The Gulfarium is a popular attraction in Destin Florida that has drawn millions of visitors since opening its doors in 1955. It is located in Fort Walton Beach, one of the best beach destinations on the Emerald Coast in Florida. Visitors to this part of the Florida panhandle will not only be able to enjoy great family-friendly attractions like the Gulfarium Florida and Big Kahuna's Water Park, but also seemingly endless miles of pristine beaches with fine white sand and crystalline blue, emerald waters. Some of the Gulfarium animals in Destin are ones that can be found in the very Gulf waters along with the Emerald Coast stretches. Besides a wide variety of saltwater fish in the aquarium (as well as sharks), you will see gators, otters, pelicans, tropical birds, penguins, and more. The aim of the Gulfarium is to educate as well as entertain, and you will certainly get a bit of both.

Perhaps the biggest attractions of all at the Gulfarium Florida are the live shows and performances. The park opens at 9 a.m. and the first show begins shortly thereafter at 10 a.m. There are three thrilling shows that are enjoyable for adults and children alike. The first is the Dolphin Show. This show exhibits the absolutely stunning intellect and athleticism of these wonderful sea creatures. The Sea Lion Show and Multi-Species Shows are equally engaging, if not entertaining. The dolphins just seem to steal the show with their amazing acrobatics and receptivity to commands. The performances are each given three times daily, with the final show ending at 3 p.m. The Gulfarium closes at 4 p.m.

The Gulfarium animals in Destin give the live shows a serious run for their money when it comes to popular appeal. How can you argue with a range of exhibits that covers everything from meeting dolphins and witnessing sharks being fed to watching playful North American river otters and wily penguins? The Touch Pool is a particularly appealing exhibit for the children (both young and old). It is the place to submerge the hands and play with the likes of horseshoe crabs, live sand dollars, and hermit crabs.

Destin Map

The North American river otters are not technically marine animals, but visitors of the Gulfarium Florida get the pleasure of experiencing seeing them in person. One of the most entertaining parts of the exhibit is watching them interact with each other, which all too often times means a wrestling match. The Tropical Penguins exhibit also provides endless entertainment. Sit back and watch as they character jump into their swimming pool and hang out with one another. The Tropical Bird Aviary is another awesome part of the Gulfarium and affords plenty of opportunities for brilliant photographs and video. Be sure not to miss the Shark Moat, filled with Nurse Sharks and Lemon Sharks, two sharks that also to be found in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The best time to catch these sea creatures is during feeding, when they are at their most ravenous.

The Gulfarium Florida is a great place in Fort Walton Beach where you can have fun with the entire family or a group of friends. If you can drag yourself away from the pristine beaches, you will find an exciting and informative diversion from the outdoor fun.