Open Today: 9am – 4:30pm

Discover Penguins2023-08-04T08:54:43-05:00

Discover Penguins

Meet our flightless friends of the sea! Participants will have the opportunity to feed and touch an African penguin while learning about these lively and lovable birds.

DISCOVER PENGUINS

Fast Facts

Price: $44.00

Ages: 8 and up

Duration: ~10 minutes

* Does not include admission

Play with our lively, lovable birds

Penguins in Florida? African black footed penguins are an endangered species of penguins native to southern Africa. Therefore, the warm temperatures of the Florida panhandle provide ideal living conditions for our resident penguins. During this program, guests have the opportunities to touch and feed our African black-footed penguins (although, they aren’t necessarily always hungry!) while learning about our penguin colony.

  • Participants must be at least eight (8) 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 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.

Watch a sneak peak of the Discover Penguins encounter!

close-up of penguin in an exhibit

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of penguins reside at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

The penguins at the Gulfarium are African penguins, commonly found along the southern coast of Africa in warm climates.

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

Yes, the Discover Penguins encounter includes the opportunity to touch a penguin.

What do the penguins eat?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

The penguins eat a variety of fish including capelin and smelt.

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.

Does the encounter price include general admission?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

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

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.

five gold stars

“Such a cool experience!

My daughter is obsessed with penguins, so we knew we had to do this encounter. The trainer taught us so much about penguins- it’s neat learning about the animal when you can see and touch them right in front of you!”

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