Get Up Close and Personal: Gulfarium’s Diverse Animal Encounters

Splash ‘N Play

Join us for an exclusive in-water adventure with our Splash ‘N Play encounter!

Get ready to dive in and connect with our dolphin family up close and personal, guided by our passionate Marine Mammal Trainers. Immerse yourself in the excitement of touching, feeding, and interacting with these incredible animals while learning about the importance of protecting dolphins right here in the Gulf.

Discover Dolphins

Get up close and personal with our dolphin pod during this exhilarating experience.

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.

Rise & Shine Dolphin Package

Rise & Shine with dolphins! Enjoy early park access, a guided tour, dockside dolphin encounter, and full-day admission!

Begin your day with a splash during this early-morning dockside encounter with our playful dolphins! Enjoy a guided walk to Dolphin Oasis before participating in this hands-on experience. Be sure to dress for the occasion—you might get wet!

NEW! Reef Snorkel

Grab your snorkel gear and dive into the world under the sea!

Immerse yourself in a reef of wonder as you snorkel amid shimmering fish and an array of marine inhabitants!

NEW! Discover Scuba

Learn scuba basics and dive in our immersive Discover Scuba program—no experience needed!

Take the plunge into Explorer’s Reef for an unforgettable underwater adventure! Guided by certified instructors, you’ll dive beneath the surface to experience the thrill of breathing underwater—no certification required. After a short orientation, suit up and explore during a 1-hour scuba session!

Kids on beach for activity as part of Sunset Camp.

Sunset Camp

Enjoy an evening out while your children have an unforgettable experience at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

Enjoy an evening out while your children have an unforgettable experience at the Gulfarium! Our Sunset Camp includes a dockside encounter with a dolphin, an exploratory venture along the beautiful Emerald Coast beach at dusk, ocean-themed activities, a scavenger hunt, and even more!

Penguin Plunge

Observe the fascinating features of an African penguin’s anatomy as our Animal Care Specialists share insights into their behavior, biology, and conservation efforts.

On dry land, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the fascinating features of an African penguin’s anatomy as our Animal Care Specialists share insights into their behavior, biology, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered species.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! You’ll also have the chance to join the penguins in the water, where you can witness their graceful underwater movements and playful antics up close. Whether they’re diving or swimming, you’ll be mesmerized by their agility and charm.

Throughout the encounter there will be multiple photo opportunities to capture these unforgettable moments, like being able to touch these animals up close.

Join us for the brand new Penguin Plunge encounter, where you’ll not only learn about these incredible animals, but also create memories that will last a lifetime.

Discover Penguins

Penguins in Florida? African black footed penguins are an endangered species of penguins native to southern Africa.

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.

Discover Sea Lions

Enjoy meeting a sea lion during your visit at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park!

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in a training session alongside our marine mammal trainers, feed the sea lions, and learn more about this species and their wild counterparts. This unique experience is one you will never forget!

Discover Gators

Touch and hold! Venture into Fort Gator to meet our two adult American Alligators, Brutus, our 500-pound, 11-foot male, and Glades, our 7-foot, 190-pound female.

You’ll get to learn all about these modern-day dinosaurs and how they are important to our ecosystem here in Florida. During the Spring and Summer, guests even get the opportunity to feed them! Next you will have the opportunity to meet and touch a baby American alligator and learn about their journey in the wild and the habits they exhibit while they are this small.

family touching a harbor seal

Discover Harbor Seals

Harbor seals can be found along the coastlines of Alaska and the eastern and western coastlines of the United States.

Unlike sea lions, harbor seals have a fused pelvic bone preventing them from moving their pelvis under their hip bone to walk on land. Instead, you will see them galumphing, or undulating their bodies to move across land. Harbor seals are known for their gentle and playful nature and we can’t wait to introduce you to a member of our harbor seal family.

Reptile Safari

Learn about our cold-blooded friends. Go on a journey with one of our expert aquarists.

Discover three different reptile species! You will have the opportunity to see, touch, and learn about three different types of reptiles that could include snakes, tortoises, turtles, lizards, or alligators.

Discover Turtles

Learn about our two male tortoises, Squirt and Tractor, and all the remarkable things about them and their species!

We will begin with a brief overview of the C.A.R.E. Center to learn all about what it takes to rehabilitate a sick or injured wild sea turtle. There, you’ll also get to learn some of the stories of our current sea turtle patients. To continue our time together you’ll get to meet and feed our African spurred tortoises.

VIP Trainer

Ever wonder what it’s like to be an animal care specialist at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park?

As a VIP Trainer, you can enjoy a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience like no other! Working side-by-side with our trainers and aquarists, you’ll learn and practice all it takes to train and care for all of our marine animal residents!