How long should I plan for a visit to The Florida Aquarium?

To fully enjoy all the exhibits and experiences, it is recommended to allocate 2-3 hours for your visit to The Florida Aquarium.

Are advance reservations required to visit The Florida Aquarium?

While not always strictly required, advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and for special events, to secure your preferred entry time and potentially skip ticket lines.

Is The Florida Aquarium accessible for guests with disabilities?

Yes, The Florida Aquarium is highly accessible. All public access doors have automatic push plates, and all habitats and exhibits are wheelchair accessible with elevator access to upper levels. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are also available for rent.

AquariumFlorida, US

Florida Aquarium

Embark on an extraordinary aquatic adventure at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, a world-class institution dedicated to connecting visitors with the wonders of our blue planet.

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About

Embark on an extraordinary aquatic adventure at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, a world-class institution dedicated to connecting visitors with the wonders of our blue planet. This expansive 250,000-square-foot facility offers an immersive journey, tracing the path of a water drop from Florida's freshwater springs to the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life to lush wetlands echoing with the calls of native birds, the aquarium provides an engaging and educational experience for all ages. Your visit begins in the iconic glass-domed Wetlands Trail, a truly unique ecosystem where you can observe playful river otters, majestic American alligators, and a variety of free-flying native birds like roseate spoonbills and white ibises amidst flourishing mangrove trees.

Moving deeper, you'll encounter the incredible diversity of Florida's Bays and Beaches, including interactive touch pools where you can gently connect with cownose rays and small sharks at Stingray Beach. The journey culminates in the breathtaking 500,000-gallon Coral Reefs exhibit, a panoramic underwater world home to impressive sand tiger sharks, graceful sea turtles, and giant southern stingrays, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into one of Earth's most complex ecosystems. Beyond Florida's native habitats, The Florida Aquarium transports you to exotic locales through exhibits like "Journey to Madagascar," featuring charismatic ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, and colorful chameleons.

The "Waves of Wonder" gallery showcases unique species like a giant Pacific octopus, graceful moon jellies (which you can even touch in Moon Bay), and fascinating fish. The "MORPH'D" exhibit, introduced in mid-2023, delves into the marvels of animal adaptation, highlighting creatures such as electric eels, mudskippers, and four-eyed fish, demonstrating their incredible survival strategies. This blend of education, conservation, and immersive entertainment makes The Florida Aquarium a truly enriching destination, fostering a deeper appreciation for marine wildlife and inspiring stewardship of our natural environment. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The Florida Aquarium's story began in 1977 as the Clearwater Marine Science Center on Clearwater Beach. Recognizing the need for a world-class facility, the Tampa City Council approved plans for a new downtown location in 1992, leading to the grand opening of The Florida Aquarium in March 1995. Initially, the aquarium faced financial challenges due to lower-than-expected visitor numbers. However, under new leadership in the late 1990s, the aquarium underwent a significant turnaround, diversifying its exhibits to include animals from around the world and focusing on educational and conservation programs. Over its 30-year history, the aquarium has grown significantly, expanding its animal collection from over 3,000 animals across 249 species in 1995 to nearly 19,000 animals across 671 species today. It has become a leader in conservation, recognized for its groundbreaking coral reproduction research and its sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

What to do here

Explore the diverse habitats from Florida's wetlands to global oceans, participate in interactive touch experiences, watch animal feedings and shows (check daily schedules upon arrival), and consider a Wild Dolphin Cruise for an outdoor adventure.

Seasonal info

The aquarium is air-conditioned, making it a good escape from the Florida heat and humidity. Special events and programs may occur during holidays and school breaks.

Accessibility

The Florida Aquarium is committed to inclusivity, offering wheelchair accessibility to all habitats and exhibits, with automatic door push plates at public entrances and elevator access to upper levels. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. They also provide "Day of Discovery" experiences tailored for individuals with sensory differences and a Social Story to prepare visitors.

Don't miss

Wetlands Trail

Featuring river otters, alligators, and free-flying birds.

Stingray Beach

An interactive touch pool where you can feel stingrays and small sharks.

Coral Reefs

A massive 500,000-gallon exhibit with sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and southern stingrays.

Journey to Madagascar

Home to ring-tailed lemurs, chameleons, and hissing cockroaches.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Brown Pelican

House Sparrow

Great Blue Heron

Wood Duck

Blue Jay

Collared Dove

Vulture

Green Heron

Northern Pintail

Northern Cardinal

Baltimore Oriole

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Purchase tickets in advance online

This can save you time and sometimes offer discounts, allowing you to bypass ticket lines.

Grab a map and daily program schedule upon arrival: This will help you navigate the aquarium and plan your day around animal feedings or shows.

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking, and Florida's climate can be warm and humid.

Consider the Wild Dolphin Cruise

If weather permits and you have extra time, this 75-minute catamaran tour offers a great chance to see wild dolphins in Tampa Bay. (Additional fee applies).

Utilize touch experiences

Don't miss opportunities to interact with marine life at Stingray Beach and Moon Bay.

Parking options

Parking is available adjacent to the aquarium, and additional lots and garages are within walking distance.

Frequently asked questions

: To fully enjoy all the exhibits and experiences, it is recommended to allocate 2-3 hours for your visit to The Florida Aquarium.
: While not always strictly required, advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and for special events, to secure your preferred entry time and potentially skip ticket lines.
: Yes, The Florida Aquarium is highly accessible. All public access doors have automatic push plates, and all habitats and exhibits are wheelchair accessible with elevator access to upper levels. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are also available for rent.