Miami Seaquarium - city skyline across body of water during daytime
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Miami Seaquarium

3.7
·15k reviews·Miami, United States

Explore marine life, enjoy captivating shows, and learn about ocean conservation at this historic Miami attraction.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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Miami Seaquarium - city skyline across body of water during daytime

Miami Seaquarium

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore marine life, enjoy captivating shows, and learn about ocean conservation at this historic Miami attraction.

3.7
(15k reviews)

"A fun and educational destination for all ages, with interactive marine shows and diverse sea life."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save money and time by purchasing tickets online in advance.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy shoes are a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows

Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows

Various show arenas

Engaging and educational performances showcasing the intelligence and agility of dolphins and sea lions.

Reddit
Marine Mammal Exhibits

Marine Mammal Exhibits

Various enclosures

Observe diverse marine mammals like manatees and seals in their habitats.

Reddit
Shark & Turtle Displays

Shark & Turtle Displays

Aquarium tanks

Explore fascinating underwater worlds with sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online for Savings

Purchase your Miami Seaquarium tickets in advance online to secure better prices and skip the ticket counter queues. Some apps may offer additional discounts, so it's worth checking before you go. Instagram

Arrive Early & Wear Comfy Shoes

To catch all the shows and make the most of your visit, arrive early. The park is quite spread out, so comfortable footwear is essential for navigating between exhibits and show venues. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
End of the day
Why
Enjoy a shorter visit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#question from @viajesconmami Don’t waste your time or money when in Miami. Super problematic place #miami #miamiseaquarium #floridamom #avoidatallcosts #latinamom #exploringwithkids
@casabolanos
46K likes • 905.7K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save money and time by purchasing tickets online in advance. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy shoes are a must! Reddit

Lolita, also known as Tokitae, was a 57 year old female orca who lived at the Miami Seaquarium. She was captured on August 8, 1970. Some of the orcas she was captured along with were Lil' Nooka, Ramu 4, Wally, Clovis, Chappy, Jumbo and Winston. It is possible she was related to these orcas. If she was related to Winston, she would have captive born family members. Lolita only lived with one orca a...
@captiveorcasrights
19.2K likes • 1M views
🐬 Miami Seaquarium 🐬 @miamiseaquarium_ 📍4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami 💲 Precios pueden verlos en la web ya que varían según la época del año y promociones especiales. Por lo general online sale más barato que presencialmente 🌐 https://miamiseaquarium.com/ 👇 ¿ Qué les parece esta propuesta?.¿Irían a conocerlo? #seaquarium #miamiseaquarium #miamiconchicos #viajarconchicos #comerviajar...
comerviajarymasok
322 likes • 2.6K views

⏰ Arrive Early for Shows

Get to the park early to enjoy all the scheduled animal presentations. Reddit

🚗 Parking Fee

Be prepared for a $20 parking fee, payable in cash or card. Reddit

Things to Do this Spring Break 🍀 🐟 The Miami Seaquarium houses fish, sharks, sea turtles, birds, and reptiles and marinemammals. The park also offers daily presentations and hosts overnight camps, events for Boy Scouts, and group programs. It's a perfect place to visit during spring break 💚 🐬 Did you know this aquarium it is one of the oldest oceanariums in the United States? It was founded in 1...
divine.southflorida
0 likes • 3.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Online

Save money and time by purchasing tickets online in advance. InstagramReddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy shoes are a must! Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early for Shows

Get to the park early to enjoy all the scheduled animal presentations. Reddit

🚗 Parking Fee

Be prepared for a $20 parking fee, payable in cash or card. Reddit

☀️ Seek Shade

Plenty of shaded areas are available to escape the Florida sun. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.7
(15k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Miami Seaquarium to be a nostalgic and educational experience, particularly enjoying the animal shows and diverse marine life exhibits. While some facilities show their age, the park offers shaded areas and a generally pleasant atmosphere for families. However, concerns about animal welfare, particularly regarding the orca Lolita, and the park's layout are noted by some.

"The seaquarium is a place you can go with family and friends. We had a pretty good time there. I recommend buying the tickets online to avoid the line, also you could find discounts in some apps if you have time to call for reservations beforehand. Also, it is best to arrive early so you can enjoy all the shows. The place is big enough and you will be better off if you wear comfortable shoes. The only thing I didn't like was that you needed to move from one place to another to see the shows. It will be best if they make it in some kind of circle order. It was just too much back and forward. Other than that it is a good place to go and enjoy a good time with family washing the sea lion and dolphin shows. I also find it interesting that there is children's cars parking. Regarding Parking for your car is $20 in cash or card."

Yalitza Rosario

"The aquarium is old and very nostalgic. It was clean and the animals were very well cared for. There were not too many people there so you didn't have to fight crowds. I was able to attend several shows and enjoy them. The food was reasonably priced. It seemed the inside sit down restaurants charged more. The gift shop didn't have a good selection of items and it was overpriced. Lots of shaded areas to get out of the sun. Parking was $20."

tina G

"We stopped by on a bit of an off day, at the end of the day. Despite this, we were still able to enjoy 1 1/2hrs of seeing some very pretty animals and took in a great dolphin show as well!"

Joe ONeill

What People Like

Animal shows
Marine life exhibits
Nostalgic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Animal welfare concerns
Dated facilities
Show layout

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Miami Seaquarium is located at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami. You can drive there, and parking is available for a fee. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing services are often recommended. Instagram

Yes, parking is available at the Miami Seaquarium. The fee is $20 and can be paid with cash or card. Reddit

Operating hours can vary by season and day. It's best to check the official Miami Seaquarium website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Instagram

While specific routes can change, it's advisable to check with Miami-Dade Transit for the most current bus routes that may serve the Rickenbacker Causeway area. Instagram

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the park. There are dining options available within the Seaquarium. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets directly from the official Miami Seaquarium website, which is often cheaper than buying on-site. Look for discounts on various apps as well. InstagramReddit

Yes, buying tickets online is usually cheaper than at the gate. Keep an eye out for special promotions or discounts offered through various apps or partner websites. InstagramReddit

Ticket prices can vary depending on the time of year and any ongoing promotions. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing information. Instagram

While not always required, booking online in advance is highly recommended to avoid queues and potentially secure better rates. Check the website for any specific booking requirements. Instagram

Refund policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions on the official Miami Seaquarium website at the time of purchase for details on cancellations or changes. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of marine life including dolphins, sea lions, seals, manatees, sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish. The park also features birds and reptiles. InstagramReddit

Yes, Miami Seaquarium hosts daily presentations and shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals. Arriving early is advised to get good seats. Reddit

Yes, it's considered a fun and educational destination for families. There are exhibits, shows, and even special programs like overnight camps. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy the dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as exhibits featuring manatees, sharks, and sea turtles. The overall experience is still enjoyable for many. Reddit

Crowd levels can vary. Weekdays and mornings tend to be less crowded, while weekends and holidays can be busier. Some visitors have noted it wasn't crowded on an off-day. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are dining options available within the Seaquarium. While sit-down restaurants might be pricier, other food stands offer reasonably priced options. Reddit

Food prices can vary. Some reviews suggest that inside sit-down restaurants charge more, while other options are reasonably priced. Reddit

Typically, outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the park. It's best to confirm their specific policy on their website. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan meals is not widely available. It's recommended to check with the park directly or look at menus online if available. Reddit

Reviews suggest that while sit-down restaurants might be more expensive, other food options are reasonably priced. Exploring the various stands might offer the best value. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture memorable moments during the dolphin and sea lion shows, or photograph the diverse marine life like sharks, turtles, and manatees. The scenic location on Virginia Key also offers beautiful backdrops. Reddit

Yes, you can use your phone camera to take pictures and videos throughout the park. Be mindful of any restrictions during specific shows or exhibits. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be aware of any posted signs or staff instructions regarding photography, especially during animal presentations. Instagram

Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting, which is ideal for photography. The shows themselves provide dynamic action shots. Reddit

Information on professional photography services is not readily available. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the park for any such offerings. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Miami Seaquarium is designed to be a fun and educational outing for families. The daily shows featuring dolphins and sea lions are a big hit with children, offering entertaining and engaging performances. Reddit Beyond the shows, kids can explore exhibits with a variety of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and manatees, sparking their curiosity about ocean conservation. InstagramReddit The park also offers children's parking, which can be a convenient perk for families. Reddit

To make the most of a family visit, consider arriving early to catch the shows and avoid the biggest crowds. Comfortable shoes are a must for little legs, and remember to take advantage of the shaded areas to keep everyone cool. While some facilities might feel a bit dated, the overall experience remains enjoyable and educational for all ages. Reddit

Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, the key is to buy tickets online in advance, as this is consistently cheaper than purchasing them at the gate. InstagramReddit Keep an eye out for potential discounts offered through various apps or promotional codes. Instagram While food inside the park can add up, some reviews suggest that certain dining options are reasonably priced, so explore your choices before committing. Reddit The $20 parking fee is a fixed cost to factor into your budget. Reddit

To maximize value, focus on enjoying the included shows and exhibits, which are the main attractions. Reddit Consider packing some snacks and water if the park policy allows (though it's generally not permitted, double-check their website) to save on impulse purchases. Reddit Visiting on a weekday morning can also help avoid peak crowds and potentially offer a more relaxed experience without additional cost. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Lolita/Tokitae Controversy

The Miami Seaquarium has faced significant criticism regarding its treatment of Lolita, also known as Tokitae, an orca who lived at the facility for over 50 years. Captured in 1970, Lolita resided in a relatively small enclosure, which animal welfare advocates argued was inadequate for such a large and intelligent creature. TikTokReddit This situation sparked widespread debate about marine mammal captivity and the ethics of keeping orcas in aquariums. TikTok

Many organizations and individuals have called for Lolita's release or transfer to a more suitable environment, such as a sea pen or sanctuary. TikTok While the Seaquarium has stated efforts were made to care for her, the controversy highlights the ongoing ethical considerations surrounding marine parks and their impact on long-lived, highly social animals like orcas. TikTokReddit The discussions around Lolita's welfare have brought increased attention to the conditions in which marine animals are kept in captivity. TikTokReddit

It's important for visitors to be aware of this history and the ongoing discussions surrounding animal welfare at marine parks. This context can inform your experience and perspective when visiting the Miami Seaquarium. TikTokReddit

Navigating the Park and Shows

Miami Seaquarium is a fairly large complex, and visitors often find themselves moving between different areas for shows and exhibits. To maximize your experience, it's highly recommended to arrive early and wear comfortable shoes. Reddit Planning your day around the show schedules is key, as these are often highlights for visitors. Reddit Some reviewers noted that the need to move back and forth between locations for shows could be a bit disjointed, suggesting a more circular layout would be beneficial. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider purchasing tickets online in advance, as this can save you money and help you bypass ticket lines. InstagramReddit The park offers a variety of exhibits beyond the shows, including displays of sharks, sea turtles, manatees, and tropical fish, providing educational opportunities about marine life and conservation. InstagramReddit Remember to stay hydrated and utilize the shaded areas available to escape the Florida sun. Reddit

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