How long does the Gulfarium take?

2-3 hours covers all shows, exhibits, and the touch pool comfortably. Plan around the dolphin and sea lion show schedule. It is intentionally small-scale -- manageable for young children.

Is the Gulfarium worth it?

For families with kids who love marine animals, yes. The intimate scale, dolphin shows, stingray touch pool, and sea turtle exhibits provide a high-quality experience at a reasonable price ($25/adult, $18/kid). It is not a full-day attraction -- plan 2-3 hours.

Can you swim with dolphins at the Gulfarium?

Yes, through a premium encounter program ($150-200/person, book in advance). The experience includes in-water interaction with dolphins. Not included in general admission. Minimum age and swim requirements apply.

Is the Gulfarium good on a rainy day?

Partially. Some exhibits and shows are covered or indoor. The dolphin show stadium is open-air. Rain can affect the visit but not completely prevent it. Call ahead on rainy days to check if shows are running.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Name: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Address: 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Destin, FL, 32548, US
Telephone: (850) 243-9046
Rating: 4.3

Rating

4.3(4,800)

Family of 4

$85-100 for general admission.

Duration

2-3 hours

Best Ages

Best for all ages

About

The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is one of Florida's oldest marine attractions, operating since 1955 on the Fort Walton Beach waterfront just east of Destin. It offers families an intimate marine life experience -- dolphin and sea lion shows, animal encounters, and educational exhibits -- at a scale that is manageable for young children and significantly more affordable than large theme parks.

The dolphin shows are the centerpiece. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform jumps, flips, and interactive behaviors with trainers in an open-air stadium. The sea lion show adds humor and personality. Shows run several times daily -- check the schedule and plan your visit around them.

The stingray touch pool is consistently rated the family favorite. Southern stingrays glide through a shallow pool, and kids can reach in and gently pet their smooth, flat bodies. The experience of touching a living ray is fascinating for kids of all ages. Feeding the stingrays costs a few dollars extra.

Animal exhibits include sea turtles (many are rehabilitation patients), alligators, penguins, otters, and tropical fish. The marine habitats are well-maintained, and educational signage explains each species' biology and conservation status. The Gulfarium's rehabilitation program rescues and treats injured marine animals, and visitors can learn about current patients.

For deeper experiences, the Gulfarium offers premium encounter programs: swimming with dolphins ($150-200/person), seal encounters, and trainer-for-a-day experiences. These must be booked in advance and are not included in general admission. For most families, the general admission shows and exhibits provide a complete, satisfying visit.

The Gulfarium's intimate scale (2-3 hours for everything) is its strength. Kids are close to the animals, shows are in small venues with good sightlines from every seat, and the pace is relaxed. It is the opposite of a large-scale theme park experience, and many families prefer it.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Indoor & Outdoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Year-round. Check the show schedule and plan around dolphin and sea lion shows. Morning is less crowded. Good rainy-day option with indoor exhibits.

Wait Times

Rarely crowded. No waits for entry. Arrive 10-15 minutes before shows for good seating. Animal encounter experiences (swimming with dolphins, etc.) book up in advance.

Nearby Food

On-site snack bar. Nearby: AJ's on the Bayou (waterfront, 10 min), Stewby's Seafood Shanty (casual, excellent fried seafood, 5 min), The Crab Trap (old Florida style, 10 min).

Why Kids Love It

The Gulfarium is a compact, family-friendly marine park where kids get up-close encounters with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, alligators, and stingrays. It is small enough (2-3 hours covers everything) to avoid the overwhelming scale of large theme parks, but engaging enough to be a highlight.

The dolphin shows feature Atlantic bottlenose dolphins performing jumps, flips, and interactive tricks with trainers. The sea lion show adds comedy. The stingray touch pool lets kids pet southern stingrays gliding through shallow water. For deeper encounters, the Gulfarium offers dolphin swim experiences and trainer-for-a-day programs.

The Gulfarium has operated since 1955, making it one of Florida's oldest marine attractions. The intimate scale means kids are close to the animals -- not watching from stadium seating hundreds of feet away. The marine rehabilitation program rescues and treats injured sea turtles and marine animals, adding an educational conservation component.

Pro Tips from Parents

Check the daily show schedule and plan around the dolphin and sea lion shows -- they are the highlights
The stingray touch pool (included in admission) is a family favorite -- soft, gentle rays glide through shallow water for petting
The Gulfarium is small -- 2-3 hours covers everything comfortably without rushing
Animal encounter experiences (dolphin swim, trainer-for-a-day) must be booked in advance and cost extra
Good rainy-day activity -- many exhibits are covered or indoor

What to Bring

sunscreen
camera
comfortable shoes
cash for feeding experiences

Cost Info

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$85-100 for general admission.

Adults ~$25, kids 3-12 ~$18, under 3 free.

Math: 2($25) + 2($18) = $86.

Encounter experiences (dolphin swim, stingray feed) cost extra ($25-200/person).

Combo tickets available.

Tips to Save

General admission includes all shows and exhibits -- you don't need add-on encounters to have a great time.
Check for online ticket discounts.
Kids under 3 free.
The stingray touch pool is included in general admission and is a highlight.
Skip the dolphin swim experience unless it is a bucket-list item ($150-200/person).