The Florida Aquarium

The basics

Adults and children alike love exploring this air-conditioned aquarium and learning more about the ocean’s ecosystem, especially through observing the aquarium’s centerpiece Coral Reef. Ticket prices include admission to the aquarium; the outdoor, 2-acre (0.81-hectare) splash pad with dump buckets and water sprayers; toddler area; and 4D theater.

There are Florida Aquarium tours that allow you to swim with sharks, fish, and eels, without needing a scuba certification. You can also go backstage with penguins or go on a dolphin cruise aboard the 72-foot (22-meter) Bay Spirit II catamaran. You can also arrange a shipwreck diving trip through the aquarium.

Things to know before you go

• The Florida Aquarium is ideal for marine wildlife lovers and families with children.

• Buy skip-the-line Florida Aquarium tickets in advance to save time at entry, and save money with a Tampa Bay CityPASS, which includes admission to other Tampa area attractions.

• For the kids, pack swimsuits or clothes that can get wet in the outside splash area.

• A limited number of wheelchairs, scooters, and single and double strollers are available for rent.

• The aquarium facility is wheelchair accessible. Guests wishing to take the dolphin cruise must be physically able to cross a 6-step gangplank with assistance.

How to get there

The aquarium is located on the Ybor Channel of Tampa Bay, 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa and easily accessible from I-275. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Port Tampa Bay cruise terminal; if you are a cruise passenger, the aquarium will hold your luggage for you for free while you are at the facility.

When to get there

The Florida Aquarium is open from 9:30am to 5pm daily, and is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It tends to be more crowded on weekends and rainy days, so avoid the crowds by going during the week, earlier in the morning, or later in the day.

Help save our oceans

Proceeds from the purchase of a general admission ticket go toward the aquarium’s educational and environmental conservation programs. The Florida Aquarium is working on a Center for Conservation that will include a sea turtle hospital, coral ark and nursery, and shark and ray research center.

How much is parking at The Florida Aquarium?

Park for $10 a day at the City of Tampa parking lot north of the Aquarium at Channelside Drive. Payment can be made at pay stations or via ParkMobile, Passport, or PaybyPhone apps. There are several other nearby paid parking garages, as well.

Do you need to book tickets to the Florida Aquarium in advance?

Yes. Online reservations with 30-minute time slots are required, though a small number are available at the box office. Advance entry tickets allow you to select your preferred time, and are cheaper than day-of tickets. While tickets are non-refundable, they can be exchanged for a different date and time.

Can you bring a backpack into the Florida Aquarium?

Yes, you can bring backpacks into the Florida Aquarium. However, all bags are subject to a security search at the entrance. While there are no restrictions on size, there are also no lockers or luggage rooms for backpacks, so avoid bringing backpacks that are uncomfortable to carry.

How long does it take to see everything at the Florida Aquarium?

While you can see just about everything at the Florida Aquarium in around two hours, you can also spend an entire day, especially if traveling with kids. Allow more time if you are joining special experiences, such as the 1-hour SeaTREK underwater experience and the 75-minute Wild Dolphin Cruise.

Is the Florida Aquarium inside or outside?

Most of the Florida Aquarium is indoors (with air conditioning), though a few areas are outside. Outdoor exhibits include the Penguin Pavilion, the summer-only Raptors! experience on the roof, and a splash pad and play area. The Wild Dolphin Cruise takes place on a boat that goes around Tampa Bay.

Are cameras or video cameras allowed at the Florida Aquarium?

Yes. Cameras and video cameras are allowed at the Florida Aquarium for personal use. Commercial use of photos and footage requires permission from the Aquarium. A small underwater camera, without flash or strobe lights, is permitted for the SeaTREK underwater experience, unless the guide decides it's unsafe.

Ways to explore

The Florida Aquarium is one of the star attractions in Tampa’s busy Channel District, so book ahead to skip the line. General admission includes access to the permanent habitats and exhibits, but you’ll need separate tickets for add-ons such as penguin encounters, dolphin cruises, and beginner-friendly diving experiences that let you swim with tropical fish.

Save money and combine the aquarium with other popular attractions, including ZooTampa at Lowry Park, with the Tampa Bay CityPASS®. After the aquarium, round out your day with a downtown Tampa golf-cart tour, or head to the nearby Tampa Riverwalk for a waterfront stroll.

Accessibility

The Florida Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs and scooters are available to rent for a fee. “Distract packs” are also available for autistic visitors.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bottled water, camera

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes to explore the aquarium’s many habitats on foot, and dress for the weather, especially if you’ll be dining at the open-air café or partaking in outdoor activities such as a dolphin cruise.

Not allowed

Smoking, outside food, non-service animals

Amenities

Restrooms, café, gift shop, luggage storage

Address 

The Florida Aquarium is located along Tampa's Ybor Channel, a roughly 20-minute walk from the downtown area. Conveniently for cruise passengers, it's next door to Port Tampa Bay. The aquarium is also easy to reach via public transportation or bike.

Driving

From the Tampa International Airport, take I-275 toward downtown and exit at North Tampa Street. The drive to the aquarium is about 15 minutes, and there are both valet parking and paid garages nearby.

Public transportation

The Florida Aquarium has its own station along the free TECO Line Streetcar route, which runs through downtown Tampa, the Channel District, and Ybor City. Service is about every 15 minutes.

Best times to visit

Midday is the most popular time to visit the aquarium; head there right after opening or before closing for shorter lines and fewer crowds.

Best days to visit

Visit the aquarium on a weekday to enjoy the habitats nearly to yourself—it’s far busier on weekends.

Best months to visit

While the aquarium is a year-round attraction, the best time to visit Tampa is from September–December, when you can skip the sticky summer heat and beat the winter tourist rush.

Special events

Keep an eye on the aquarium’s website for frequent events, such as the holiday season’s YuleTides festival, which includes parades, sing-alongs, and activities for kids.