Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, located on Okaloosa Island, celebrated the grand opening of its highly anticipated Dolphin Oasis during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 8, 2024.
- The event marked a significant milestone for the renowned marine park and the area’s attractions.
Local dignitaries, politicians, business leaders, employees, former staff members, habitat engineers, designers, and their families attended the event, along with stakeholders and county representatives.
Spanning 2.2 acres, the $30 million expansion includes three large interconnected habitats and three husbandry habitats, totaling over one million gallons of Gulf salt water, providing an immersive, natural-themed experience.
The new presentation habitat has grandstand seating for 480 guests and ample standing room. The exhibit habitat features a 27-foot acrylic split-level viewing area, while the interactive habitat allows visitors to get up close and personal with the park’s family of dolphins.
- According to the Gulfarium, the new Oasis can accommodate 11-15 dolphins.
During the ceremony, Patrick Berry, Senior Vice President and CEO of Gulfarium, announced 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).
- “The renovation of our original dolphin habitat to care for manatee rehabilitation patients demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving marine life,” Berry stated. “We eagerly anticipate welcoming these incredible animals and continuing our efforts to make a positive impact on our coastal ecosystem.”
Access to Dolphin Oasis is now included with a general admission ticket, and guests can purchase exclusive dolphin encounters for an up-close and personal experience.
The Gulfarium will begin taking in manatees in need this fall 2024, further solidifying its dedication to marine life conservation.
