Are you drawn to water and animals? Whether you have a few hours or an entire day to explore, Tampa Bay has its share of world-class aquarium attractions. Here’s a great list to pull out when your family and friends visit and you can take them to one of these aquariums.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit, dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release, and environmental education. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and nurse sharks and Winter the dolphin, who lost her tail and has learned to swim with a prosthetic one. A movie, Dolphin Tale, about her life story by Warner Brothers-based Alcon Entertainment is scheduled for release in the fall of 2011 and will star Morgan Freeman, Harry Connick Jr., and Ashley Judd.
Location and Contact Information:
Clearwater Beach
249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
An independent, nonprofit marine research institution comprised of world-class marine scientists committed to the belief that the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education.
There are two separate facilities. The main marine facility is separate from Mammals and Sea Turtle Rehab Facility. There is a dining facility called the Deep-Sea Diner with burgers, hot dogs, salads, smoothies and milkshakes to satisfy your hunger! Added bonus, you can watch the Seahorse Conservation Lab work with a few steps away. You can learn about Florida’s eco system from mangrove or freshwater to coastal-ocean habits with a large collection of coral reefs, seahorse, rays, manatees, sea turtles, sharks, otters, alligators and fishes. Meet Molly, the Mollusk, a preserved 27 feet squid. If you are into touch, you can lay your hand on Florida’s sea creatures like, Sea stars, horseshoe crabs, sea urchins and others.
Location and Contact Information:
Sarasota
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4441
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium is an aquarium that on the West end of the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, Florida, United States that offers a wide variety of interaction and viewing of local aquatic and reptilian life
Location and Contact Information:
Tarpon Springs
850 Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
727-938-5378
See why The Florida Aquarium is one of the top aquariums in the country! Experience sharks, alligators, penguins and much more! Immerse yourself in interactive programs like Dive with the Sharks, Shark Swim and Swim with the Fishes or take a Wild Dolphin Tour on board the Bay Spirit II, a 72-foot powered catamaran. Special Behind the Scenes experiences like Penguins: Backstage Pass are unique and exciting as you come face to beak with our adorable penguins. After exploring all the exhibits inside, splash away at the Aquarium’s new water play area, The Splash Pad!
Location and Contact Information:
Channelside
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
813-273-4000
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