Florida Aquarium | Tampa

The Florida Aquarium is located in Tampa, Florida, and is one of the premier aquariums in the southeastern United States. It offers an engaging and educational experience about aquatic ecosystems, marine life, and conservation efforts. The aquarium, which opened in 1995, is dedicated to the protection of wildlife, education, and environmental sustainability. It's a popular destination for families, tourists, and marine life enthusiasts.

Exhibits & Habitats

The Florida Aquarium is home to a variety of exhibits, each highlighting different ecosystems, marine species, and the importance of aquatic conservation.

1. MORPH’D

Description: This interactive exhibit focuses on unique species with fascinating adaptations, such as axolotls, paddlefish, and other lesser-known aquatic creatures. The exhibit uses augmented reality to help guests learn about these animals in an engaging, hands-on way.

Special Features: Visitors can interact with species using digital displays and games, making it a dynamic experience for all ages.

2. Coral Reef Habitat

Size: Over 500,000 gallons of water

Description: The Coral Reef Habitat is one of the largest exhibits at the Florida Aquarium. It houses a variety of marine life from vibrant coral reefs, such as sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and hundreds of species of fish.

Notable Features: The exhibit is designed to replicate the natural environment of a coral reef, and visitors can walk through viewing tunnels to see marine life from all angles.

3. Splash Pad

Description: This outdoor, water-based play area is designed specifically for young children to explore and engage with water in a safe environment. It’s a fun and educational area where kids can learn about marine ecosystems through interactive features like water sprayers and small slides.

Target Audience: Families with children, especially those looking for a place to cool off.

4. Animal Health Care Center

Description: This behind-the-scenes area allows visitors to see how the Florida Aquarium cares for its animals. It provides insight into the medical treatments, routine check-ups, and rehabilitation efforts that the aquarium’s staff conduct on marine species.

Educational Aspect: Guests can learn about the veterinary work and animal welfare programs that support the aquarium's residents, particularly rescued animals.

Premium Experiences

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Florida Aquarium offers several premium encounters that allow guests to engage more directly with its animal residents.

1. SeaTREK

Description: SeaTREK is an underwater walking tour in the aquarium’s Heart of the Sea habitat. Participants wear special helmets and walk through the water to observe marine life up close without needing prior scuba diving experience.

Minimum Age: 10 years old

Experience: This is a guided tour that takes guests into the aquarium’s largest exhibits to interact with fish, rays, and other marine life in a unique way.

2. Penguin Encounter

Description: This behind-the-scenes experience allows visitors to meet the aquarium’s penguins. It includes educational presentations about penguin behavior, conservation efforts, and a chance to observe the penguins in their habitat.

Learning Focus: Conservation programs designed to protect penguin populations in the wild.

3. Wild Dolphin Cruise

Description: A guided cruise through Tampa Bay gives guests the opportunity to observe wild dolphins in their natural habitat. The excursion also offers views of native bird species and the chance to learn about the local marine environment.

Duration: 90-minute cruise

Educational Focus: Learn about the behaviors of wild dolphins and the conservation efforts to protect them.

4. Stingray Feeding Experience

Description: In this interactive experience, guests can feed stingrays and learn about their behavior, feeding habits, and the role they play in the ecosystem.

Hands-On Learning: The experience allows visitors to touch and feed these fascinating creatures while learning more about them from staff members.

Visitor Information

Hours

Operating Hours: The Florida Aquarium is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Timed entry is used for ticket purchases, with arrival windows set for every half hour.

Seasonal Changes: Operating hours may change during holidays or special events, so it’s always best to check the aquarium’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Location

Address: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA

The aquarium is located in the Channelside District, which is a hub of dining, shopping, and entertainment options near Tampa's waterfront.

Transportation

The aquarium is easily accessible via the TECO Streetcar System (Stop #7) and the Pirate Water Taxi (Stop 1).

Visitors can also use public transportation or park at nearby garages for a fee.

Conservation Efforts

The Florida Aquarium is dedicated to marine conservation, focusing on protecting species and ecosystems both locally and globally. Some key initiatives include:

Coral Conservation

In 2022, the aquarium successfully reproduced elkhorn coral, a critically endangered species, as part of a broader effort to restore coral reefs.

The aquarium’s Coral Conservation and Research Center in Apollo Beach, Florida, has expanded to 9,000 square feet in 2024 and is working to restore 125 acres of coral reef by planting 150,000 coral colonies. This initiative plays a crucial role in preserving coral reefs that are vital for marine biodiversity.

Marine Species Rescue & Rehabilitation

The aquarium’s Rescue Team works to rehabilitate and release stranded marine animals, including sea turtles and manatees. This effort is part of their ongoing commitment to supporting wildlife conservation and recovery.

Summary

The Florida Aquarium is not only an educational and entertaining experience but also a hub for important conservation and research efforts. Visitors can explore a variety of habitats, participate in premium experiences like SeaTREK or the Penguin Encounter, and learn about marine life and the aquarium’s efforts to protect and preserve aquatic species. Whether you’re looking to enjoy interactive exhibits, go on a dolphin cruise, or learn about coral restoration, the Florida Aquarium provides a comprehensive and enriching experience for all ages.