Monday, March 11, 2024
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, situated on Okaloosa Island in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, joyfully declared the grand opening of its highly anticipated Dolphin Oasis on March 8, 2024. This momentous occasion took place amidst a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing a significant achievement for both the esteemed marine park and the local attractions scene.
The occasion welcomed a prestigious array of attendees, including local dignitaries, politicians, prominent business leaders, devoted staff, past team members, skilled habitat engineers and designers, accompanied by their families, valued stakeholders, and representatives from the county. Their attendance emphasized the significance of the Dolphin Oasis grand opening, showcasing the broad community backing and interest it has garnered.
Encompassing 2.2 acres of sandy dunes and palms bordering the picturesque emerald waters of the Florida Gulf Coast, Dolphin Oasis stands as a testament to Gulfarium’s commitment to animal welfare, conservation education, and enhancing guest experiences. The $30 million expansion includes three expansive interconnected habitats and three husbandry habitats, collectively holding over one million gallons of Gulf saltwater.It offers an immersive, natural-themed encounter, beautifully capturing the essence of the Emerald Coast.
The newly unveiled presentation habitat features grandstand seating for 480 guests, with ample standing space. Moreover, the exhibit habitat showcases a 27-foot acrylic split-level viewing area, delivering an unmatched experience for visitors.
Moreover, this habitat is designed to serve as a future nursery for dolphin calves, adding a unique dimension to the park’s offerings. Finally, the interactive habitat, inspired by the beauty of the Emerald Coast beaches, allows visitors to interact closely with the park’s family of dolphins, promising to be the highlight of any visit to Northwest Florida.
The event celebrated the splendor of Dolphin Oasis and honored over five years of dedicated effort and hard work that brought it to fruition. It underscored the region’s excitement and support, signaling a new chapter for Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
During the ceremony, Patrick Berry, Senior Vice President and CEO of Gulfarium, made an exciting announcement. He revealed that the original 300,000-gallon dolphin habitat is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to accommodate manatee rehabilitation patients as part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP).
Berry expressed the significance of this initiative, stating, “The renovation of our original dolphin habitat to care for manatee rehabilitation patients demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving marine life.” He added, “We eagerly anticipate welcoming these incredible animals and continuing our efforts to make a positive impact on our coastal ecosystem.”
This forward-looking endeavor reflects Gulfarium’s commitment to marine life conservation. Starting in fall 2024, Gulfarium will begin accepting manatees in need.
Further Details on Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and Dolphin Oasis
Access to Dolphin Oasis is now included with general admission tickets, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of the new habitat. For a more intimate experience, guests can also purchase exclusive dolphin encounters.
Situated on the stunning Gulf Coast in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park stands as a premier destination for those seeking a captivating fusion of entertainment, education, and marine conservation. With a storied history spanning over 69 years, Gulfarium offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
