Oltremare Theme Park, Rimini

Aquarium and Theme Park near Rimini

Dolphinarium at Oltremare Riccione
Dolphinarium at Oltremare Riccione
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Terragio67

Oltremare is a large, family-friendly theme park in Riccione that blends live animals, immersive exhibits, and multimedia storytelling into a single day out. Set on the hill area next to Acquafan, it’s designed to feel like a journey through nature and discovery, with experiences that move from prehistoric life and climate shifts to ocean ecosystems and hands-on encounters.

If you're planning a trip around the Riviera and want something beyond the beach, Oltremare is one of the things to do in Riccione for travelers who like attractions with a bit of learning built in. It also pairs well with a walking tour of Riccione-do the seafront and central streets in the morning or evening, then use Oltremare as your main “activity block” in the middle of the day.

History and Significance of the Oltremare

Oltremare was built around a simple idea: turn big topics-oceans, evolution, climate, and our relationship with animals-into experiences that feel accessible for all ages. Rather than functioning like a traditional museum, it uses a mix of live habitats, set-piece environments, and multimedia to encourage visitors to learn by watching, listening, and doing.

Its location in Riccione’s hill area is part of the concept. Being close to other major leisure attractions on the Riviera makes it a natural choice for families and groups who want a full day out, and the park’s layout reinforces that “mini-world” feeling where you move between distinct themed zones.

In the wider context of the Adriatic coast, Oltremare also reflects how the region has evolved into more than a summer beach destination. It’s a modern-style attraction that complements nearby historical sites and resort life, offering a different lens on the area-one that is about nature, storytelling, and contemporary visitor experiences.

Things to See and Do in the Oltremare

Begin with the Oceans area, where the big lagoon is the visual anchor and the dolphin presentations are often the centerpiece of the day. The most enjoyable visits tend to be the ones where you treat these moments as educational as well as entertaining, listening to the explanations and then watching the animals with a more informed eye.

In Time Travel, the experience becomes more immersive and “concept-driven,” with exhibits that aim to make huge timelines feel tangible. The sundial is a simple, satisfying start, and the Time Planet rooms work best when you move slowly and let each era land before you rush to the next.

The Darwin-themed environment leans into the drama of prehistoric life and changing habitats, which is especially good if you’re traveling with kids or anyone who enjoys big visual storytelling. Then shift gears in the Animal Farm section for a calmer, more grounded experience that brings you closer to everyday rural animals and the rhythms of care and observation.

If you want a strong “finale” feeling, leave time for the IMAX-style cinema experience. It’s the kind of add-on that can reset your energy, especially on hot or crowded days, and it’s a useful way to turn a park visit into a full-spectrum day that includes both outdoor walking and indoor immersion.

How to Get to the Oltremare

The closest airports for reaching Oltremare are Federico Fellini International Airport (Rimini Airport) and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport for a wider choice of routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Rimini on Booking.com.

If you arrive by train, use Riccione station as your main rail gateway and then continue by local bus, taxi, or a short onward transfer depending on your timing. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Local buses connect central Riccione with the hill-area attractions in peak season, and taxis are a practical option if you want the simplest door-to-gate approach. If you’re driving, follow signs toward the hill area near Acquafan and plan to arrive earlier on peak summer days to reduce parking and entry stress. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Oltremare

  • Entrance fee: Adults: € 22
  • Opening hours: Daily: 10.00-18.00
  • Official website: https://www.oltremare.org/en
  • Best time to visit: Late spring and early autumn are ideal for comfortable temperatures and a calmer pace, especially if you want to enjoy the outdoor areas without peak-season crowds. In summer, aim for an earlier arrival so you can see the headline experiences before midday heat builds.
  • How long to spend: Plan 4-6 hours for a relaxed visit that includes the main zones and time to pause for shows and exhibits. If you want to do everything at an unhurried pace, a full day works best.
  • Accessibility: The park is generally designed for families, which usually means manageable pathways and a visit structure that supports a slower pace. If mobility is a priority, focus on spacing out your day with seated show segments and avoid rushing between zones.
  • Facilities: Expect a full day-out setup with food and drink options, rest areas, and services typical of a major park. It’s still worth bringing water in warmer months, and planning one deliberate break so the day feels smooth rather than rushed.

Where to Stay Close to the Oltremare

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Riccione near Viale Ceccarini and the seafront so you can walk to restaurants and evening spots easily; if your main focus is theme parks and quick access to Oltremare and Acquafan, stay in the hill-side area or the quieter edges of town for simpler transfers.

A central option that works well for evening strolling and dining is Hotel De La Ville. For a comfortable base that keeps the seafront vibe close while staying practical for taxis and buses to the hill attractions, consider Hotel Corallo Riccione. If you want a quieter feel with easier in-and-out access for day trips and park visits, Hotel Montecarlo Riccione is a sensible choice.

Is the Oltremare Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you want a structured “activity day” that goes beyond rides and adds a sense of discovery, especially for families and first-time visitors to the area. The mix of lagoon shows, immersive exhibits, and calmer animal-focused spaces makes it feel varied rather than repetitive.

It’s particularly worthwhile if you’re balancing beach time with one or two headline attractions. Oltremare gives you a memorable change of pace and can be a strong centerpiece for a day when you want shade, seating, and indoor-outdoor variety.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (17,663)

Oltremare in Riccione is a large family-friendly park featuring dolphin performances, birds of prey shows and interactive nature and paleontological exhibits; visitors praise the dolphin shows and care from staff, enjoy the flying birds demonstrations and a newer Genesis area, and note there’s plenty to see though some shows are short and much of the commentary is in Italian; the park is described as clean and attractive, can occupy half to a full day, and is accessed via the neighboring Aquafan with shaded parking if you arrive early.

Kása Zoltán
5 months ago
"The Delfin show is really one of a kind! Enjoyed every minute of it. Great staff and very caring. The other part of the facility is really nice too,we had a good walk. The most greatest thing is the rock look like audio in the bush. 😄..."
Pure Khalia
6 months ago
"We went without any expectations, but we were positively surprised, passed there 7 hours and we did not have enough time to try all attractionsthere. I was mostly wanting to see the new Genesis part, liked it a lot, saw twice. We saw all the shows, mostly I liked the paleontological part and the birds show with eagles and owls. Next year we will definitely come again. All parts of the park were available and open. The park is very clean and beautiful..."
Mirko Marinkovic
4 months ago
"The dolphins show is great but short. There are just two shows a day which is also kind of sad Almost all content is in Italian so inconvenient forforeigners Bunch of other activities, a lot of room for improvements but it's great to visit definitely!..."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Oltremare is a strong choice for families because it naturally breaks the day into distinct chapters-oceans, time travel, and farm animals-so attention doesn’t have to last through one long theme. The dolphin lagoon and the big, visual exhibits tend to land well with kids who like spectacle, while the farm area is useful as a calmer reset.

The best family strategy is to pick one “must-do” experience early, then build flexibility around it rather than trying to tick everything in a strict order. A mid-visit snack break and one quieter section can make the whole day feel easier and more enjoyable.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Oltremare works best as a playful, low-pressure day between more traditional Riviera plans like beach time and evening aperitivo walks. The exhibits are conversation-friendly, and the park’s variety means you can shape the day around your energy-more shows and visuals, or more slow wandering and observation.

If you want it to feel less like a family park day, go earlier or outside peak season, then follow it with a relaxed dinner in central Riccione. That rhythm keeps the day balanced: immersive and fun, but still distinctly “holiday.”

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can make Oltremare work by treating it as the single paid “big activity” day and keeping the rest of the trip anchored around free seafront walks and town exploring. The key is to arrive with a simple plan-focus on the experiences most unique to this park and avoid paying extra for optional add-ons unless they truly matter to you.

Bring water, pace your food breaks, and consider visiting at times that reduce crowd pressure so you get full value without feeling rushed. When it’s done well, it can feel like a full-day experience that reduces the need for multiple separate paid attractions.

FAQs for Visiting Oltremare

Getting There

It’s in Riccione’s hill area near the cluster of major attractions, rather than right on the seafront promenade. The location is straightforward once you’re in town, but it’s not usually something you stumble upon during a central stroll.
Walking is possible if you enjoy longer, uphill routes, but most visitors find it more comfortable to use a bus or taxi for the climb. If you do walk, treat it as a dedicated outing and plan a slower pace, especially in warmer weather.
A taxi is usually the simplest option because it minimizes walking and keeps your timing predictable. Local buses can also work well, especially in peak season, but they’re best if you’re comfortable with schedules and short transfers.
Driving can be convenient if you’re staying outside central Riccione or combining multiple inland stops in one day. In peak summer, arriving earlier helps because parking and entry lines can add friction later in the day.

Tickets & Entry

Yes, it’s a paid attraction designed as a full experience rather than a quick walk-through. It’s worth planning your day so you arrive with enough time to enjoy more than one zone.
Booking ahead can be helpful in peak summer or holiday periods, mainly to reduce uncertainty and help you plan your day. Outside the busiest times, many visitors can keep it flexible and decide closer to the day.
Many people underestimate how much walking a theme-park layout involves and don’t pace themselves early enough. The best visits are the ones where you slow down, build in breaks, and don’t try to “race” through every area.

Visiting Experience

If you only have a few hours, focus on one headline experience and one secondary zone so the visit still feels complete. The park rewards pacing, so a shorter visit works best when you’re selective rather than rushed.
Yes, if your priority is an activity-focused day rather than a purely beach-and-town itinerary. If you’re more interested in strolling, shopping streets, and seafront atmosphere, you may prefer to keep your day in the center.
Pair it with an easy evening in central Riccione, using the park as your daytime block and the town as your relaxed finish. That combination keeps the day balanced and avoids trying to stack too many high-energy activities at once.
It’s best on fair-weather days because the experience includes outdoor walking and open spaces. If the forecast is mixed, it can still work, but you’ll get more value when you can linger outdoors comfortably.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Most walking tours focus on the seafront and central streets rather than the hill-side attraction area. Oltremare is usually treated as its own destination day rather than a quick add-on during a stroll.
Most visitors do best independently because you can choose your pace and focus on the zones that match your interests. If you like structure, a simple self-set plan-one zone at a time-often gives you the same benefit as a formal guide.
Pick one main area you care about most, then add one shorter section that offers a different mood, like a calmer animal-focused space after a more show-driven segment. This approach keeps variety high even when time is limited.

Photography

Yes, especially if you enjoy capturing big scenic setups, animal moments, and themed environments that feel cinematic. The best photos usually come when you slow down and wait for a clear moment rather than snapping while moving.
Earlier visits often give you cleaner compositions because crowds are lighter and the light is less harsh. Later in the day can be atmospheric too, but it’s usually busier, which can make wide shots harder.
Most parks allow personal photography, but rules can vary around shows, specific animal areas, or flash use. If signage is posted, it’s best to follow it closely to protect animals and avoid disrupting other visitors.

Accessibility & Facilities

It’s generally easier than many historic sites because the environment is designed for visitors and families, but distances can still be substantial across a large park. The most comfortable approach is to plan a slower route with seated breaks built in.
Yes, the park format usually includes rest points, show seating, and café-style areas that make pacing easier. Using these deliberately can turn a potentially tiring day into a smooth, enjoyable one.

Food & Breaks Nearby

A lighter lunch and one planned snack break often works best, because heavy meals can slow you down during a walking day. If you prefer a bigger sit-down meal, consider saving it for central Riccione after your visit.
Central Riccione is ideal for a post-park reset, especially around the main streets and seafront where cafés feel more atmospheric. It’s a nice way to shift from “activity mode” into evening holiday rhythm.

Safety & Timing

The attraction area is typically calmer than the seafront at night, with fewer “strolling” crowds. If you want a lively evening atmosphere, central Riccione is usually the better place to spend your post-visit time.
Early is best for calmer pacing and shorter lines, especially if you want to build a relaxed day. Later can still be fun, but it often feels busier and more compressed, which can make the visit feel more hectic.

Nearby Attractions to the Oltremare

  • Acquafan: Riccione’s iconic water park next door, ideal if you want a high-energy, splash-heavy day in summer.
  • Viale Ceccarini: The main shopping and strolling street in central Riccione, perfect for an evening loop and people-watching.
  • Spiaggia di Riccione: A classic Adriatic beach scene with lidos, sunbeds, and that easy Riviera rhythm.
  • Castello degli Agolanti: A quieter historic stop with a different, older layer of Riccione away from the seafront.
  • Riccione Terme: A wellness-focused area that’s good for a slower afternoon if you want spa time and a gentler pace.

The Oltremare Theme Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rimini!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

Daily: 10.00-18.00

Price:

Adults: € 22

Address: Oltremare, Viale Ascoli Piceno, Riccione, Province of Rimini, Italy
Rimini: 11 km
Official Website
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