Gulf World Marine Park was a beloved marine attraction that operated from 1970 to 2025 along Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. During its five-decade run, the park featured a diverse collection of marine mammals and wildlife, including dolphins — among them rare rough-toothed dolphins — sea lions, harbor seals, African penguins, stingrays, and tropical birds. Signature experiences included a Dolphin Discovery show, Sea Lion performances, a Stingray Bay where guests could touch and feed rays, a shark and turtle feeding exhibit, and the Feathers and Friends show featuring rescued birds, dogs, cats, and reptiles. Gulf World was one of only a handful of US facilities to house rough-toothed dolphins. The park closed in May 2025 following financial challenges and regulatory concerns, ending its long history as a family destination on the Emerald Coast.
