Open Today: 9am – 4:30pm

Discover Stingrays2023-08-09T11:12:21-05:00

Discover Stingrays

Dip your hands into our Stingray Estuary and marvel at the tranquility of these gentle rays as they glide under your fingertips.

DISCOVER STINGRAYS

Fast Facts

Price: $26.00

Ages: 4 and up

Duration: ~15 minutes

* Does not include admission. Guests ages 4-5 require a paying, participating adult over the age of 18.

Get to know our stingrays

Stingrays belong to the Elasmobranch family, along with sharks and skates. Did you know stingrays have no bones in their bodies and their bones are made up of a flexible cartilage? Additionally, their eyes are found on the top side of their body, and mouth and gills underneath. Come learn more about these fascinating animals during the Discover Stingrays program. This is a great alternative to Stingray Bay Snorkel if you or your family want to stay dry while learning about our rays!

  • Participants must be at least four (4) years of age due to height limitations and educational content. Age limit is strictly enforced.
  • Participants under six (6) 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.
three people on a dock with a sea lion

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get to touch the stingrays?2023-03-15T17:51:53-05:00

The Discover Stingrays encounter does provide the opportunity to touch the stingrays.  Please follow all instructions given by the aquarist staff when interacting with the stingrays.

Can I take photos during my encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:53-05:00

Cameras/phones are not allowed into animal enclosures or on docks as participants’ hands must be free to interact with the animals.  The only exception to this is that underwater cameras are allowed when snorkeling with stingrays and sharks in Stingray Bay. Family and friends are welcome to take photos from general admission viewing areas.

My child is three years old, can they participate?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

No, participants must be at least four (4) years of age.

What types of stingrays reside at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

Among the species of stingrays at the Gulfarium are Southern stingrays, Atlantic stingrays, and cownose rays.

What do the stingrays eat?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

The stingrays have a wide variety of diet include fish, squid, clams, and shrimp.

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.

five gold stars

“It was so fun!

We loved watching our kids touch the stingrays and then get all excited to tell us how they felt. We laughed so much! It was a great family activity for the four of us!”

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