding and protecting it and above all, to live an experience in freedom all together. You as a family and the marine life...

The dolphin show itself is wonderful – sadly, that is the only highlight worth mentioning. From that point onward, the experience collapses into a masterclass of rudeness, incompetence, and nickel-and-diming.

Staff attitude is shockingly poor. Every question is either misunderstood or deliberately twisted, and the way they “communicate” makes you feel like you’re the problem for daring to ask.

Example 1: Dolphin & Sealion photo. I clearly explained we were two adults with two toddlers (2 and 4 years old) and asked how many tickets we needed, especially since the kids weren’t going to pet the dolphins. Answer: two tickets. Fine. When it was photo time, only one adult and one child were allowed, because the photo lady insisted—aggressively—that it was “only one, only one.” So apparently, math and logic are optional here.

Example 2: Food service. I ordered a chicken burger, got a plain hamburger instead. Apparently, even the simplest order is a gamble—you’ll get what they feel like giving you.

Example 3: Seating. Most tables were either full, baking in the sun, or “reserved.” I asked politely if we could use one of the unused reserved tables. The staff said yes. Twenty minutes later, after finally getting my exhausted kids to sleep, a young staff member storms over to scold us because “it’s reserved” and “no one is allowed there.” He spoke down to me as if I had never heard the word “reserved” in my life. At that point, I had two sleeping toddlers, a boiling sun, and a third “child” in the form of an arrogant staff member lecturing me.

And let’s not forget: beyond the terrible service, this place is an absolute money pit. Every single small detail is monetized, leaving you with the feeling that the goal is not your enjoyment, but how fast they can empty your wallet.

In short: lovely dolphins, dreadful staff, insulting service, and a...