Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium

If you’re considering visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium near Tampa, you won’t be disappointed! This is one of the best things to do in Clearwater (and best things to do near Tampa) and a must for your Tampa or Clearwater vacation.

We recently went to the Aquarium and not only visited, but joined as members because we’re local in SW Florida and plan to visit as often as possible now. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (or CMA) is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured marine animals, along with public education.

If you’ve been here before, you may know that we don’t promote any type of animal attractions where the animal care is questionable. However, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit whose primary mission is rescue and rehabilitation. There are onsite animals who are permanent residents (due to being non-releasable), which is a great way to learn about these beautiful animals without supporting unethicalanimal practices.

Our favorite places to visit are places like this, along with sanctuaries like Seaside Seabird Sanctuary and Peace River Wildlife Center.

Car Rentals near Tampa, Florida

If you don’t live here and you are flying into TPA or PIE, you’ll need a rental car! I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Discount USA Car Rental offers the best rates available with nothing due upfront. Reserve and pay upon picking up the car. Discount USA partners with the major car rental companies (Hertz, Budget, etc.) but has the lowest rates.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Ticket Prices

Admission to Clearwater Marine Aquarium is currently $41.95 for adults and $32.95 for kids 3-11. Babies under 3 years old are free.

I recommend buying tickets through Project Expedition! Project Expedition is our favorite place to purchase tours for all things to do in Florida with kids.

You can also find discounts for Active Duty Military and teachers. In addition to regular admission, there are many programs offered, from boat tours to interactive animal experiences to guided walking tours and more.

Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an indoor and outdoor experience, so make sure to plan your clothing appropriately. Check the weather because you never know when it will rain in Florida (it’s pretty much a daily occurrence in the summer), and it can also get chilly in the winter.

Fortunately, on a hot day, you can go in and out of the A/,C so even if you are checking out the outdoor exhibits, air conditioning is never far away.

Winter the Dolphin

Winter the dolphin was a beloved resident of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, known around the world for her inspiring story of resilience. After losing her tail due to a crab trap injury, Winter was fitted with a prosthetic tail and became a symbol of hope for people with disabilities and the star of the Dolphin Tale movies.

Though she passed away in 2021, her legacy lives on at the aquarium, where visitors can learn about her life, see exhibits in her honor, and support ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts for marine life.

What kind of animals are at Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

If you’re a fan of the Dolphin Tale movies, you’ll be happy to know that Hope still resides at Clearwater Marine Aquarium!

Besides the famous dolphins, you’ll find turtles, otters, pelicans, sharks, stingrays, and other marine animals. Make sure to check the schedule for presentations that are available throughout the day to learn more about the resident animals.

Is visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium worth it?

A visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium is well worth it for anyone interested in marine life, rescue efforts, and inspiring animal stories. Unlike traditional aquariums, CMA focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured marine animals, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at real conservation work. You can even go in the animal hospital and take a look at the vets and assistants doing their work!

You can meet rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and otters, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the incredible stories of animals like Winter and Hope. It’s a meaningful, educational experience for families and animal lovers alike.

Things to do at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

You can wander around CMA at your own pace, but there are also lots of things to do there! Including:

• VIP Dolphin Experience
• Various presentations on the animals
• Shark Care Experience (my daughter wants to do this next time!)
• Feeding stingways
• Tortoise feedings
• Opossum animal connection experience
• Guided walking tours
• Sea turtle nesting ride-along
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Eco-boat tours
• Virtural Reality
• Guided kayaking tours

…and more! Check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for available experiences.

Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium

I hope this guide to visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium was helpful! If you’ll be spending time in Clearwater, we think this is a must-do!

Here are some other things to do in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida.

• 30 best things to do in Clearwater with Kids
• 50 free things to do in Tampa with kids
• The 20 best beaches in Tampa
• The 12 best places to see manatees in Florida
• Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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