Whether you're an animal enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, Clearwater Marine Aquarium promises an immersive encounter with some of the ocean's most captivating creatures. Prepare to be amazed as you encounter the stars of the aquarium, including majestic dolphins, playful otters, graceful sea turtles, and a diverse array of mesmerizing fish species. Stay on this page to learn everything you need to know about the Clearwater Aquarium!
Clearwater Aquarium - In A Nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2-3 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Early mornings or Late Afternoons |
| 💜 Must See: | Winter and Hope's Habitats |
Highlights
- Dolphin Tale Movie Exhibit
- Mavis and Cooper's Habitat
- Stingray Beach
Getting There
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, Florida - USA
Get Directions
Opening Hours
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is open everyday from 10 AM to 6 PM except on Christmas Eve from 10 AM to 2 PM and on New Year’s Eve from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas.
Why Is Clearwater Marine Aquarium Worth Visiting?
- See Winter, the dolphin with a prosthetic tail from the movie "Dolphin Tale," and other rescued marine animals.
- Get up close and personal with penguins, otters, and turtles in an intimate setting.
- Gain knowledge about marine biology, conservation, and rehabilitation through a live presentation.
- Experience the thrill of playing with dolphins during a swimming session in a naturalistic lagoon.
- Your visit helps fund marine animal rescue, rehabilitation, and research programs to help save marine life.
Recommended Clearwater Marine Aquarium Tickets
Explore the incredible marine life of the Clearwater Aquarium with these tickets!
Highlights Of Clearwater Marine Aquarium
1Meet Winter and Hope
Come and meet Winter and Hope at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! These amazing dolphins captured the world's attention with their inspiring stories. Winter, a resilient amputee, and Hope, her rescued companion, have become beloved ambassadors for marine life conservation. Discover their journeys and witness their indomitable spirit at Clearwater Aquarium. A truly unforgettable experience!
2Learn About Marine Life
At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, embark on a captivating journey to learn about marine life. Explore fascinating exhibits, encounter a diverse array of sea creatures, and gain a deeper understanding of their habitats and conservation. From dolphins and sea turtles to otters and fish, discover the wonders of the ocean at Clearwater Aquarium.
3Jellyfish Gallery
Step into the mesmerizing Jellyfish Gallery at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Immerse yourself in the ethereal world of these graceful creatures as they glide through their illuminated tanks. Learn about their unique adaptations and role in marine ecosystems. Witness the captivating beauty of jellyfish in this enchanting exhibit at Clearwater Aquarium.
4Turtle Bayou
Explore the tranquil Turtle Bayou at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Encounter fascinating sea turtles as they gracefully navigate their watery sanctuary. Learn about the conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their fragile habitats. Witness the beauty and resilience of sea turtles in this captivating exhibit at Clearwater Aquarium.
5Shark Pass
Dive into the thrilling world of Shark Pass at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Get up close and personal with these magnificent predators through a mesmerizing underwater tunnel. Discover the diverse species of sharks, learn about their vital role in the ocean ecosystem, and gain a newfound appreciation for these powerful creatures.
6Otter Oasis
Discover the playful charm of Otter Oasis at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Witness the adorable otters as they frolic, swim, and entertain visitors with their energetic antics. Learn about their unique behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts. Immerse yourself in the joyful world of otters at Clearwater Aquarium's Otter Oasis.
7Dolphin Tale Movie Set
Get ready for a delightful adventure at the Dolphin Tale Movie Set in Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Step right into the enchanting world of Winter and Hope, the stars of the heartwarming Dolphin movies. Explore the actual movie locations, soak up the movie magic, and let their inspiring stories touch your heart. It's an incredible experience you won't want to miss!
8Stingray Beach
Experience an incredible day of sun-soaked fun at Stingray Beach, nestled within Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Dip your hands into the shallow, crystal-clear waters and feel the soft, velvety touch of friendly stingrays gliding by. Learn fascinating facts about these gentle creatures and make unforgettable memories with these graceful beings. Let the rays brighten up your day!
Best Time To Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The best time to visit Clearwater Aquarium is during the fall season - from September to November. The weather is mild and the crowds are smaller, making for a more enjoyable experience. If you're looking to avoid the peak season rush, then plan on visiting during weekdays rather than weekends. Furthermore, the best time of day to visit the aquarium is in the morning just after it opens, when the animals are more active and you can enjoy a relaxing stroll through the exhibits.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Opening Hours
- Regular Hours 10 AM to 6 PM
- The last entry into the aquarium is 30 minutes prior to closing time.
- Extended Hours on Select Dates 10 AM to 7 PM
- Upcoming extended hours: July 1-31, 2023.
- Christmas Eve 10 AM – 2 PM
- New Year’s Eve 10 AM – 4 PM
- Thanksgiving Closed
- Christmas Closed
Getting There
Bus
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) is the main public transportation provider for the Clearwater area. You can catch the bus from various stops around the city, and the closest stop to the Clearwater Aquarium is located on Clearwater Beach. From there, it's just a short walk to the aquarium.
Trolley
If you're staying on Clearwater Beach, you can take the Jolley Trolley to the aquarium. The trolley runs every day, and it's a fun way to take in the sights along the beach. The Clearwater Aquarium stop is located between Poinsettia Avenue and Coronado Drive.
Insider Tips To Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Arrive early (before opening) to get a head start on the crowd. The aquarium gets busy quickly, and lines can get long.
- Don't miss the daily presentations and feedings - they're informative and entertaining. Check the daily schedule for times.
- Take advantage of the aquarium's discounted rate for Florida residents. Proof of residency required.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat. The aquarium is largely outdoors and can be very hot in the summer months.
Restaurants Near Clearwater Marine Aquarium
This beachside restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, especially their famous grouper sandwich. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and great service while watching the sunset.
This trendy cafe offers a diverse menu with both healthy and indulgent options, including their famous macadamia nut crusted grouper. They also have a full bar and outdoor seating.
A Clearwater classic, this upscale restaurant has been serving delicious steak and seafood since 1948. Don't miss their famous lobster bisque or key lime pie.
This casual restaurant serves up great seafood and burgers, but they're known for their famous "Cooter Balls," a delicious combination of crab meat, shrimp and cheese. Watch sports on their TVs while enjoying a cold beer.
Located on the water, this vibrant restaurant offers a seafood-forward menu and live music on weekends. Come early for their happy hour specials and don't miss their amazing calamari.
Places to Stay Near Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Things To Do Near Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Just a short 10-minute drive from the aquarium is the famous Clearwater Beach. Clearwater Beach, located on Florida's stunning Gulf Coast, is a tropical paradise that boasts pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Bask in the year-round sunshine, enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, and witness breathtaking sunsets. With its lively atmosphere, beachfront restaurants, and vibrant activities, Clearwater Beach is a dream destination for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Also located on Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 offers a variety of attractions, including fishing, a playground, and street performers. It offers a multitude of attractions and entertainment. Stroll along the pier and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean, indulge in local cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, and catch stunning sunsets. With daily sunset celebrations, live music, and a bustling atmosphere, Pier 60 is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable beachfront experience.
Take a 35-minute drive to St. Petersburg and explore the stunning artwork at the Salvador Dali Museum. Immerse yourself in the surreal world of The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida. Explore the largest collection of Salvador Dali's artwork outside of Spain, featuring his iconic paintings, sculptures, and multimedia exhibits. Get lost in the depths of his imagination and unravel the enigmatic beauty of his masterpieces. A captivating artistic journey awaits at The Dali Museum.
For thrill-seekers, Busch Gardens in Tampa is just an hour's drive from Clearwater. This world-class theme park combines the excitement of exhilarating rides with the wonder of up-close animal encounters. Busch Gardens promises endless excitement and family fun in a beautifully immersive environment, from adrenaline-pumping roller coasters to captivating shows and safaris.
This Greek-influenced town is a 30-minute drive from Clearwater and is known for its sponge diving and authentic Greek food. Nestled along the scenic Gulf Coast of Florida, Tarpon Springs is a charming waterfront town known for its Greek heritage and sponge diving industry. Explore its picturesque streets lined with Mediterranean-style architecture, indulge in delectable Greek cuisine, and embark on boat tours to witness the time-honored tradition of sponge diving. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Tarpon Springs offers a captivating experience for visitors.
FAQs
Clearwater Marine Aquarium primarily focuses on marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and various species of fish. They often house animals that are undergoing rehabilitation or cannot be released back into the wild due to their injuries.
Yes, there are many interactive exhibits and educational programs for kids at Clearwater Aquarium.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization located in Clearwater, Florida, dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals. They also focus on environmental conservation and education.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers various interactive experiences, including animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. However, the level of interaction may vary, and some interactions may have age restrictions or additional fees.
Yes, Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers educational programs for visitors of all ages. These programs include interactive presentations, animal feedings, and educational exhibits that provide insights into marine life, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
The regular operating hours of Clearwater Marine Aquarium are from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium has specific guidelines regarding outside food and drinks. In most cases, outside food and beverages are not permitted, with exceptions made for baby formula, baby food, and medically necessary items.
