Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, nestled along the picturesque shores of Okaloosa Island, proudly unveils its latest masterpiece: Dolphin Oasis. This monumental occasion was celebrated amidst a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 8th, marking a significant milestone for the esteemed marine.
Spanning a sprawling 2.2 acres of sandy dunes and swaying palms, Dolphin Oasis emerges as a testament to the Gulfarium’s unwavering dedication to animal welfare, conservation education, and unparalleled guest experiences. With an investment of $30 million, this expansive expansion boasts three sprawling habitats seamlessly interconnected, along with three additional husbandry habitats, collectively holding over one million gallons of pristine gulf saltwater. Here, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a natural-themed environment, mirroring the beauty of the Emerald Coast.
The crown jewel of Dolphin Oasis is its new presentation habitat, offering grandstand seating for 480 guests and ample space for standing room. The pièce de résistance lies in its 27-foot acrylic split-level viewing area, providing an unrivaled vantage point for spectators to marvel at the grace and elegance of the resident dolphins.
But Dolphin Oasis isn’t just a sanctuary for entertainment; it’s a beacon of hope for the future. Designed with foresight, one of the habitats within this sanctuary is earmarked to serve as a nurturing nursery for dolphin calves, adding a new dimension to the park’s offerings and reaffirming Gulfarium’s commitment to marine conservation.
During the unveiling ceremony, Patrick Berry, the esteemed Senior Vice President and CEO of Gulfarium, shared an exhilarating announcement. He disclosed plans for the transformation of the original 300,000-gallon dolphin habitat into a state-of-the-art facility for manatee rehabilitation patients as part of the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP). Berry emphasized the importance 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.”
In alignment with Gulfarium’s mission to champion marine conservation, the marine park is poised to welcome manatees in need beginning fall 2024, further solidifying its pivotal role in safeguarding our coastal ecosystems.
Now, visitors can bask in the enchantment of Dolphin Oasis, as access to this marvel is included with every general admission ticket. For those seeking an even closer encounter, exclusive dolphin encounters are available for a truly intimate experience with these majestic creatures.
