The Gulfarium is a must-see for locals and visitors alike!
The Gulfarium is located on Okaloosa Island between Destin and Ft. Walton Beach.
The Gulfarium has been entertaining thousands of visitors since it opened in 1955. The park’s mission is to educate and entertain guests to respect and preserve wildlife by providing unique and memorable experiences for all ages.
Our family absolutely loves the Gulfarium! We go a handful of times a year and the kids never get tired of exploring and experiencing our local marine life. We are able to get up close and personal with dolphins, sting rays, sharks, penguins, sea lions, seals, otters, alligators, turtles, and more.
The giant dolphin tank greets you once you walk through the entrance. It’s absolutely incredible to be face-to-face with dolphins!
The dolphin show is not to be missed. Grab a brochure as you pay for your ticket- it will outline the daily show times. The Gulfarium prides itself on its incredible dolphin shows and was the first to record a dolphin jumping 21 feet!
We also enjoy the sea lion show and other exhibits in the park. Most of the facility is outdoors overlooking the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico.
The touch pool is a crowd favorite, but please remember to be respectful of the marine life and abide by the rules.
You’ll find more than just marine animals at the Gulfarium. Birds, snakes, alligators, lizards, and turtles are all part of the family.
Here’s a tip: you can bring your own snacks and drinks into the park. There is a concession stand with the usual suspects like soda and popcorn, but we prefer to save a few bucks and pack our own.
You could easily spend half a day (or more) at The Gulfarium. It’s the perfect spot on a pretty day or when you need a break from the beach.
The Gulfarium might not be as impressive as aquariums in larger cities, but I think it does a wonderful job of showcasing and preserving our local marine life. The Gulfarium also offers animal encounters and birthday parties. Be sure to check with the park, as certain age restrictions apply to some of the encounters.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE
Ft Walton Beach, FL 32548
850-243-9046