Great place for a hands on experience with animals and trainers. Loved getting up close to animals you man never see normally. My kids loved the stingray exhibit where you had the opportunity to not only touch them but also feed them ($5). The trainers did wonderful timed presentations on each animal throughout the facility. Loved hearing their names and the back story of how the animals came to the facility. The dolphin exhibit is large with a theater like stadium for shows. They offer swim with the dolphins experience for an extra charge. A concession stand and store for souvenirs also available. read more

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I used to enjoy visiting Gulf World, but my recent experience has left me concerned and disappointed. Unfortunately, the facility is currently under investigation after the tragic deaths of four dolphins within just six months. This alone raises significant red flags about their animal care practices. Additionally, the water quality was horrifically dirty and unacceptable for any marine facility. It's disheartening to hear reports that they have refused inspection requests from local and state officials, further underscoring a lack of transparency and accountability. Gulf World used to be a lovely place where families could appreciate marine life, but it has taken a turn for the worse. There are many better and more responsible places to support marine conservation. Google the recent drone videos showing the facility and look on local Facebook groups. read more

Very cute place for a date. Very nice people and the animals looked happy and well cared for! Looks small but they have a cute collection, especially enjoyed the seal and parrots, touching a stingray was fun and the huge tortoise were very fascinating. Definitely worth a visit! read more

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It was amazing! We went during off season which was even better, but there were so many interactive things you could do with the staff and animals there. Just an overall positive experience. If your a family looking for something to do, go here! By yourself? Go here! It is amazing, and worth it! read more

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Please know that 4 dolphins have recently died here at Gulf World due to decrepit living conditions. More will die if things don't change. This facility is on the radar of the authorities. Don't visit or give your business to Gulf World or these types of marine parks. They say they are educating, meanwhile, marine life are dying in their care. read more

The dolphin show was pretty good but also extremely cheesy. I was really sad because I did not get to see any seals(my favorite animal) because they are currently switching if the sea lions or harbor seals are in the viewing tank for the day. The feathers and friends show was also terrible. Poorly run, very cheesy, and not well trained animals. I did enjoy seeing the sea turtle, the penguins, and the sea lion chat however. read more

Gulf World - Penguin - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

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Absolutely disgusting, no care to the animals in their care and they act oblivious to it, 4 dolphins died within 6 months 3 of them in a single week, horrible, abusive, inhumane treatment and care to their animals anyone who would willingly support this place needs a mental evaluation, to the owners and employees I hope you all get trapped in a disgusting, unlivable pool, that's deteriorating and old just like you let these animals live in. And the park hasn't had working filtration since November of 2024, take this to account read more

Gulf World - disgusting pool - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

We came here for the dolphin experience and it was fantastic. We had a wonderful time with Gus and his trainer. We enjoyed the birds and learning about them from staff as well. It is pretty small and won't take you long to walk around all of it. The facilities overall could use some paint and updating. read more

Gulf World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

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These people don't want to work. We arrived at 2pm to be informed they were closing completely at 2:30 despite 3pm closing published online and even walking inside. Will go to Destin instead and recommend you do the same. Glad they're going home early. What a joke. read more

Absolutely horrible how the animals are being treated, dolphins swimming in filthy tanks with their eyes closed because of the algae, forced to have interactions with tourists, shut this place down!!! read more

If you haven't visited Gulf World, then you are missing out! It's an absolute treasure in PCB. Plan to be there early in the day and enjoy all their shows. The dolphin show never fails. It's always enjoyable. read more

Gulf World - Dolphins splashing the audience. - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

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Highly recommended what an amazing experience definitely recommend the dolphin show Went with family and everyone had a great time read more

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Dolphin tank is in horrific condition to the point that the dolphins are having to close their eyes shut when are submerged.

It was fun seeing the sting ray touch pool. Birds were cool. The dolphin show was fun n exciting. my kids did the swim with dolphins, it was expensive but little cheaper then normal due to off season I imagine. The 2nd option is what we did. Came to 216$ total for 2 kids. Was definetly cool and my girls loved it. They do allow u to take pics n videos, but offer to print them for u for a fee, or u can download them to ur phone n do what u want with them. The animals seem taken care of n not stressed. read more

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This was a great place to stop for a family trip. The place is very clean. The dolphin and the seal exhibits are very fun, and the dolphin show on the trainers were great. read more

Gulf World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

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We went here with a group of 7. I would recommend pre-paying for your photos, they do come out a lot better then expected. I would also recommend doing the swim not the swim/encounter because we didn't really get to swim. It was a bit misleading BUT we still had a wonderful time hanging out with the Dolphins. read more

Gulf World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

I'd really like to give this place a good rating, but I'd have to exaggerate the truth. There's adequate parking for its size. But this place is a bit run down...just like other reviews mention. I wonder if it still trying recover from Hurricane Michael damage. It is also pricey for what you get. Luckily for me, I received a discount for being an emergency responder. One thing that really struck me was the limited show schedule. WARNING: look up the show schedule online and get there before the first show starts. Shows only run once per day. If you go late (like I did), you're not going to see performances. In short, I was only able to catch the seal show. Also on my visit, none of the "chat shows" took place. By 2 pm, the place had emptied out. Now you are allowed to hang around until they close. But other than the shows, you can easily see everything there is to see in 30-45 mins. For those interested, you can " swim" with the dolphins but I have no idea how much that cost. After the seal show, you can get a picture with one of them...for a fee. The Ray tank was pretty cool...and you can feed them...for a fee. And you can get pretty close to the birds. The staff I spoke with seemed pleasant enough. Food is available, but I didn't try anything. For me, this place is somewhere around 2 1/2 stars. Since, I can't select that rating, I'm choosing 3 stars in hopes that this place brings in the necessary income to properly care for the animals. The animals get 5 stars, the facility is a solid 2 stars. I just hope funding to care for the animals is somehow guaranteed. So I recommend this place because it takes revenue to properly care for the animals. read more

Gulf World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

It's a great place to keep a busy toddler entertained!! My only suggestion ~ More Animals read more

Gulf World - Monkeys - they are active! Unlike other zoos where none of the animals move ~ these guys are monkeying around!!! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

A small little park but packed with lots of fun and interesting items. You have to see the dolphin show. It's worth the price of admission. You can see everything within 3-4 hours. You see gators, penguins, seals, dolphins, sting rays, and turtles. Cool place. read more

Most no all staff no very friendly when ask information Had a hard time finding my way around read more

I expected more of an aquarium than an animal park. There's a dolphin show and a lizard show, both were long waits just since the times for them were hours in between. Lots of beautiful birds, a sea turtle and some sharks; also a stingray petting/feeding area which was really fun. Overall it was a fun time just not what we expected for $55 for two people. Mostly a nature walk. read more

Very concerned about the animals here at Gulf World and that several dolphins have already passed while living here.

For the love of everything do not come here the owner obviously does not care about any well being of these animals there tanks are too small and absolutely filthy 4 dolphins have died in the past year ! From bad conditions and one from jumping during a show onto the shallow end of the pool I grow up going to this place and I am absolutely disgusted by how they treat there animals do not give this place money read more

We visited here for a dolphin encounter for my 5 year old son and husband. I brought my one year old to observe. The park was very crowded with absolutely nothing special to see. It wasn't well maintained for the animals and it was very unorganized. For the encounter, again it was unorganized and hectic. One employee kept snapping at me so rudely with things that could have been said nicely, like where to put the stroller and that my son couldn't have his ear plugs in during the encounter to protect his ear tubes. She was just incredibly rude and left us in a bad mood. After the encounter, the way to get access to the professional photos was an absolute MESS. It should be very easy to scan a QR code and download them from your phone but nope. You have to wait 15 min for them to download. Then you wait to get access to one of their computers. You go through hundreds of photos and select the ones you want then an employee has to walk you through several more steps. He told me to put my name and email and then walked away so I did that and then clicked "next" like it prompted me to. I called him back over and he got super pissy at me that I clicked next and said "that's why it says stop and ask for assistance." I was like I did what you said and then you walked away. He continued to snap at me several more times, no idea why. Then I had to get out of my phone, scan several codes, download an app, sign a paper, go to a counter, scan another code and then finally I had access. Like, what?!? There were tonssss of people there needing to do the same thing and everyone was just as annoyed and confused at what could have been an easy process. Just don't waste your money there. Not worth it and they're very rude. I'm not even sure my kids had fun after spending over $300. My husband was embarrassed we even went. read more

Takes awful care of all the animals, tank filtration is wonky and has had 4 recent dolphin deaths, don't give your money to this cruel business. read more

Lovely staff, rescue marine life that are there bc they can not be released but Gulf World also does rehabilitation and releases many turtles back into the ocean which I have witnessed in person. The shows were fun although it is not a big place you can take about 4-5 hours to enjoy the marine life. Pet and feed stingrays, talk to parrots (loved the blue and red McCaws), see dolphins jump and follow signs, see harbor seals, enjoy parrots of the carriebean live show, check out iguanas, take photos with the fun fake shark and take the kids to the outdoor park and then enjoy lunch or snack. We went on a field trip with our neighbors on a shuttle so we got to experience it all together. Oh and don't forget to see the alligators on your way in and walk over the moat to see what they really look like in captivity. Again I would go again and take my visiting friends! I would have given it 5 stars but the grounds and exhibits need some updating but it is a charitable 501.3c organization so donate now to help them keep up the marine and bird life habitats. I would imagine some of the caretaker volunteer so inquire if they need help. read more

Gulf World - Dolphin kiss - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

We had a blast going to gulf world. The dolphin show was awesome my youngest enjoyed feeding the stingrays. read more

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Went here looking for something else to do before heading back home and man I was disappointed. It was the definition of a "tourist trap" overall it was $93 for four people, definitely over priced. It's extremely small and ran down, I'm aware of PCB's workings towards rebuilding after the Hurricane but it was dirty and I honestly felt bad for the animals living in such conditions. The one main attraction was the Dolphin shows, a absolutely loved seeing the show and that was the only part of the facility that appeared to be semi well-kept! The show lasted about 20 minutes but after that there was nothing spectacular about the place. Sharks are kept with the turtles in the main display, that was super dirty and water was leaking everywhere. The alligator cages are so small and were clearly horribly maintained! The birds were pretty interesting and the sting ray pond was pretty cool as well. It was pretty cool seeing a girl get in the water to feed the sting rays! Overall, I would NOT be returning and I think some serious remodeling and cleaning of the facility before a re-open after the storm would have been appropriate. I feel bad for the animals and I hope they consider a remodel. I was not impressed with what I saw. The website is a trap, if you consider coming here it's a quick, expensive, tourist trap! I say this in the most honest way, don't come here unless you're looking to waste money. I would probably consider spending it else where like a near by water park! read more

Gulf World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

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I visited with my family last week and we did a royal swim with dolphins. We are from the Midwest so I had no idea the water wasn't supposed to be green. You let children get in unfiltered water knowing they're going to probably get it in their mouth? I guess my clue should have been the rest of the facility which was broken down and trashy. I can't believe that Florida allows this to happen. You are a lawsuit waiting to happen. I can't believe the trainers allow this. read more

Overpriced, too small. It rained and thought we could still maneuver in the rain, nope. Got soaked.

When we were in Florida last summer we are visiting a bunch of different places we went to golf world and to see all the animals we all had a great time my kids enjoyed it I enjoyed it my wife enjoyed it we got to see the animals pets stingrays watch shows we did a lot of fun cool things and it's definitely worth a trip to check out for your family read more

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Gentle lulling of the sea, Once again you beckon me. Caressing waves upon the shore Transporting me to years of yore. As a child, your charm I sought, Protecting me from battles fought. Upon your craggy cliff I sat To gaze in awe and wonder at The magic of your shimmering tide That restored ease and peace inside. I liked the medieval, battle-ready turtle And the dolphin show And I'm going back to swim with the dolphins It's a rainy day retreat A refuge from the world It's got some miles and in need of some repairs But don't we/aren't we all? read more

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We came here to do the dolphin encounter. My nine-year-old daughter absolutely loved it, she got to get in the tank with a dolphin and hug it and give it a kiss. We plan on coming back to do the other encounters that are offered. We also walked through to look at the animals, and everything seemed well maintained. The dolphin trainer that we Were with was very friendly and patient with the children. It was a great experience that I'm sure she will never forget and we would love to go back read more

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I am a local. I took my grandson, daughter and son in law yesterday (11/24/2024). Gulf World is run down, the animal exhibits were either empty or pathetic looking. I feel like I wasted $100. Zoo World would have been a much better option. I'm so disappointed. read more

My standards and expectations are a little high, but that is because I have been blessed to have traveled all over to different aquariums, sanctuaries, etc which I am thankful for. Not everyone gets that opportunity, and for some this is a wondrous chance to have their minds opened for the first time about beautiful creatures. It's hands-on without stressing the animals and I appreciate that. The shows are creative and well done. The staff is nice. It's a small place, and "basic" as far as the animals go... but that is such a jaded thing to say. I can imagine a child coming here amazed every single time. The prices are reasonable and honestly, those who don't know animal husbandry have no idea the price it takes to upkeep all of this; they could be charging so much more. It's a great family adventure and I would recommend it. read more

Gulf World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

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Had a great time! Everyone seemed to love what they do, which made it a very happy experience! read more

Gulf World - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

I love gulf world me and my familiy used to always go there I recommend it you can meet all kinds of animals and you can see sharks if your planning a familiy vacation and you love fish and sea animals then you need to give it a try read more

If you are looking for something fun to do in Panama definitely swing by gulf world ! The staff is amazing and you can tell that each trainer really cares about the animal/animals they are working with ! I got to expirence the dolphin and penguin encounter and both were SO COOL. Not only where the encounters fun, they were also educational. We got to learn about the animals as well as spending time with them! Fun for all ages. The only down side is that there were few to no vegetarian options at the food stands they had on site. Other than that me and my family had a great time and made many precious memories! read more

Gulf World - Dolphin encounter ! - Amusement Parks Near Me - Panama City Beach, Florida

We loved Gulf World. We will be back! A great experience for the kids to feed the sting rays and alligators. Very affordable too !

My son and daughter had fun swimming with the dolphins. I was a bit disappointed with the photos that came with the package I bought. Other than that the instructors were very nice. The sea lion show was great and they also liked looking at the birds. read more