Gulf World Shows Thrill and Delight All Ages

Gulf World with the stars of the show, dolphins!

If you’re headed to Panama City Beach or nearby, make sure to set aside half a day for an unforgettable visit to Gulf World Marine Park. On a recent trip, my mom and I found ourselves with a free afternoon, so we decided to plan a day full of adventure on this Destin beach vacation. We took a scenic drive down Highway 30A, stopping here and there to shop and enjoy a few beachside meals, before arriving at Gulf World for a fun-filled afternoon.

Beforehand, we checked the Gulf World website and learned that they recommend a four-hour visit to make the most of everything the park has to offer. Gulf World hosts five different shows, each spaced about 45 minutes apart—all included with admission. It was the perfect way for us to spend our afternoon, blending relaxation, excitement, and some unforgettable memories together!

We arrived around 1:00, just in time for the Exotic Bird Show that featured trained parrots and macaws doing some hilarious and impressive tricks. Next on the schedule was the main event for us — a fast-paced Dolphin Show that featured spectacular jumps and tricks, some with the trainers swimming alongside. Although we went to Gulf World mainly for the dolphin show, we were delighted by the variety of shows as well as by the skill and dedication of all the trainers and performers at the park. We skipped the reptile show and caught back up with the Magic Show — which included some amazing tricks and illusions — even sawing the assistant in half. The children were on the edges of their seats, oohing and aaahing the whole show. The last performance we saw was the Sea  Lion show — funny and cool and a little educational as well.

After the Dolphin and Sea Lion shows, guests can choose to buy photos of their child shaking hands with dolphins or receiving a kiss from sea lions. Although the extra $10 might give some pause, the photos are ready in just 15 minutes and leave many visitors thrilled with the results.

Gulf World offers a range of interactive programs, such as Dolphin Day Camp, Trainer for a Day, and Swim with Dolphins, making it one of the few places in the country to provide such unique experiences. These sessions, lasting 75 to 90 minutes, cost $150 and require advance reservations at 850-234-5271. Many families leave planning a return visit next summer for a dolphin swim!

Come have fun with the dolphins!