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Discover Dolphins2026-06-18T12:18:12-05:00

Discover Dolphins

You won’t help but be enchanted as you meet our dolphin family during this hands-on dockside encounter. Play, laugh, and learn about the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, known for their curious nature and spirited disposition. You may get splashed, so we recommend wearing attire that can do the same!

DISCOVER DOLPHINS

Fast Facts

Price: Starting at $46.00

Ages: 5 and up

Duration: ~5 minutes

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* Subject to availability

* Price of encounter does not include admission. Must have general admission in order to participate in this experience.

Discover Dolphins!

Get up close and personal with our dolphin pod during this exhilarating experience. Experience a training session with one of our dolphins with one of our very own Marine Mammal Trainers! You will have the opportunity to feed, touch, and learn about the dolphins we have here at the Gulfarium. You will also learn about the dolphins that live right here in the Gulf and why it is so important to protect this species.

  • Participants must be at least five (5) years of age due to height limitations and educational content. Age limit is strictly enforced.
  • 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 to receive a full refund of the purchase price of the encounter.
  • We strongly recommend that guests arrive at the park at least one hour prior to their scheduled encounter. The Gulfarium is located in a high-traffic area, and refunds will not be issued for late arrivals due to traffic delays. Please note that encounters are non-refundable within 24 hours of the scheduled start time for any reason. However, we are happy to assist with rescheduling, pending availability.
  • Encounters are non-refundable within 24 hours of the scheduled start time unless Encounter Protection has been purchased. If you need to reschedule within this 24-hour window or after a missed encounter, rebooking is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
  • Purchased Encounter Protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your encounter for any reason up to 2 hours before the Encounter’s scheduled time to begin. You will be reimbursed for the full amount of each encounter, less the cost of the trip protection and processing fees. This policy does not apply to admission tickets. Rebooking times are based on availability. Guests must call us at (850) 243-9046 x24 to cancel or rebook to have the encounter protection refund applied. Encounter refunds do not automatically apply. If you do not call at least 2 hours in advance of your booked time, the Encounter protection is void.
  • 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.

Watch a sneak peak of the Discover Dolphins encounter here!

underwater view of a dolphin, looking at the camera

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take photos during my encounter?2025-05-26T15:06:57-05:00

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.

Does the encounter price include general admission?2025-05-26T15:07:08-05:00

Unless otherwise noted, the encounter price does not include general admission.  General admission must be purchased in addition to the encounter.

Can I get a refund if it is raining on the day of my encounter?2025-05-26T15:07:17-05:00

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

Will I get to touch the dolphins?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Yes, the Discover Dolphins program includes the opportunity to discover how a dolphin feels.

What else will I get to do with the dolphins?2024-06-13T17:02:14-05:00

Although each program is different in order to incorporate variety for the animals, the program may include feeding and giving various behavior signals while interacting with the dolphins.

Will I go in the water with the dolphins?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

No, the Discover Dolphin program occurs from the dry dock area alongside the habitat.  Mats will be provided for each guest to kneel or sit on the dock.

My child is four years old, can they participate?2024-06-13T17:03:24-05:00

No, participants must be at least five (5) years of age.

What is your cancelation policy?2025-05-26T15:07:52-05:00

General Admission Cancelation Policy

  • General admission tickets are nonrefundable and are valid for one year from date of purchase. Blackout dates may apply to discounted tickets.

Encounter Cancelation Policy

  • Cancelation: 24-hour notice must be given to receive a full refund of the purchase price of the encounter.
  • We strongly recommend that guests arrive at the park at least one hour prior to their scheduled encounter. The Gulfarium is located in a high-traffic area, and refunds will not be issued for late arrivals due to traffic delays. Please note that encounters are non-refundable within 24 hours of the scheduled start time for any reason. However, we are happy to assist with rescheduling, pending availability.
  • Encounters are non-refundable within 24 hours of the scheduled start time unless Encounter Protection has been purchased. If you need to reschedule within this 24-hour window or after a missed encounter, rebooking is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
  • Purchased Encounter Protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your encounter for any reason up to 2 hours before the Encounter’s scheduled time to begin. You will be reimbursed for the full amount of each encounter, less the cost of the trip protection and processing fees. This policy does not apply to admission tickets. Rebooking times are based on availability. Guests must call us at (850) 243-9046 x24 to cancel or rebook to have the encounter protection refund applied. Encounter refunds do not automatically apply. If you do not call at least 2 hours in advance of your booked time, the Encounter protection is void.
What is Encounter Protection?2025-05-26T15:07:59-05:00

Encounter Protection: Purchased Encounter Protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your encounter for any reason up to 2 hours before the Encounter’s scheduled time to begin. You will be reimbursed for the full amount of each encounter, less the cost of the trip protection and processing fees. This policy does not apply to admission tickets. Rebooking times are based on availability. Guests must call us at (850) 243-9046 x24 to cancel or rebook to have the encounter protection refund applied. Encounter refunds do not automatically apply. If you do not call at least 2 hours in advance of your booked time, the Encounter protection is void.

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