Open Today: 9am – 4:30pm

CAREing for Turtles2023-08-11T11:01:40-05:00

C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles

C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles

Fast Facts

Price: $15.00

Ages: 8 and up

Duration: ~60 minutes

* Does not include admission. Guests ages 8 – 15 require a paying, participating adult over the age of 18.

Take a behind the scenes tour of the C.A.R.E. Center

The Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center is partnering with Destin-Fort Walton Beach to bring awareness to sea turtles and our nesting beaches. Visit the C.A.R.E. Center after-hours and get a behind the scenes look into the operations of the rehabilitation center, meet our current patients, and learn how to perform a mock in-take of an injured turtle.

  • Guests must be age eight (8) or older to participate in the “C.A.R.E.”ing for Turtles encounter.
  • Participants under sixteen (16) years of age must be accompanied by a participating (paying) adult over the age of eighteen (18).
  • Participants with special needs including mobility, seeing, or hearing impairments must contact Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park prior to reserving the encounter.
  • Encounter must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
  • Encounters continue rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges due to inclement weather.
  • 24-hour notice must be given in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.
  • In the event that an encounter must be rescheduled within 24 hours prior to the encounter start time, or after a missed encounter, a rebooking fee of 25% of the encounter purchase price will be applied. Rebooking is subject to program availability and is not guaranteed.
  • Cameras/phones are not allowed into animal enclosures or on docks as participants’ hands must be free to interact with the animals. Family and friends are welcome to take photos from general admission viewing areas.
  • For the safety of the animals, remove jewelry and loose articles from pockets prior to the start of the encounter.
  • All pricing is subject to change.
woman teaching about turtle eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the program include general admission to the Gulfarium?2023-03-15T17:51:52-05:00

No, the program does not include general admission to the park. If the participant would like to explore the park exhibits and presentations on an alternate day or prior to the “C.A.R.E.”ing for Turtles program, general admission purchase is required.

What types of turtles will I get to see?2023-03-15T17:51:52-05:00

You will have the opportunity to learn about and see our current rehabilitation patients at the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center.

Can I reschedule my encounter for a different day if something comes up? What if I miss my scheduled encounter?2023-03-16T15:24:51-05:00

If more than 24 hours notice is given, an encounter can be rescheduled at no charge. Rescheduling is subject to program availability and is not guaranteed. In the event that an encounter must be rescheduled within the 24-hour window prior to the encounter start time, or after a missed encounter, a rebooking fee of 25% of the encounter purchase price will be applied. Call 850-243-9046 x 4 for assistance.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my reservation?2023-03-16T15:24:10-05:00

24-hour notice must be given in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.  Call 850-243-9046 x 4 for assistance.

Can I get a refund if it is raining on the day of my encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Encounters continue rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges due to inclement weather.

My child is seven years old, can they participate?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

No, due to height limitations and educational content, participants must be at least eight (8) years of age.

Can I take photos during my encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Cameras/phones are not allowed into animal enclosures or on docks as participants’ hands must be free to interact with the animals.  Family and friends are welcome to take photos from viewing areas.