Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Explore marine life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, featuring dolphin shows, animal encounters, and new exhibits like Dolphin Oasis.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better show seats
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better show seats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore marine life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, featuring dolphin shows, animal encounters, and new exhibits like Dolphin Oasis.
"The animals were a delight! You could tell they were happy and playful."
🎯 Book Encounters Early
Animal encounters are popular! Reserve your spot online in advance to guarantee your experience .
💧 Splash Zone Warning
Sit in the splash zone for the dolphin show if you want to get soaked! It's a fun, albeit wet, experience .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Oasis
New expansion area
Experience the newly expanded Dolphin Oasis with impressive habitats and engaging dolphin presentations. Interact with these intelligent creatures up close!
Sea Lion Encounter
Designated encounter area
Get hands-on with a friendly sea lion! Pet, feed, and even cue a sea lion in this memorable, short experience.
Manatee Cove
Manatee viewing area
Observe gentle manatees through multi-level viewing windows. Learn about these fascinating marine mammals in a serene setting.
Penguin Experience
Penguin exhibit
Delight in the playful antics of penguins. This experience offers a unique opportunity to get up close with these charming birds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Plan for a Full Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Encounters Early
Animal encounters are popular! Reserve your spot online in advance to guarantee your experience.
💧 Splash Zone Warning
Sit in the splash zone for the dolphin show if you want to get soaked! It's a fun, albeit wet, experience.
📸 Photo Policy
Professional photos are extra during encounters. Cell phones are often not allowed during these experiences.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire park with ease.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Encounters Early
Animal encounters are popular! Reserve your spot online in advance to guarantee your experience.
💧 Splash Zone Warning
Sit in the splash zone for the dolphin show if you want to get soaked! It's a fun, albeit wet, experience.
📸 Photo Policy
Professional photos are extra during encounters. Cell phones are often not allowed during these experiences.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes to explore the entire park with ease.
💰 Look for Discounts
Check for 'discount tickets' or 'coupons' online before your visit to save on admission.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park for its happy and playful animals, friendly and helpful staff, and impressive improvements over the years. The dolphin shows and animal encounters are frequently highlighted as majestic and enjoyable experiences for all ages. While some find the pricing a bit high, most agree the educational value and overall fun make it a worthwhile visit.
"The animals were a delight! You could tell they were happy and playful. All where either contently resting, roaming gracefully, or energetically bouncing with excitement for their trainers to come in. We learned lots of fun facts. You could view the ocean while wandering through. Prices were great! Every staff member was friendly, helpful and willing to chat or point you in the right direction! Amazing improvements from when I was here 20 years ago and I loved it then too! Impressive!"
Jennifer K
"Friendly staff, what s sight I have never seen dolphins this close and all the interactions it was really majestic and beautiful. I and my family enjoyed the shows the lasted the perfect amount of time for groups with kids and the temperature. Love the manstee peep windows also! Was clean and not overwhelmingly packed. The ticket attendant Andy was very nice and patient great communication. I enjoyed my family visiting here great sights to see and things to learn with wholesome entertainment."
Kasey Blanks
"We went for the penguin experience and it was so fun! But heads up, to do an experience a general admission ticket is also required and like any theme park activity, the professional pictures were extra (not allowed to have your cell phone with you during the event). But overall so fun and loved seeing the other animals too"
Joya Peters
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is located on Okaloosa Island in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Yes, there are several hotels near the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, especially in Fort Walton Beach and Destin, offering easy access to the park and local attractions.
Parking is generally available at the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busy days, to secure a spot.
Information on public transportation options to the Gulfarium can be limited. Driving and parking is the most common method of arrival for visitors.
The park features outdoor, open-air facilities with covered walkways, making it generally accessible. However, specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly with the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Gulfarium website for the most current pricing. Look for 'Gulfarium tickets' or 'Gulfarium admission tickets' online.
Yes, visitors often look for 'Gulfarium discount tickets,' 'Gulfarium coupons,' or 'Gulfarium Groupon' deals online to save on admission.
While not always mandatory, booking your 'Gulfarium tickets' online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure better prices.
General admission typically includes access to all exhibits, shows, and demonstrations. Special animal encounters require separate tickets.
The Gulfarium may offer a 'Gulfarium military discount.' It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for current discount policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of 'Gulfarium animals,' including dolphins, sea lions, penguins, manatees, sharks, rays, otters, reptiles, and various fish and birds.+1
Show times vary daily. It's best to check the 'Gulfarium show times' or 'Gulfarium schedule' on their official website upon arrival or beforehand to plan your day.
Yes, the Gulfarium offers animal encounters, such as the 'Sea Lion Encounter' and 'Penguin Experience.' These require separate booking and admission.
Absolutely! The Gulfarium is considered an 'excellent experience for kids' with engaging shows and educational exhibits that entertain and inform younger visitors.
Most visitors spend around 3 hours at the Gulfarium to see the exhibits and watch the shows. If you plan on doing animal encounters, allow extra time.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Gulfarium typically offers food and beverage options. You can check the 'Gulfarium menu' on their website or inquire upon arrival for current offerings.
Policies on outside food and drinks can vary. It's advisable to check the Gulfarium's official policy regarding outside food and beverages before your visit.
Yes, there are dining options available near the Gulfarium in Fort Walton Beach and along the coast, offering various cuisines for visitors.
Some visitors mention a shaded splash pad and play area right next door to the Gulfarium, which can be a great spot for kids to enjoy after visiting the park.
Expect typical park fare, such as snacks, light meals, and beverages. Specifics about the 'Gulfarium menu' can be found on their official site.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are generally allowed to take photos throughout the park. However, cell phones may not be permitted during specific animal encounter experiences.
The Gulfarium offers many 'Gulfarium photos' opportunities, from close-ups of marine life to engaging show moments. The new Dolphin Oasis provides stunning backdrops.
Professional photos taken during animal encounters are typically an additional cost and not included in the encounter price.
The Dolphin Oasis, Manatee Cove, and areas with vibrant fish exhibits offer excellent photo opportunities. The shows also provide dynamic moments for capturing memories.
Drone usage is generally prohibited at most attractions for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to confirm the Gulfarium's specific policy on drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The park offers a variety of animals, from sharks and fish to penguins and dolphins, ensuring there's something to capture every child's interest. The new Dolphin Oasis and Manatee Cove provide engaging viewing experiences, and the educational aspect of the park helps make learning fun.Consider booking animal encounters for a truly memorable experience, but be aware of the extra costs and photo policies.
Arriving early for shows is recommended to get good seats, and comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the park's exhibits.💰 Budget Travelers
Focusing on the general admission which includes all the shows and exhibits can still provide a full day of entertainment. The dolphin and sea lion shows are highly praised and offer significant value. Prioritizing which animals you want to see most and planning your day around the show schedule can help maximize your experience without overspending.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a special animal encounter, like the sea lion interaction, for a shared adventure that creates lasting memories. Even just enjoying the shows together, perhaps from the splash zone for a bit of playful fun, can be a delightful way to spend time. The park's beautiful ocean views also add to the scenic backdrop for a couple's outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Dolphin Oasis
This state-of-the-art area features three large interconnected habitats and three husbandry habitats, holding over one million gallons of Gulf salt water. Visitors can enjoy dolphin presentations and have opportunities for more intimate interactions with these intelligent marine mammals. The opening of Dolphin Oasis in March 2024 has significantly enhanced the visitor experience, offering a more immersive and educational encounter with dolphins.Travelers have expressed excitement about the new facilities, noting the impressive scale and the quality of the dolphin shows and presentations.
+1 The design prioritizes both the well-being of the animals and the engagement of the guests, providing multiple viewing angles and interactive elements. This expansion underscores the Gulfarium's commitment to providing cutting-edge marine life experiences and education, making it a must-see attraction for dolphin enthusiasts.Animal Encounters: Worth the Splurge?
It's important to note that these experiences come with an additional cost on top of general admission.
Educational Mission and Conservation
The park emphasizes learning through its exhibits, shows, and demonstrations, providing visitors with fun facts and insights into the lives of marine animals.The park's commitment extends to conservation efforts, aiming to foster a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems. By showcasing the animals in well-maintained habitats and highlighting their behaviors, the Gulfarium encourages a sense of responsibility towards wildlife preservation. This dual focus on education and inspiration is a key aspect of the Gulfarium's mission, ensuring that visitors leave with not only fond memories but also a greater understanding of the importance of protecting our oceans and their inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit