If you are looking for a fun, conservation-centered marine life experience for the whole family, we recommend Gulfarium. The Gulfarium is located between Pensacola, Florida and Destin, Florida (closer to Destin). It is a historic marine park which claims to be the first aquatic facility to feature a huge glass-wall-viewing aquarium.
The Gulfarium is conscientiously committed to conservation and features many exhibits which are devoted to marine life rehabilitation. The Gulfarium is home to dolphins, sharks, stingrays, an albino alligator, sea otters, sea lions, seals, penguins, and sea turtles. Most of the animal presentations are focused on conservation much more than entertainment. And the animal trainers and keepers often work diligently behind the scenes to care for the animals with invested interest in their rehabilitation.
The Gulfarium offers animal interactions and encounters. However, they are very brief and minimally interactive. Their greater strength is in their commitment to conservation.
We were fortunate to get to see 7 sea turtles being rehabilitated in their care the day we visited. The next day, the Gulfarium rehabilitation specialists released the 7 sea turtles into the ocean at a local state park and we were fortunate to get to be a part of it!
When they released the sea turtles into the ocean, each turtle had a different response. One walked slowly toward the ocean, another walked toward the ocean and then turned around! Another hesitated to go into the ocean at all! But once they arrived at the ocean, they swam to their freedom and the crowd cheered! It was a glorious sight to behold!
Soon, they will welcome Manatees as they expand their conservation efforts to help save the Manatees.
Find out more about The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park at Gulfarium.com.