Clearwater Marine Aquarium | St Petersburg

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a renowned marine rescue and rehabilitation facility located in Clearwater, Florida. The aquarium is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees, while also providing care to non-releasable animals. It's a popular destination for educational programs, family-friendly experiences, and a key player in marine conservation efforts.

Mission and Overview

Mission: The primary mission of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine animals that are in distress or injured. The facility also provides long-term care for animals that are unable to be released back into the wild. This work is integral to marine conservation efforts and the protection of endangered species.

Core Focus: In addition to rehabilitation, the CMA is committed to educating the public on marine life conservation and promoting awareness of environmental sustainability.

Rescued and Resident Animals

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to a variety of rescued animals, many of whom are permanent residents due to their injuries or special needs. These animals play a crucial role in educating the public and offering inspiration to visitors.

Notable Residents:

Hope: A bottlenose dolphin rescued as an orphaned calf in 2010. She is known for co-starring in Dolphin Tale 2. Hope lives with two other dolphins, Nicholas and Izzy, at the aquarium. She is one of the facility's most famous residents.

Nicholas: A male bottlenose dolphin rescued in 2002. Nicholas is the only male dolphin at the aquarium and enjoys enrichment activities like playing with squirt guns and bubbles.

Yeti and Zamboni: Two juvenile male manatees rescued in early 2024 after being found suffering from cold stress. They are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the CMA.

The aquarium also houses a variety of sea turtles, otters, rays, and nurse sharks, all of which have been deemed non-releasable due to their injuries or other impairments.

Exhibits and Experiences

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is more than just a place to view marine life. It offers a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences designed to educate visitors about marine animals, their habitats, and the importance of conservation.

ArtSEA Conservation Exhibit:

This exhibit features a mix of art and conservation, showcasing illuminated marine animal paintings, sculptures, and aquariums. It aims to emphasize the connection between art and marine conservation, providing a unique, visual way to engage with environmental issues.

Animal Care Experiences:

Visitors can participate in hands-on experiences where they get to learn about the care that goes into rehabilitating the animals at the aquarium. This includes witnessing feeding sessions and interacting with some of the animals under the supervision of marine life specialists.

Guided Behind-the-Scenes Tours:

CMA offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes to see the operational side of the aquarium. This includes a look at the critical care facility, food preparation areas, and other behind-the-scenes activities that support the rehabilitation of the animals.

Eco-Boat Tours:

These guided boat tours take visitors through Clearwater Bay, allowing them to observe local dolphin populations and other wildlife. It’s an opportunity to experience marine life in its natural environment and learn about the ecosystem of the area.

Admission and Hours

Regular Hours: The aquarium is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although it is best to confirm hours before visiting as they may vary.

Ticket Prices:

Adults (12+): $41.95

Children (3–11): $32.95

Seniors (65+): $39.95

Children under 2: Free

The admission fees contribute to the aquarium’s ongoing efforts in marine life rescue and rehabilitation.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking: Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers garage parking with seasonal rates. There are discounted parking rates for members, and visitors can also reserve parking spots in advance through the ParkMobile app.

The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Conservation and Research Initiatives

In addition to rehabilitation efforts, CMA is actively involved in marine conservation research and initiatives.

Dolphin Dorsal Fin Photo Identification Study:

CMA conducts research to monitor the local dolphin population in Clearwater Bay and Clearwater Harbor. By photographing the dorsal fins of dolphins, researchers can identify and track individual dolphins, which provides valuable data for understanding their ecology and behavior.

Sea Turtle Nesting Patrols:

The aquarium monitors and protects sea turtle nests along Florida's Gulf Coast. In 2024, CMA documented 271 nests, including the first leatherback turtle nest in Pinellas County. These efforts are vital for protecting endangered sea turtle species and ensuring the survival of hatchlings.

Sea Turtle Rescue:

The aquarium is involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of injured sea turtles, including those impacted by entanglement in fishing gear or boat strikes. After rehabilitation, the goal is to release the turtles back into the wild.

Educational Programs

Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a wide range of educational programs aimed at raising awareness of marine life conservation and environmental protection. These programs cater to various age groups, from school children to adults, and include:

School Programs: CMA provides educational resources and outreach programs for schools, helping to teach students about marine biology, environmental science, and conservation.

Summer Camps: The aquarium offers summer camp programs for children, giving them hands-on learning experiences about marine life.

Internships and Volunteer Opportunities: For those interested in gaining direct experience in marine biology and animal care, CMA offers internships and volunteer programs.

Special Events

The aquarium hosts various special events throughout the year, such as:

Seasonal Celebrations: During holidays and special occasions, CMA organizes themed events that often feature interactions with animals and activities that highlight marine conservation.

Dolphin Tale Movie Events: Since the success of the Dolphin Tale movies, CMA has been involved in various movie-related events, providing a chance for fans to see the animals featured in the films, like Winter the Dolphin.

Conclusion

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not just a place to see marine animals; it is a vital part of marine life conservation, education, and research. It plays an essential role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine animals while providing care to those who cannot be released back into the wild. With its variety of exhibits, educational programs, and conservation efforts, the CMA serves as both a sanctuary for marine life and a resource for the public to learn about and engage with marine conservation issues.