Have you ever wanted to party with penguins? Well, when vacationing in Destin, you can!

Located on Okaloosa Island just west of Destin, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park offers a unique and totally awesome penguin experience for guests! This after-hours animal encounter is a fun way to interact with the knee-high African penguins and enjoy the park without the typical crowds.

So, what does this private penguin party pack include? Exclusive marine park access, an in-person penguin encounter, and dinner right next door at Al’s Beach Club.

A group of up to six visitors will enjoy access to the park after it closes at 5:30 pm. Yes, you do get the whole park to yourself! And that’s for sure the best way to see your favorite animals. The experience is a one-hour guided tour, where you have the opportunity to explore the park and see its residents, including alligators, dolphins, turtles, and more.

Related article: Gulfarium Turtle Talks

Since its inception, the Gulfarium has been dedicated to educating guests about the importance of respecting and preserving wildlife. Throughout your exploration, you will see and learn about all kinds of sea creatures, their importance, and their conservation status. Because you’ll be there after closing, you will see all of these animals up close. Dolphins are the first friendly animals you’ll spot through windows in their underwater enclosure. Then you’ll step outside, where you can say hello to the stingrays at Stingray Bay. As you make your way through the park, you’ll find seals, otters, seahorses, alligators, turtles, all kinds of fish, and even tropical birds in Bird Sanctuary.

When you’re done exploring, you will meet a dedicated trainer who will host the private penguin encounter along the Dune Walk. The Gulfarium is home to African penguins, which are commonly found in warm climates along the southern coast of Africa. Not only will you get to touch and interact with this type of warm-climate penguin, but your trainer will also teach you about these lovable birds. Discover what they eat, their lifespan, conservation status, and more. And, of course, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

The VIP Private Penguin Party is geared towards kids ages five and up, but it’s an experience that the whole family will enjoy. If your kiddos love animals and want to learn more about penguins and other creatures at the marine park, this is perfect for them.

After your time at the Gulfarium, head over to your reserved table at Al’s Beach Club. You’ll be greeted with a welcome beach bag and a tasty dinner. This popular restaurant serves classic American food and has something for everyone. Al’s Beach Club is known for its delicious burgers made fresh daily from choice cuts of beef. Other menu items include Creamy Mac and Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries, Colossal Onion Rings, and more. For dessert, enjoy a frozen custard shake. Live entertainment and beach views complete the laidback beach vibe, and ensure you have a memorable dining experience.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply want a unique experience during your Destin vacation, you should definitely consider booking a private penguin party  at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. It’s a great way to learn more about local sea life and encourage learning about animals and conservation. Who knows, maybe your child will come away from this excursion with dreams of becoming a marine biologist!