School Groups

Fun is just another word for learning.

Are your students ready for a unique adventure? We invite teachers and students to join one of Gulfarium’s educators and dive in for an unforgettable educational experience! Our informative programs are specially designed to be age-specific and we have limited space, so be sure to make your reservations early!

Download our free supplemental scavenger hunt worksheets:

*School group offerings and rates are available Monday – Friday, after Labor Day and before Memorial Day

Reservations:

  • Reservations for all field trip experiences are required; call (850) 243-9046 to reserve your visit.
  • A $100.00 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is required in order to reserve your visit.
  • When booking multiple days, a $100.00 deposit will apply for each additional day.
  • Recommend full payment prior to visit in order to expedite admissions.
  • To qualify for our school group rates, payment for the entire group including additional chaperones and parents must be made in one transaction by the school or organization.
  • A Tax Exempt Certificate must be provided with deposit so that we may allow tax exemption. We need a copy to keep for each transaction processed at our point of sale. We do not keep your Tax Exempt Certificate on file.
  • Cash or personal credit card transactions will be subject to Florida Sales Tax.
  • We do not accept personal checks.

Please have the following information ready when making your reservations:

  • School name, address, and telephone number.
  • School principal’s name.
  • Name of the teacher in charge of the trip.
  • E-mail address to receive your confirmation.
  • Date you would like to make your field trip.
  • Number of students attending.
  • Number of adult chaperones.
  • You will receive your confirmation by e-mail once deposit is received.

PLEASE PRINT A COPY OF YOUR CONFIRMATION AND BRING IT WITH YOU ON YOUR TRIP. THIS WILL BE YOUR ONLY CONFIRMATION.

two girls on a field trip, listening to a large shell

Gulfarium Field Trip Adventure

Bring your students to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park to explore animal exhibits, aquariums, educational shows, and more during your self-guided field trip. Advanced reservations required.

Minimum 15 students, maximum 275 students

Add an Educational Instructor-led Class

Includes general admission and the opportunity to explore all park exhibits, shows, and demonstrations in addition to the 30-40 minute educational component described below.

* Minimum 10 students for any Instructor-led program.

While exploring the interactive Tide Pool, students will learn about the creatures that call the shallows their home. Find out how these animals move and survive in their aquatic environment.

Maximum: 30 students per class

Times: 9:15am, 10:15am, & 12:15am (25-30 minutes)

Hunt for “Jaws and Claws” while gazing into our Fishin’ Hole and exploring the Tide Pool. Students will witness the power of the Gulf Coast game fish during a feeding of our finned friends at the Fishin’ Hole. Finally, while known for their keen predatory skills, sharks boast several unique traits ideal for underwater survival. Discover more from one of Gulfarium’s aquatic specialists.

Maximum: 30 students per class

Times: 9:15am, 10:15am, & 12:15am (30-40 minutes)

Explore Expedition Trail to learn about African spurred tortoises, feed our friends at Turtle Creek, and meet an educational reptile. Students will attain knowledge about their natural habitat, feeding behavior, and conservation efforts

Maximum: 30 students per class

Times: 9:15am, 10:15am, & 12:15am (30-40 minutes)

Students will discover how Bottlenose dolphin use echolocation to navigate, hunt, avoid obstacles, and identify other species.

Maximum: 24 students per class, only offered September through February

Times: 9:15am, 10:15am, & 12:15am (30-40 minutes)

Students will learn about the five endangered sea turtles that inhabit the Gulf Coast, their anatomy, feeding behaviors, turtle conservation, and the Gulfarium Sea Turtle C.A.R.E. Program.

Maximum: 30 students per class

Times: 9:15am

Dogfish Shark (Squalus acanthias) are a deep-water fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean. This species of shark is often a by-catch of commercial fishing fleets thus utilized for educational purposes.

During this class, students will observe a shark feed and participate in a dissection of a Dogfish shark, all while learning about their physical and behavioral adaptations, anatomy, and shark conservation.

Minimum: 8 students per class Maximum: 16 students per class, only offered November through February

*Call for availability and pricing*

Get a glimpse of what it’s like to care for and train marine mammals! Observe trainers using natural behaviors and positive reinforcement to shape the behaviors you see in our presentations.

Maximum: 125 students per class

Times: 9:15am

This program will give psychology students a better understanding of Classical and Operant conditioning techniques and how they apply to animal training. Students will observe an animal training session and have the opportunity to discuss the different approaches with the Animal Care and Training staff.

Maximum: 125 students per class

Times: 9:15am

Gather in Gulfarium’s Shoreline Theater for a training demonstration with California sea lions. This program can be tailored to any grade level and is a great option for large school groups or multiple classrooms!

Maximum: 125 students, only offered September through February

More Options

small turtle standing on a rock

Outreach Adventures

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park introduces new educational outreach opportunities to assist teachers, schools, and the Florida panhandle community with the tools to discover and learn more about Florida’s biodiversity. Each program will meet multiple Florida Benchmark requirements, and can be tailored to fit teacher’s needs.

sandwich wrap in a to-go container

Adventure Group Optional Lunch Package

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park would be delighted to provide your Adventure Group with lunch catered by our Dive-In Eatery. Enjoy your lunch at our picnic area nestled around Seal Harbor. Picnic tables are not guaranteed and will be on a first come, first serve basis in coordination with general park attendance. Please arrive early to secure group seating.

sandwich wrap in a to-go container

Adventure Group Optional Snack

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park would happily provide your Adventure Group individual snacks, including a box of freshly-popped popcorn and bottled water. This snack can be enjoyed at our covered seating area, or carried with you throughout the park. Picnic tables will be on a first come, first serve basis in coordination with general park attendance.