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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Miami Seaquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore marine life, enjoy captivating shows, and learn about ocean conservation at this historic Miami attraction.
"A fun and educational destination for all ages, with interactive marine shows and diverse sea life."
🎟️ 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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows
Various show arenas
Engaging and educational performances showcasing the intelligence and agility of dolphins and sea lions.
Marine Mammal Exhibits
Various enclosures
Observe diverse marine mammals like manatees and seals in their habitats.

Shark & Turtle Displays
Aquarium tanks
Explore fascinating underwater worlds with sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online for Savings
Arrive Early & Wear Comfy Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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!
⏰ Arrive Early for Shows
Get to the park early to enjoy all the scheduled animal presentations.
🚗 Parking Fee
Be prepared for a $20 parking fee, payable in cash or card.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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!
⏰ Arrive Early for Shows
Get to the park early to enjoy all the scheduled animal presentations.
🚗 Parking Fee
Be prepared for a $20 parking fee, payable in cash or card.
☀️ Seek Shade
Plenty of shaded areas are available to escape the Florida sun.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, parking is available at the Miami Seaquarium. The fee is $20 and can be paid with cash or card.
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.
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.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the park. There are dining options available within the Seaquarium.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, Miami Seaquarium hosts daily presentations and shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and other marine animals. Arriving early is advised to get good seats.
Yes, it's considered a fun and educational destination for families. There are exhibits, shows, and even special programs like overnight camps.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are dining options available within the Seaquarium. While sit-down restaurants might be pricier, other food stands offer reasonably priced options.
Food prices can vary. Some reviews suggest that inside sit-down restaurants charge more, while other options are reasonably priced.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the park. It's best to confirm their specific policy on their website.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be aware of any posted signs or staff instructions regarding photography, especially during animal presentations.
Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting, which is ideal for photography. The shows themselves provide dynamic action shots.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
Budget Travelers
To maximize value, focus on enjoying the included shows and exhibits, which are the main attractions. 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. Visiting on a weekday morning can also help avoid peak crowds and potentially offer a more relaxed experience without additional cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lolita/Tokitae Controversy
Many organizations and individuals have called for Lolita's release or transfer to a more suitable environment, such as a sea pen or sanctuary. 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. The discussions around Lolita's welfare have brought increased attention to the conditions in which marine animals are kept in captivity.
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.
Navigating the Park and Shows
When planning your visit, consider purchasing tickets online in advance, as this can save you money and help you bypass ticket lines. 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. Remember to stay hydrated and utilize the shaded areas available to escape the Florida sun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit