Because of its unusual form and location on the planet, Florida is home to a diverse range of freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, many of which are unique to the world. The state is home to a diverse range of aquatic plants and animals, and the state’s warmth and humidity make it an excellent home for species from other parts of the globe with comparable conditions.
If you want to get away from the heat of Florida while still staying in touch with nature, visit one of the state’s many aquariums.
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The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is without a doubt the greatest in the region! Its main claim to fame is that it is Florida’s largest aquarium, with a complex spanning 250,000 square feet of land.
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of aquatic settings. The Florida Wetlands Trail will be your first stop before moving on to the Bays and Beaches exhibit.
The shark tank is a popular tourist attraction, and the alligator-infested streams provide a safe chance to experience real Florida. The aquarium is involved in a number of conservation programs and contains a variety of animal habitats to display animals from all across the state.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Conservation programs
- A taste of real Florida
- Shark tank
Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Timing: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +1 813-273-4000
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounter, which is located in Marathon, is one of the aquariums in South Florida that is noted for its family-friendly activities and attractions. Nurse sharks, moon jellyfish, and conchs are among the creatures that represent much of the area’s marine fauna.
You’ll get a guided tour or an audio tour as part of your entrance price, so you can learn about each exhibit as you go. Biologists give programs throughout the day where you may meet and learn about the aquarium’s many species.
The Coral Reef or Lagoon Snorkel Encounter, where you’ll get an up-close glimpse at the vibrant Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem in action, is a must-do for adrenaline seekers.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Programs by biologists
- Close glimpse of the coral reef ecosystem
- Guided tours
Address: 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, United States
Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +1 305-407-3262
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Sea Life Aquarium is a global company with expertise and information obtained through operating aquariums all around the world. The SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium has exhibited such as a jellyfish wall, feeding pools, the Indian Ocean, and more. Over 5,000 sea species, including axolotls, seahorses, sharks, turtles, and stingrays, will be on display.
The aquarium is open every day and should be included on any visitor’s list of Florida aquariums. Aside from the aquarium and, of course, the well-known amusement parks, Orlando has a lot more to offer travelers seeking exciting things to do.
While many aquariums feature both indoor and outdoor facilities to meet the demands of their species, there aren’t many creatures at the Sea Life Orlando facility that require an outside environment.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Open every day
- Expertise and information
- Indoor and outdoor facilities
Address: 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Timing: Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 5 PM; Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Contact: +1 855-450-0680
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a pride and pleasure of the Sarasota, Florida, scientific and education community. It is located just minutes away from beautiful white beaches and lots of shopping and restaurants.
Since 1955, the aquarium has been noted for its Shark Zone. It also houses the Institution for Shark Research, which was established as a national research center by the United States Congress in 1991.
The two touch tanks and the 135,000-gallon shark habitat are the highlights of the attraction, but there’s also a chance to watch Mote Marine’s scientific research in action in visible operating laboratories.
The Laboratory presently works on over 20 varied research activities, including monitoring the condition of coral reefs, which are so crucial to supporting marine life.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Institution for Shark Research
- Over 20 varied research activities
- Supporting marine life
Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Timing: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +1 941-388-4441
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the preservation of the marine environment. Many of the displays are outside since the focus is on preservation, so you can observe the creatures in their natural habitats.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a prominent family destination in Florida that offers a variety of educational activities. It is home to Winter and Hope, the dolphins from the hit movie “Dolphin Tale.”
When possible, the aquarium rescues and releases the creatures back into the wild, however, some of the species have specific needs that need their continued care at the aquarium, where visitors may interact with them. A popular underwater observation tank where guests may observe mermaids is also available.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- A popular underwater observation tank
- Home to Winter and Hope
- Focus on preservation
Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States
Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Contact: +1 727-441-1790
Key West Aquarium
The Key West Aquarium, located not far from Marathon, is another must-see aquarium in South Florida. This aquarium features a touch tank with marine life from the Florida Keys. Nurse sharks, moon jellies, and conchs are among the animals that represent much of the local marine wildlife.
The aquarium is dedicated to saving endangered sea turtles. It collaborates with the Turtle Hospital and keeps turtles as they recover. A special tour is available to learn more about the aquarium’s conservation efforts.
There is also a fascinating display of invasive species. The Key West Aquarium takes exotic pets in since so many people acquire them and then can’t care for them. They’ve added iguanas, lionfish, and a Burmese python to their collection.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Display of invasive species
- Dedicated to saving endangered sea turtles
- Touch tank
Address: 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, United States
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +1 305-296-2051
St. Lucie County Aquarium
On the east coast, the St. Lucie County Aquarium is one of the aquariums in Central Florida that is well worth a visit for those interested in learning more about saving the oceans and the wildlife that lives within them. Visitors may discover more than 8,000 liters of aquatic life at the site.
This one-of-a-kind location should be on everyone’s list of Florida aquariums.
The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit is the centerpiece of the St. Lucie Aquarium. The purpose of this exhibit is to inform the public about six various marine habitats that may be found in Florida’s seas. Six ecosystems have been reproduced at the aquarium so that visitors may see living models and learn about how complex these coastal environments are.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- More than 8,000 liters of aquatic life
- Six various marine habitats reproduced
- One-of-a-kind location
Address: 420 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, United States
Hours: Monday – Closed; Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday – 12 noon to 4 PM
Contact: +1 772-462-3474
Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium is another aquarium in Central Florida. It’s a family-run aquarium featuring family-friendly displays. The aquarium collaborates with several environmental organizations and places a strong emphasis on animal welfare and conservation across Florida and beyond.
A touch pool is available for tourists who want to get a closer look at some of the creatures. There are also opportunities to hold and photograph some of the snakes and alligators.
Guests may also get up and personal with the animals involved, such as miniature gators, snakes, lizards, and pythons. Throughout the park, there are numerous tanks with baby sharks, turtles, gulf fish, and other animals.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Family-friendly displays
- Strong emphasis on animal welfare and conservation
- Touch pool
Address: 1722 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, United States
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
Contact: +1 727-938-5378
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Dolphins, sea lions, otters, penguins, crocodiles, and other fish live in the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. When you visit the park, you may see programs where trainers teach you all you need to know about a single animal. It’s only a two-minute walk to Fort Walton Public Beach’s public access.
Look for Charlie, the yellow-crested cockatoo, who goes for a walk around the park every day with members of the animal care staff to greet visitors and visit other park residents.
Turtle Island, Seal Harbor, the Fishing Hole, and other attractions may be found throughout the park. Not all of the creatures in the Gulfarium are native to Florida, as seen by the Oasis, which provides a temperate habitat for African penguins.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Training programs
- Charlie – the cockatoo
- The Fishing Hole
Address: 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548, United States
Hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM
Contact: +1 850-243-9046
Gulf World
The variety of native marine animals is one of the Gulf World’s most appealing features. The waters of this mostly indoor, partially outdoor aquarium park are home to harbor seals, California sea lions, and both bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins.
When you visit Gulf World Marine Park, you may watch sea lions, dolphins, reptiles, and tropical birds in a variety of instructional performances. During and after feeding times, the trainers offer conversations.
Add-on activities allow visitors to get up close and personal with these stunning creatures, as well as other species like penguins and stingrays.
You may help by adopting a sea turtle through their Adopt a Sea Turtle program. You’ll get a photo of the sea turtle you assisted in rehabilitation, a certificate of adoption, and information about the species and features of your sea turtle.
Features that make them stand out of the crowd are –
- Adopt a Sea Turtle program
- Variety of instructional performances
- Add-on activities
Address: 15412 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, United States
Hours: 10 AM to 3 PM
Contact: +1 850-234-5271
The aquariums in Florida are among the greatest in the world. They provide a look into the wonders of our underwater world, where you can get up close and personal with a variety of intriguing marine creatures. In one of these best aquariums in Florida, you may experience the thrill of marine life discovery.