Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Located on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is one of the oldest and most beloved marine parks in the United States. Established in 1955, the park offers visitors an immersive and educational experience, focusing on marine conservation, animal education, and fun-filled entertainment. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Emerald Coast, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park provides guests of all ages the opportunity to engage with a variety of marine animals, including dolphins, sea lions, otters, sharks, turtles, and more.

Visitors can explore the park’s numerous interactive exhibits, participate in animal encounters, and enjoy thrilling shows that highlight the amazing abilities of marine creatures. The park is committed to marine conservation and rescue efforts, providing a sanctuary for injured or stranded marine animals and educating the public about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.

History and Mission

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park first opened its doors in 1955, making it one of the earliest marine parks in the country. The park was originally created to showcase the wonders of marine life while fostering a connection between people and the ocean. Over the decades, Gulfarium has expanded its attractions, adding new exhibits and enhancing its animal care facilities to meet modern standards of welfare and education.

The park’s mission is to inspire a greater appreciation for marine life through education, conservation, and entertainment. Gulfarium is deeply involved in marine rescue and rehabilitation, providing care for stranded and injured sea turtles, dolphins, and other marine animals. The park works closely with organizations and governmental agencies to ensure that marine life receives the help it needs, and it plays a key role in raising awareness about environmental threats to ocean ecosystems.

Animal Exhibits and Experiences

1. Dolphin Show: The dolphin show is one of Gulfarium’s signature attractions and a must-see for all visitors. During the show, guests can watch as the park’s trained Atlantic bottlenose dolphins showcase their intelligence and agility through a series of acrobatic leaps, flips, and synchronized movements. The trainers work closely with the dolphins to demonstrate behaviors that mimic their natural abilities in the wild.

Interactive Dolphin Encounters: In addition to the dolphin shows, Gulfarium offers interactive dolphin encounters where guests can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Options include shallow water meet-and-greets and deeper water swims, allowing visitors to touch, interact with, and even train dolphins under the supervision of experienced staff.

2. Sea Lion Show: The sea lion show at Gulfarium features playful and charismatic California sea lions that entertain visitors with their high-energy performances. The sea lions showcase their intelligence and agility by performing tricks, engaging in playful interactions with trainers, and delighting the audience with their antics. The show also educates visitors about sea lions’ natural habitats, behaviors, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.

Sea Lion Encounters: Visitors can also participate in a sea lion encounter, where they can meet a sea lion up close, learn more about their care, and even pose for photos with these fascinating marine mammals.

3. Stingray Bay: Stingray Bay is an interactive exhibit where guests can touch and feed cownose rays as they glide through the water. This hands-on experience provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the gentle nature of rays while observing their unique feeding behaviors. The exhibit is designed to be both educational and engaging, especially for families with young children.

4. Shark and Turtle Exhibits: The park’s shark exhibit allows guests to observe nurse sharks and other species in a naturalistic habitat, providing an up-close view of these powerful predators. Informational displays help visitors learn about the critical role sharks play in marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts to protect them from overfishing and habitat loss.

Turtle Sanctuary: Gulfarium is also home to a sea turtle sanctuary where rescued turtles are cared for before being released back into the wild. The exhibit educates visitors about the threats facing sea turtles, including pollution, habitat destruction, and bycatch in fishing nets.

5. Aviary: The Aviary Adventure is a tropical bird exhibit where visitors can walk among colorful species of birds from around the world. Guests can purchase bird food and hand-feed species such as parrots, cockatoos, and lorikeets, offering a fun and interactive experience for animal lovers.

6. Penguin Exhibit: The African penguin exhibit offers visitors a chance to observe these fascinating birds in a recreated natural habitat. African penguins are known for their playful nature and strong family bonds. The exhibit highlights the conservation efforts needed to protect penguins in the wild, as they face threats from climate change and habitat loss.

7. Otter Exhibit: Gulfarium’s otter exhibit showcases the playful and social behaviors of North American river otters. Visitors can watch the otters swim, dive, and interact with each other in their specially designed habitat. The exhibit provides a closer look at otters’ natural habits and the challenges they face in the wild due to water pollution and habitat destruction.

Animal Encounters and Interactive Experiences

1. Dolphin Encounter Programs: Gulfarium offers several dolphin encounter programs designed to give visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Options include:

Discover Dolphins: Guests meet a dolphin in shallow water, where they can touch and interact with the dolphin under the guidance of a trainer. This program is perfect for families and those who prefer a more relaxed experience.
Dolphin Splash Encounter: A more immersive experience where participants can get into waist-deep water and enjoy an interactive play session with the dolphins. Guests can also experience a dorsal fin ride in the water.
Trainer for a Day: For those who want to dive even deeper into the world of marine care, the Trainer for a Day program offers a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Gulfarium trainer. Participants assist with daily care, feeding, and training sessions for dolphins and other marine animals.

2. Snorkel with Rays: The Snorkel with Rays program allows visitors to don snorkel gear and swim alongside cownose rays in a calm, controlled environment. This experience is a great opportunity to observe rays’ graceful movements up close while learning about their behavior and diet.

3. Harbor Seal Encounter: Guests can meet and interact with Gulfarium’s harbor seals, known for their curious and friendly nature. The encounter includes time spent learning about the seals’ care and feeding, as well as hands-on interaction.

Conservation and Education

1. Marine Animal Rescue: Gulfarium is deeply committed to marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. The park operates a rescue center that cares for stranded or injured marine animals, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees. Once rehabilitated, the animals are released back into the wild whenever possible. Visitors can learn more about these efforts through exhibits that highlight the park’s work in marine conservation.

2. Educational Programs: Gulfarium offers a range of educational programs aimed at inspiring future generations of marine biologists and conservationists. The park hosts school field trips, summer camps, and marine biology programs that give students a hands-on learning experience with marine animals. These programs teach children and adults alike about the importance of marine ecosystems and the threats facing ocean wildlife.

Summer Camps: Gulfarium’s summer camps are a popular choice for children interested in marine life. Campers participate in interactive learning sessions, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours that provide a deeper understanding of marine conservation.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Gulfarium actively promotes public awareness campaigns focused on reducing plastic pollution, protecting endangered species, and encouraging sustainable fishing practices. The park encourages visitors to take action in their daily lives to help preserve the world’s oceans.

Special Events and Celebrations

1. Birthday Parties: Gulfarium is a favorite location for birthday parties, offering several packages that include access to the park, special animal encounters, private party areas, and catering options. These parties provide an unforgettable experience for children and their guests, with options to meet dolphins, sea lions, and more.

2. Seasonal Events: Throughout the year, Gulfarium hosts seasonal events that bring a festive atmosphere to the park. These events include holiday-themed activities, educational talks, and special animal demonstrations. Popular events include:

Holiday-themed Animal Encounters: During holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and Halloween, Gulfarium offers themed animal encounters, craft stations, and seasonal shows that add an extra layer of fun to the park experience.

Vicinity of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

About the Area

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located on Okaloosa Island, just a short drive from Destin and Fort Walton Beach. The park is an integral part of the local community, contributing to tourism, education, and conservation efforts. Its location along the Emerald Coast provides visitors with easy access to nearby beaches, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a perfect stop for families enjoying a vacation in the Florida Panhandle.

Additional Details

Location: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located at 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.
Hours of Operation: The park is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Hours may vary during holidays and special events, so it’s best to check the website for updates.
Admission: General admission tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Gulfarium offers discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel, as well as annual passes for frequent visitors.
Parking: On-site parking is available for a small fee. The park is easily accessible from major roadways and is within walking distance of local beaches and other attractions.
Accessibility: The park is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible seating available for shows and exhibits.

For more information visit: https://gulfarium.com