Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Overview of Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a beloved marine attraction located at 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, within Okaloosa County. Established in 1955, it is one of the oldest continuously operating marine parks in the United States and celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2025 with special admission pricing. The park’s mission emphasizes education, entertainment, and conservation, particularly through its non-profit Gulfarium C.A.R.E. (Coastal Animal Rescue and Education) Center, which focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine animals like sea turtles and manatees while promoting public awareness and participation in conservation efforts.

Attractions and Exhibits

Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits showcasing marine life, including Dolphin Oasis (a habitat for dolphins with underwater viewing), Manatee Cove (a renovated space for rescued manatees featuring improved observation areas and medical facilities), Penguin Preserve, Shark Moat, Otter Den, Seal Harbor, and the Living Sea exhibit with fish, reptiles, and birds. The park houses species such as dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, otters, penguins, sharks, stingrays (including Southern, Atlantic, and cownose varieties), and more. It’s designed for family fun, with opportunities for school field trips, corporate events, children’s programs, and private hosted gatherings.

Shows and Animal Encounters

Daily programming includes engaging shows like Dolphin Presentations and Sea Lion Presentations, which highlight the animals’ behaviors and intelligence. Educational animal chats are scheduled throughout the day, covering topics on reptiles, penguins, sharks, manatees, otters, and harbor seals—typically running from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. These interactive sessions provide insights into the animals’ habitats, conservation needs, and care.

Educational Programs and Conservation Efforts

The park offers educational initiatives such as interactive chats, manatee conservation programs, and opportunities to learn about marine rescue through the C.A.R.E. Center. Conservation work includes statewide manatee rescues, sea turtle rehabilitation (with releases back into the ocean), and public education to encourage active environmental stewardship. It’s an ideal spot for hands-on learning, making it popular for families and school groups.

Ticket Prices and Operating Hours

General admission tickets are nonrefundable and valid for one year from purchase, with potential blackout dates for discounts. While exact standard prices can vary (typically around $25–$30 for adults and lower for children, based on reviews), group discounts of 10% are available for parties of 15 or more. Special events, like the 70th anniversary promotion, offered tickets for $19.55 per person. Optional Encounter Protection allows cancellations or rescheduling up to two hours before an experience for a refund (minus fees).

The park operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during spring and summer, shortening to 3:30 p.m. closing in fall and winter. Check the official website for the latest schedule, as shows and chats have specific times.

Additional Details

On-site amenities include the Dive-In Eatery for casual dining (burgers, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks) and accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly entrances, restrooms, and parking. For inquiries or bookings, contact (850) 243-9046. Reviews highlight it as a worthwhile, family-oriented destination, especially for younger children, though some note it can feel compact compared to larger aquariums. Nearby attractions and its location near beaches make it a convenient stop in the Emerald Coast area.