Gulfarium FAQs
Still wondering about the Gulfarium experience? Get answers to common questions or use the search bar below.
Digital gift cards are delivered by email to the recipient after purchase. The email includes a unique gift card number, a QR code for in-park use, and a link to view the card balance. To redeem online, add tickets or experiences to your cart, proceed to checkout, and enter the gift card number in the gift card/payment field—the balance will automatically apply. To redeem in person, simply show the QR code or provide the gift card number at admissions or the gift shop.
Gift cards are flexible and not tied to one program, so the recipient can choose the experience they’re most excited about.
Gift cards are non-refundable and treated like cash. Please keep them in a safe place, as lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced.
No problem—you can pay the difference with another form of payment at checkout.
Absolutely. If your purchase total is less than the card balance, the remaining amount stays on the card for future use.
Yes! Gift cards may be redeemed on our website for tickets and experiences, or in person at admissions and the gift shop.
No—Gulfarium gift cards have no expiration date and can be used whenever you’re ready to plan your visit.
Gift cards can be used toward general admission, animal encounters, memberships, gift shop purchases, and select programs at Gulfarium.
In addition to purchasing general admission and visiting the park, there are several ways you can make a difference and help support the Gulfarium and our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect marine life:
Donate directly to the Gulfarium CARE Center – Your contributions directly fund sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Sponsor our annual CARE on the Coast Turtle Fest – Support this family-friendly fundraising event as an event sponsor or by providing an in-kind donation.
Shop our Amazon Wishlist – Purchase essential items used daily in the CARE Center to help care for our sea turtle patients.
Volunteer – Join our dedicated team by applying to volunteer through our website.
Become a Community Partner – Support our broader rescue and rehabilitation programs, including manatee conservation through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP).
Every contribution—whether it’s time, supplies, or funding—helps us continue our vital work in marine conservation and animal care.
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.
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
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- 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.
To book a private event or inquire about availability, please contact our dedicated events team. They will guide you through the booking process and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Yes, we are committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all guests. Our facility is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including accessible entrances, restrooms, and parking.
To book a private event or inquire about availability, please contact our dedicated events team. They will guide you through the booking process and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Yes, the Gulfarium provides ample free parking for event guests. Our team will provide information on parking arrangements and any additional assistance needed.
The Gulfarium does not provide in-house catering for after-hours events, but we do have a list of preferred catering vendors. We are also open to working with outside vendors as long as they meet our requirements and guidelines. Our team can provide additional information and help coordinate vendor arrangements.
Absolutely! We offer customizable event packages to suit your preferences, budget, and specific requirements. Our event coordinators will work closely with you to design a package that meets your needs and brings your vision to life.
The capacity varies depending on the event space and setup. Our team will work with you to determine the best arrangement to accommodate your guest count.
Our versatile event spaces can accommodate a wide range of events, including weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, reunions, and corporate functions.
Absolutely! We offer a stunning venue for hosting private events, including corporate gatherings, family celebrations, weddings, and more.
Yes, the Gulfarium event spaces for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. You can choose to have your entire wedding celebration at the aquarium, from multiple first-look photoshoot locations, to exchanging vows in front of a stunning exhibit, to enjoying a memorable reception surrounded by marine life in front of a stunning exhibit to enjoying a memorable reception surrounded by marine life.
Our event spaces can accommodate groups of various sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. Our experienced event planners will help you determine the best space to accommodate your specific needs.
Gulfarium is well-equipped to host a wide range of corporate events, including team-building activities, employee appreciation events, product launches, and holiday parties.
To book a private event or inquire about availability, please contact our dedicated events team. They will guide you through the booking process and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Yes! We offer a stunning venue for hosting private events, including corporate gatherings, family celebrations, weddings, and more!
To book a proposal package at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park & Aquarium, you can contact their events team directly. They will guide you through the process, discuss package options, and assist you in planning every detail of your proposal.
Proposal packages at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park & Aquarium are specially curated experiences designed to help you create a unique and memorable proposal moment surrounded by the wonders of marine life.
The penguins at the Gulfarium are African penguins, commonly found along the southern coast of Africa in warm climates.
The mission of the Gulfarium’s research and conservation efforts is to significantly contribute to and participate in scientific research and conservation projects that are important to the preservation of marine life in the wild as well as the advancement of husbandry for animals in zoological parks and aquariums while sharing and fostering this passion in our visitors and the general public.  Learn more.
If you enjoy working with people and love animals, Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Center may be the perfect place for you to volunteer! You can learn more and apply to become a volunteer here.
We have extensive internship opportunities year-round and you can view our employment opportunities here.
The Living Sea room at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park provides a unique and memorable setting for an evening event.  Please visit our events page to start the planning process.
Absolutely!  An annual pass is a great way to explore Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park over and over again where a new adventure awaits each time you visit!  Learn more about annual passes.
We offer various discounts including military, group rates, and annual passes. Please visit our reservations page for more information or call 850-243-9046 for assistance.
We are a smoke-free park. This includes electronic/vapor cigarettes.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park does not permit coolers, glass containers, outside food or beverages, or picnic lunches to be brought inside the park. Guests with special diets, baby formula or baby food may bring their items into the park. We offer onsite food and drink concessions and/or park guests can leave the park for lunch and return on the same day by showing their admission receipt upon re-entry.
With the exception of service dogs, pets are not allowed at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. In addition, pets cannot be left in vehicles during your visit, please make arrangements to leave pets at home.
We offer several animal encounters for you to get up-close and personal with our marine life residents!
We currently do not offer a full immersion swim with the dolphins. The three dolphin encounters we currently offer, Discover Dolphins, Dolphin Doodle, and Dolphin Splash N Play, will provide you the opportunity to touch, feed, play and give behaviors signals to the dolphins while learning about this incredible species
We are an outdoor, open air facility located right on the Gulf of Mexico. The walkways are covered with awnings, but on rainy days it is a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket, as you will get wet walking to and from the exhibits, shows, and chats. Shows and encounters continue rain or shine though severe weather or electrical activity may cause some delays.
You can expect to spend several hours or half a day at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Â Our Dive-In Eatery offers lunch selections that can be enjoyed at one of the picnic tables directly adjacent to Seal Harbor.
With endless animal encounter opportunities, dolphin and sea lion shows, daily animal chats, and amazing exhibits to view, your visit will be filled with fun and adventure!  View our hours and schedule here.
The dolphin and sea lion presentations occur daily and seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. In addition, we offer scheduled chats by a variety of our animal exhibits and even if you haven’t yet signed up for an animal encounter, you will be able to view the encounters as they happen and see several fun behaviors and demonstrations by our animal residents.
We are open daily at 9:00 a.m. all year round. Â Admissions closes at 4:30 p.m. during the spring and summer months and closes at 3:30 p.m. during the fall and winter months. We are closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
We are located at 1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, a quarter mile east of Brooks Bridge on Okaloosa Island. Directions
