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Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park unveils $30 million Dolphin Oasis in grand opening celebration

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. 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 […]

Source: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

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.

Source: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

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.
Source: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

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.”
Old dolphin habitat now empty.

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.

Source: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Source: Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

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“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
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“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
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“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
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“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
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“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
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“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
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“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
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“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
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“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
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“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
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