The Florida Aquarium
Dive into a world of wonder at The Florida Aquarium, featuring sharks, penguins, touch tanks, and a dolphin cruise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
The Florida Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a world of wonder at The Florida Aquarium, featuring sharks, penguins, touch tanks, and a dolphin cruise.
"The whole experience was just amazing, with friendly staff and well-maintained exhibits."
🎟️ Book Online for Deals
Secure discounted tickets and skip the queue by purchasing your admission online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coral Reef Exhibit
Immerse yourself in a vibrant underwater world with mesmerizing coral formations and diverse marine life.
Stingray Touch Tank
Get hands-on with gentle stingrays in this interactive and educational experience.
Sharks Up Close
Marvel at the impressive size and grace of sharks swimming just inches from the glass.
Penguin & Puffin Exhibits (Future)
Anticipate new, expansive habitats for penguins and puffins as part of a major expansion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online for Savings
Allocate Enough Time for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Online for Deals
Secure discounted tickets and skip the queue by purchasing your admission online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the colorful fish and marine life.
💧 Stay Hydrated (or Buy Smart)
Bottled water can be pricey; consider bringing your own or budgeting for it.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Online for Deals
Secure discounted tickets and skip the queue by purchasing your admission online in advance.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the colorful fish and marine life.
💧 Stay Hydrated (or Buy Smart)
Bottled water can be pricey; consider bringing your own or budgeting for it.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits and interactive areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Florida Aquarium for its well-maintained exhibits, diverse marine life, and friendly staff. The interactive touch tanks and close-up views of sharks are frequently highlighted as favorites. While generally considered a good value, some find the price of bottled water a bit steep. The aquarium is seen as a great spot for both learning and relaxation, with many planning return visits.
"Our daughter received this visit as a birthday gift from her grandparents. And she was on cloud 9. The whole experience was just amazing. The new exhibit with the coral and the jelly fish to touch is a amazing experience. Employees were very friendly and experienced. Everything was well maintained and clean. Even the restroom was very clean with a cleaning lady and I give her 5 ⭐ for that, because everywhere we go there is cleaning personal for this 😔 so I'll say big thank you for having a cleaning person there to keep the toilets clean. The cafeteria was also clean and everyone knew what to do and food was amazing. Portion/ Price/ Taste was worth the dollar. The only thing I would say is one ⭐ is the price for a bottle of water 😞"
Lucie Perez
"I recently visited Florida aquarium and it was such a refreshing experience! It was well maintained and filled with variety of colorful fish and marine life. My son loves to take pictures which I've shared here while I relaxed in the calming atmosphere. They also have a good play area for kids which I would be spending more time next time. Overall it's a perfect spot to relax and learn about aquatic life."
Rumi Nagori
"Great aquarium, takes 2 to 3 hours at a medium pace but if you had lunch and kids with you could make a day of it.
Price is reasonable for what you get. Grab online deals for less.
Staff is helpful and the interactive portions where you touch the jellyfish and rays are standard for aquariums but still great."
Nic I
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602. It's easily accessible by car, and ride-sharing services. Parking is available nearby, though it comes with a fee.
Yes, parking is available near the aquarium, but it is a paid service. Visitors have noted paying around $15 for a few hours of parking.
While specific public transport routes can vary, the Channelside area is generally accessible. Check local Tampa transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
The Florida Aquarium is situated in the vibrant Channelside district, close to Sparkman Wharf and the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, making it easy to combine with other activities.
Visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, can help you avoid the heaviest traffic in the Tampa area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets directly from The Florida Aquarium's official website. It's highly recommended to buy them online in advance to potentially save money and avoid queues.
Yes, visitors often look for online deals, and some social media posts mention saving up to 20% on admission by using specific links or promotions. Keep an eye out for 'coupons for the florida aquarium' or 'the florida aquarium discount tickets'.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check The Florida Aquarium's official website for the most current hours of operation before your visit.
Ticket prices can vary, but reviews suggest the price is reasonable for the experience. Online deals can offer significant savings. Search for 'the florida aquarium prices' or 'the florida aquarium ticket prices'.
Refund policies typically depend on the terms and conditions of your ticket purchase. It's advisable to review the specific policy when buying your tickets online.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning Coral Reef exhibit, the interactive stingray touch tank, and the close-up views of sharks. The new exhibits featuring jellyfish and coral are also highly praised.
Absolutely! The aquarium features a dedicated play area for children, making it a great spot for families.
Yes, interactive experiences like touching stingrays and jellyfish are available and are a highlight for many visitors.
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the aquarium at a moderate pace. You could easily extend this to a full day if you include lunch and time in the play area.
Yes, The Florida Aquarium offers unique experiences like SeaTREK underwater walking tours, allowing you to walk through exhibits surrounded by marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The aquarium has a cafeteria that offers food options. Reviews indicate that the food is good, with reasonable portions and taste for the price.
While the food is generally well-regarded, some visitors have noted that the price for items like a bottle of water can be a bit high.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted in major attractions like aquariums. It's best to check the aquarium's specific policy.
Information on specific dietary options isn't widely detailed, but most cafeterias offer a range of choices. It's advisable to check the menu upon arrival or contact the aquarium directly.
Yes, visitors have specifically praised the cleanliness of the cafeteria and the efficiency of the staff.
📸 📸 Photography
The Coral Reef exhibit offers stunning colors and diverse marine life, perfect for vibrant photos. The close-up shark encounters also make for dramatic shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors enjoy capturing the beauty of the aquatic life.
While general photography is permitted, flash photography might be discouraged in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of signage.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Many visitors use their smartphones, which are increasingly capable of capturing great shots in these environments.
Information regarding photography during specific tours like SeaTREK may vary. It's best to inquire with the tour operator or staff at the time of booking or before the tour begins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least 2-3 hours, as kids often want to revisit their favorite exhibits. Consider packing snacks or budgeting for the cafeteria, which offers decent food options.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the aquarium has a cafeteria, prices for items like bottled water can add up. Consider bringing your own reusable water bottle to refill if possible, or budget carefully for food purchases.
couples
The intimate setting of the aquarium, especially during less crowded weekday mornings, provides a peaceful atmosphere for connection. Consider booking the unique SeaTREK underwater walking tour for an unforgettable shared adventure, or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring sight of sharks swimming inches away from the glass.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Florida Aquarium's Commitment to Conservation
Their work extends to coral reef restoration efforts, aiming to rebuild and protect these vital underwater ecosystems. By visiting, you're not only experiencing the wonders of the ocean but also supporting an institution committed to its preservation.
Look for information about their conservation programs throughout the aquarium to learn more about their impact and how you can contribute to marine protection.
Upcoming Expansions and New Habitats
Key features of the expansion include a new outdoor sea lion habitat, a two-story puffin exhibit, and a substantial 39,500-gallon African penguin habitat. These additions promise to bring new and captivating species for visitors to observe and learn about.
These new habitats are designed to provide enriched environments for the animals and offer unique viewing opportunities for guests, further solidifying The Florida Aquarium's position as a leading marine institution.
Unique Experiences: SeaTREK Underwater Walking Tours
Donning a special helmet, you'll be able to breathe normally while strolling among bonnethead sharks, loggerhead sea turtles, and a variety of other fascinating marine creatures. It's an unparalleled opportunity to get incredibly close to these animals in their naturalistic habitat.
This immersive experience is perfect for those seeking a unique perspective on marine life and offers incredible photo opportunities. If you're looking for something beyond the typical aquarium visit, SeaTREK is a must-try.
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