Adventure on Okaloosa Island

There's plenty of activities to keep you busy on Okaloosa Island. Most days you can watch people windsurfing, kite surfing and paddleboarding (SUP.) There's always someone fishing over on the pier. Even couch potatoes can sometimes be found lying on the beaches like orphaned seals. And THAT brings me to my segue... you can see live sea lions (not seals), dolphins and other aquatic sea life at Florida's Gulfarium located right next to the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island! 


It's hard to believe that until today, I have lived in Florida for eight years and have never been to the Gulfarium and it's only about 15 minutes from my house! Well, quick fingers got me the hook up with a Half-off season pass (thanks to WEARTV3) to this aquatic wonderland and off I went with my camera in tow for a fun-filled afternoon.  


I entered the park armed with the knowledge that the sea lion show was about to start. As I made my way past the central tank that houses the dolphins, an inquisitive face appeared in one of the windows and appeared to intently check me out. I could almost swear that she smiled at me before swimming away. I found out later that this lovely dolphin was namped Daphne and I'll write more about her antics later. 

Daphne Looking Through the Viewing Window

I arrived at the sea lion show and scored a prime seat, meaning not too close (water splash) and not too far (binoculars.) I only had to wait a couple of minutes before the trainers came out and put Molly, Star and Cory through their paces. This charming trio was fun to watch and put a smile on everyone's faces. 

Cory Performs

Next stop was the multi-species show via the shark moat, but don't worry, not only is there a bridge, but the only sharks in this tank are nurse sharks and one very large sea turtle. I stopped to get pictures simply because I find sharks terrifying and fascinating at the same time. Oddly, I didn't even see the giant sea turtle until I passed by again later. 

Nurse Shark

The tank at the multi-species exhibit allowed me to get the closest I've ever been to a dolphin without having a kayak in between us. I was so close that I could have touched them, however no touching is allowed. :( That's okay. I've got a dolphin encounter booked during my Bahama cruise. :)

Sea Lion Giving Dolphin a Kiss

Kyle Performs a Graceful Dive

The multi-species show adds a sea lion into a scaled down dolphin show. This show was entertaining, even though Kyle the sea lion had a minor panic attack about halfway through the show. :( If I had to guess, I suspect one of the dolphins said something to bruise his ego. 


After the multi-species show I had a few minutes to wander through some of the other exhibits. I visited the revisited the shark moat, penguin exhibit, touch pool, stingray, tropical bird, and alligator exhibits. I managed a glance at the tortoise enclosure and sea turtle exhibit as well before heading upstairs to the main dolphin show where Daphne and her daughter Lily performed an amazing show for everyone. 

Daphne Nails the Suspended Ball

Special thanks goes to Daphne and the timing on my camera for snagging this phenomenal shot! 

Daphne Sails Through a Hoop

The show wrapped up and I spent a few more minutes wandering around getting more shots. An empty camera SD card is an unhappy SD card. 

Penguin

Cownose Ray

Sea Turtle

Lily Poses for the Camera

Florida Alligator

All-in-all it was an afternoon well spent. I got to see some of my favourite animals; got plenty of pictures; and bought Christmas presents for a couple of friends from the gift shop. :D Talk about unique holiday gift shopping! 

Manatee Watching Via Webcam

 If you've ever wanted to see manatees but weren't able to make the trip down to Florida to see them, now you can see them from the comfort of your own home thanks to a webcam installed at the entrance of Three Sisters Spring in Crystal River by the (FWC) Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee. This camera is solar powered and operates from dawn to dusk. 

Snorkelers in Three Sisters Spring via FWC Webcam

Viewing the webcam is limited to 30 viewers at a time. Those logging on when the cams are at max viewing capacity will receive an error message until a viewer space opens up. ActiveX installation is required to properly view the live feed. There is also a snapshot feature available allowing viewers to take pictures which they can then save to their computer. 


To view the manatee webcam click on the "Single" tab at the top of viewing page: http://manateecam.viewnetcam.com/ Images may take a few moments to load. 


Manatees frequent sites like Three Sisters Spring during the winter months. Fortunately the FWC has taken steps to help protect these endangered mammals by closing off access to some of these important refuges. Other measures include imposing "no wake" zones, limiting human interaction with and possible harassment of manatees, and increasing law enforcement patrols. 

Kayakers at Three Sisters Spring Via FWC Webcam