Exploring the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island

Are you planning a trip to Fort Walton Beach? There are so many exciting activities to explore here during your stay at El Matador. One of our favorite family-friendly activities is exploring the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island!

If you’re traveling with your children, you have to stop by this interactive marine life museum! They won’t forget the experience.

Let’s learn more about the Gulfarium on Okaloosa Island!

What is the Gulfarium?

Good question! The Gulfarium is a marine adventure park on Fort Walton Beach. It features all kinds of animal exhibits, from dolphins, harbor seals, penguins, sting rays, turtles, and more! If your child is interested in marine life, they’ll love it here. General admission will get you in to see plenty of animals, and you can also choose to be part of a more in-depth experience if you choose!

There are plenty of educational opportunities at the Gulfarium. Their team provides talks on the wildlife so you can learn more about all of your favorite marine animals! There are always special programs going on, so make sure to check out their website to see what you can partake in during your visit.

When Can I Visit the Gulfarium?

The Gulfarium is open from 9:00 AM-4:30 PM daily. Admissions close at 3:30, so make sure you get there with time to spare! You’ll want to have plenty of time to explore the park. Hours may vary on holidays, so check out their schedule to be sure!

Does the Gulfarium Focus On Conservation Efforts?

Yes! The Gulfarium is committed to protecting marine life in the wild. Their C.A.R.E program was developed in 2015 to focus on coastal conservation efforts.

C.A.R.E stands for:

C: Conserve

A: Act

R: Rehabilitate

E: Educate

The Gulfarium has been instrumental in helping rehabilitate and release hundreds of various species of sea turtles on the Gulf Coast in the ten years since its inception. The staff at the Gulfarium help to rehabilitate them before release. They’re also a great resource to refer to if you find a stranded sea turtle!

Is There Food at the Gulfarium?

There is! If you’re wanting to make a whole day of it, you can definitely have food and drink at the Gulfarium. They have a full menu complete with sandwiches, burgers, and snacks. There’s even a drink menu, if you want to enjoy a drink on your trip! The menu has plenty of offerings, so you should be able to find something for everyone, even if your little ones are picky.

Book Your Stay in Fort Walton Beach Directly at El Matador!

After a long day of family fun at the Gulfarium, return to a relaxing Fort Walton Beach vacation rental! At El Matador, we offer only the best.

We have incredible specials and amenities in place to make sure your stay here is unforgettable. Plus, our team is always available to answer any questions regarding your stay. So what are you waiting for? Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your next vacation to Fort Walton Beach directly with El Matador!