Cabarceno Park tour from Santander: 150+ animals by minivan

See 150+ animal species from your seat in a moving minivan

A guided tour of Cabarceno Natural Park departing from Santander by minivan, where you travel through a reserve holding more than 150 animal species living in semi-freedom, watch sea lion and raptor demonstrations, and view the park from a cable car. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Demonstrations may be canceled in bad weather or during low-season weekdays.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Cabarceno Natural Park

• Pick up at hotel in Santander
• Drive to Cabarceno Nature Park by minivan
• Visit park by car seeing animals in semi-freedom
• See sea lions demonstration
• Watch bird-raptors demonstration
• Return to Santander

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your Santander hotel and a drive to Cabarceno, one of the world's largest animal parks. Most of the visit happens inside the minivan as you travel through the reserve: the animals roam in open space rather than enclosed cages, so you see them in conditions closer to their natural habitat. The park holds more than 150 species, and the route is designed to pass the main groups: big cats, primates, hoofed animals and birds spread across the landscape.

Two live demonstrations break up the drive. Sea lions perform in a dedicated arena, and birds of prey (hawks, eagles and falcons) fly and land on command. Both shows depend on weather. In low season (roughly November through March), they run only on weekends. A cable car ride gives you a high vantage point over the whole park, a different angle on the animals below and a rest from the vehicle.

The minivan seats a small group, and a guide travels with you in English, Spanish or Italian. The whole outing takes four and a half hours from pickup to drop-off. Children ride free if they sit with a parent. Infant seats and strollers are available if you need them.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santander.
• minivan transport through the park.
• park entrance ticket.
• cable car ride.
• sea lion demonstration.
• bird-of-prey demonstration.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Friday and SaturdayDepartures at 09:00 and 09:30Last departure this season: 5 Dec

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (11 to 12 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 27 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by EXPLORING CANTABRIA

Is this one for you?The minivan format means you stay seated and watch the animals pass by rather than walking through the park yourself: ideal if you want to cover the whole reserve without the physical effort of hiking, or if you're traveling with young children or elderly family members who need to stay off their feet.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 12 years); Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How much of the park do you actually see on foot versus from the minivan?

Nearly all of the park is viewed from the minivan as it drives through the reserve. The cable car offers a stationary viewing point from above, but the main way to see the animals is from your seat in the moving vehicle.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The sea lion and raptor demonstrations are canceled if conditions are poor. The minivan drive through the park itself still runs. In low season, these demonstrations only happen on weekends regardless of weather.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. You may want to bring water and snacks, or plan to eat before or after the tour.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling alone?

A minimum of two people per booking is required. Solo travelers would need to pair with another person or group to reserve a spot.