Open: 9am – 4:30pm (Admissions closes at 3:30pm)

Rise & Shine Dolphin Package2026-05-29T09:52:43-05:00

Start Your Day the Dolphin Way!

Rise & Shine Dolphin Package

Fast Facts

Price: Starting at $98

Ages: 5+

Duration: 45 minutes

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*Subject to availability

Rise & Shine Dolphin Package

Start your morning with an unforgettable experience during the Gulfarium’s Rise & Shine Dolphin Package at our breathtaking Dolphin Oasis habitat! Beginning at 8:30am, this special program offers early access to the park, a guided walking tour, and a hands-on dockside dolphin encounter (approximately 5 minutes of interaction). Along the way, you’ll meet members of our animal care team and learn more about our incredible animals as well as our research and conservation programs.

After your dolphin experience, you’ll be free to enjoy everything the Gulfarium has to offer with general admission included—from exciting presentations to up-close animal encounters and marine exhibits!

  • Guests must be age five (5) or older to participate in the Rise & Shine Dolphin encounter.
  • Participants under thirteen (13) 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.
  • Minimum 8 guests required for the Rise & Shine Dolphin encounter to take place.

  • Encounter must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
  • Encounters continue rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges due to inclement weather.
  • Minimum 8 guests required for the Rise & Shine Dolphin encounter to take place.
  • 24-hour notice must be given in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.
  • 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.

Expedite your check in process by completing an Encounter Participant Waiver online prior to your visit (a link to the waiver will be included in your confirmation e-mail).  Separate waiver required for each participant.

underwater view of a dolphin, looking at the camera

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the encounter price include general admission?2024-06-13T16:53:20-05:00

Yes, this encounter includes general admission to the park.

Will I get to touch the dolphins?2025-05-26T10:20:41-05:00

Yes, this dolphin program includes the opportunity to discover how a dolphin feels.

Will I go in the water with the dolphins?2025-05-26T10:20:00-05:00

No, this dolphin program occurs from the dry dock area alongside the habitat.  Mats will be provided for each guest to kneel or sit on the dock.

What else will I get to do with the dolphins?2024-06-13T17:02:14-05:00

Although each program is different in order to incorporate variety for the animals, the program may include feeding and giving various behavior signals while interacting with the dolphins.

My child is four years old, can they participate?2024-06-13T17:03:24-05:00

No, participants must be at least five (5) years of age.

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.

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 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.

five gold stars

“My kids loved it!

They were able to touch and feel the dolphin and feed them. They haven’t stopped talking about how amazing it was!”

image_adobe_express_(1) ANIMAL FACT

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