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Discover Penguins2026-06-18T12:16:55-05:00

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: Starting at $46.00

Ages: 8 and up

Duration: ~10 minutes

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

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 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 Penguins encounter!

close-up of penguin in an exhibit

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.

My child is seven years old, can they participate?2025-04-03T16:57:30-05:00

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

For Penguin Plunge only, participants must also be 48+ inches tall as well as meet the age requirement.

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.

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

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

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 types of penguins reside at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park?2025-04-29T10:20:05-05:00

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

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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