
Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
An interactive animal sanctuary offering hands-on encounters with marine life, reptiles, and farm animals. Perfect for families!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An interactive animal sanctuary offering hands-on encounters with marine life, reptiles, and farm animals. Perfect for families!
"Amazing experience! Got to hold a snake, an alligator, feed sharks, and so much more. "

🎯 Plan around showtimes
Check the schedule for narrated shark feedings & animal presentations for the best experience!
✋ Hands-on fun guaranteed
Be ready to touch stingrays, hold reptiles, and feed various animals. Gloves often provided.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stingray Touch Tank
Main Aquarium Area
Gently feed and touch graceful stingrays in this popular, interactive exhibit. A must-do for all ages!

Narrated Shark Feedings
Main Aquarium Area
Witness thrilling feedings with informative commentary from divers. Learn about these fascinating predators up close.

Reptile Encounters
Animal Sanctuary Area
Get brave and hold a snake or a baby alligator! A unique photo opportunity and a thrilling experience.

Farm Animal Feeding
Animal Sanctuary Area
Meet and feed friendly farm animals like goats, adding a charming touch to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Interactive Animal Encounters
Timing Your Visit for Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan around showtimes
Check the schedule for narrated shark feedings & animal presentations for the best experience!
✋ Hands-on fun guaranteed
Be ready to touch stingrays, hold reptiles, and feed various animals. Gloves often provided.
🚗 Watch out for parking
The dirt parking lot can have deep holes; drive carefully or park nearby if possible.
💰 Great value for money
Reasonable prices for extensive animal interactions compared to larger attractions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan around showtimes
Check the schedule for narrated shark feedings & animal presentations for the best experience!
✋ Hands-on fun guaranteed
Be ready to touch stingrays, hold reptiles, and feed various animals. Gloves often provided.
🚗 Watch out for parking
The dirt parking lot can have deep holes; drive carefully or park nearby if possible.
💰 Great value for money
Reasonable prices for extensive animal interactions compared to larger attractions.
📸 Bring your camera!
Capture amazing moments of animal encounters and feeding shows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary for its incredibly interactive experiences, friendly staff, and excellent value. It's a highly recommended spot for families seeking hands-on encounters with a variety of animals, from stingrays to reptiles. While the parking lot can be a bit rough, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and well worth the visit.
"Such an amazing experience. All the staff was super nice. My 3 young kids got to not only interact with nearly every animal but they got a chance to hold a snake, an alligator, feed sharks, feed stingrays, turtles, and so much more. Prices were extremely reasonable compared to major places. I will definitely be coming back. Well worth it even if you have to drive 2 hours. Just go and you won't regret it."
Glenn Sellers
"Parking lot is dirt and full of holes so deep you have to drive around them. Staff is vary friendly and helpful. Not a vary big place but what they have is vary cool I got to hold a baby alligator and the shows are good to. Little pricey I thought for what they have and the time you actually spend there."
tom van dyke
"Had a great time today. From the fun of feeding the alligators, holding 1, seeing the baby gators, the crocodiles, feeding sharks.... all the creatures were so very lively and active.
The staff has such amazing energy and really include the audience in their presentations.
If you can only make it to 1 aquarium in the area I highly suggest giving this your time and attention.
Thank you for all you do"
Ben Tibbetts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located at 1722 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. It's about a 45-minute drive from Tampa. Many visitors find it a convenient day trip from the Tampa Bay area.
Yes, there is a parking lot. However, be aware that it is unpaved and can have deep holes, so drive with caution.
While public transportation options might be limited, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are viable options if you're not driving. It's recommended to check local transit routes for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, it's a relatively short drive from Clearwater, making it an easy addition to a coastal Florida itinerary.
From Tampa, take US-19 North. From St. Petersburg, you can also take US-19 North. The sanctuary is well-signed once you are in Tarpon Springs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices are considered very reasonable for the interactive experiences offered. While exact prices can vary, reviews suggest it's a great value compared to larger attractions.
It's generally not necessary to book tickets in advance, especially for weekday visits. However, checking their official website or social media for any special events or holiday hours is always a good idea.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most current information before your visit.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking their social media for any promotions. Families often find the overall price point to be a significant discount.
Absolutely! It's described as toddler-friendly with many interactive elements perfect for little hands and curious minds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of fish, sharks, stingrays, turtles, alligators, snakes, and farm animals. Many offer hands-on experiences like feeding and holding.
Yes, they offer narrated shark feedings and other engaging animal presentations throughout the day. Check the schedule upon arrival!
Yes, feeding is a major highlight! You can purchase food to feed stingrays, sharks, goats, and other animals.
It's generally not as crowded as larger aquariums, especially on weekdays, making for a more personal experience.
Arrive early, check the show schedule, and be prepared for hands-on interactions. Visiting with children is highly recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific dining facilities aren't heavily detailed, it's advisable to check their website or call ahead. Many visitors opt to bring snacks or plan meals in nearby Tarpon Springs.
Typically, small snacks and water bottles are allowed, but it's best to confirm their policy upon arrival or on their website to avoid any issues.
Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek heritage, offering many excellent Greek restaurants near the Sponge Docks. There are also casual eateries and cafes in the vicinity.
Information about an on-site restaurant is limited. It's more of an animal sanctuary experience, so dedicated dining facilities might not be extensive.
Given the diverse culinary scene in Tarpon Springs, you should be able to find vegetarian and vegan options at various restaurants in town, particularly those offering Mediterranean or American cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The most photogenic moments include feeding the stingrays, holding reptiles, and watching the shark feedings. The animals themselves are very photogenic!
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed and encouraged to capture your experience.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly at animals, especially during shows, as it can startle them. Be mindful of other visitors.
Mornings or early afternoons often provide good natural light. The shows also offer dynamic photo opportunities.
The touch tanks, reptile encounter areas, and the main shark tank are prime spots for memorable photos. The farm animals also make for cute shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider planning your visit around the show schedules to maximize the fun. The reasonable pricing makes it an accessible option for families looking for a full day of entertainment without a hefty price tag. The smaller, less crowded environment compared to larger attractions also means less stress for parents managing young children.
💰 Budget Travelers
It's a fantastic option for a cost-effective day trip from Tampa or Clearwater. Instead of spending a fortune on a single attraction, you get a full day of unique animal encounters. Pack some snacks to save even more on food costs, and you've got a budget-friendly adventure.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While general photography is encouraged, remember to be mindful of animal welfare and avoid direct flash. The natural light during the day, combined with the vibrant colors of the animals, makes for stunning photos. Don't forget to capture the expressions of delight on people's faces during these unique encounters!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Interactive Animal Experience
These interactive sessions are often guided by enthusiastic staff who provide educational insights. The narrated shark feedings are a particular highlight, where divers enter the tanks to feed the sharks while explaining their behavior and importance in the ecosystem. This isn't just a viewing experience; it's an educational adventure. The sanctuary also features a touch tank with various sea creatures and a section with farm animals that guests can feed, adding a charming, down-to-earth element to the visit.
The overall atmosphere is described as friendly and engaging, making it a perfect spot for families. The sanctuary's commitment to providing these unique, tactile experiences sets it apart and makes it a highly recommended destination for those seeking more than just a passive observation of animals.
Value and Family Appeal
The sanctuary's size is often noted as being smaller than massive, corporate aquariums, but this is frequently framed as a positive. This more intimate scale means less crowding and a more personal experience, allowing visitors to truly connect with the animals and staff. The staff themselves receive consistent praise for their friendliness, energy, and ability to involve the audience in their presentations, further enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere.
Whether you're a local looking for a fun day out or a tourist exploring the Tampa Bay area, the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary offers a highly recommended, cost-effective, and incredibly engaging experience for the entire family.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit