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: $42.00

Ages: 5 and up

Duration: ~5 minutes

BOOK NOW

*Beginning Nov. 1, dolphin encounters can only be booked over phone through our gift shop. Please call 850-243-9046 x24.

* Does not include admission

Splash with our 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 of Mexico and why it is so important to protect this species.

REQUIREMENTS

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.

POLICIES

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.

underwater view of a dolphin, looking at the camera

Frequently Asked Questions

My child is four years old, can they participate?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

My child is four years old, can they participate?

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

Will I go in the water with the dolphins?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Will I go in the water with the dolphins?

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.

What else will I get to do with the dolphins?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

What else will I get to do with the dolphins?

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 get to touch the dolphins?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Will I get to touch the dolphins?

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

Can I reschedule my encounter for a different day if something comes up? What if I miss my scheduled encounter?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-16T15:24:51-05:00

Can I reschedule my encounter for a different day if something comes up? What if I miss my scheduled encounter?

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?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-16T15:24:10-05:00

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my reservation?

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?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Can I get a refund if it is raining on the day of my encounter?

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

Does the encounter price include general admission?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Does the encounter price include general admission?

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

Can I take photos during my encounter?BlueIvoryCreative2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Can I take photos during my encounter?

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.

“My kids loved it!

They were able to touch and feel the dolphin and feed them. They haven’t stopped talking about how amazing it was!”

ANIMAL FACT

MORE EXPERIENCES

Dive in to Gulfarium

little girl interacting with a dolphin, next to two instructors

Dolphin Star

Take center stage, as an acting veterinarian, while joining our marine mammal trainers dockside during a segment in one of our dolphin shows.

Learn More

Discover Turtles

This turtle-filled encounter will introduce you to our seafaring loggerheads, a variety of fresh water turtles, and even our land-loving African spurred tortoises.

Learn More