Within the aquarium is 152,000 square feet of air conditioned fun. This is a perfect stop for cruise ship passengers before they set sail. The lobby offers a gift shop, a casual restaurant and access to the stingray touch tank. Access beyond the lobby requires a modest admission.
Florida's unique water story — from its underground source to the open sea — is told in a collection of galleries:
- Wetlands
Explore Florida's freshwater environments, including springs, streams, marshes, rivers and mangrove forests. Come face-to-face with otters, spoonbills, gators and snakes. Climb to the top of the dome in the Wetlands Lookout! - Bays & Beaches
Discover sea life along Florida's coast, such as bonnethead sharks, seahorses, spiny lobsters, stingrays and a 150 lb. grouper! - Coral Reefs
Plunge 60 feet below the surface into a colorful coral grotto, without ever getting wet! Meet green moray eels, queen angelfish, rainbow parrotfish, and more. - Explore-A-Shore
This aquatic discovery zone for children are sure to offer them a splashing good time. - Sea Hunt
Encounter the world's most fascinating predators: sharks, a giant Pacific octopus, cuttlefish, lionfish, frogfish and more!
The Sharks! From Fear to Fascination exhibit, featuring ocean predators from around the world, is the favorite of many. It is part of the Sea Hunt Gallery which includes 13 exhibits with over 200 total specimens. The No Bone Zone is a kid-friendly, interactive presentation of invertebrates, featuring a 600-gallon touch pool. Invaders! Florida's Most Unwanted Species draws the curious to learn about invasive species, why they are here, how they got here, and what you can do to help contain them.
Special programs are available for those adventuresome types:
- Swim with the Fishes
Kids and adults six and up can swim in the 500,000 gallon coral reef tank with special scuba gear. (Certification on scuba equipment not necessary. Children as young as six years old can participate. The 30-minute program requires reservations. Call for current rates.) - Dive with Sharks
The new shark experience features the chance for certified divers to dive in the shark tank. It's a great adventure and the program is designed to dispel many of the shark myths and to replace their fears with fascination and respect. (Divers must be certified scuba divers and at least 15 years of age. Reservations are required. The 90-minute program costs $150.00 per diver.) - DolphinQuest Eco-Tours
Aquarium visitors can compliment their indoor experience with a venture out on the water to explore Tampa Bay on a 64-foot catamaran. While touring visitors may encounter wildlife — birds, manatees, dolphins and native fish in their natural settings. (Non-member cost is $18.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors, and $13.95 for children under age 13. Aquarium member cost is $15.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors 60 and over, and $10.95 for children under age 13.)Information
The Florida Aquarium is located in downtown Tampa at 701 Channelside Drive. Parking is $5.00 for non-members (members free) and is located off Channelside Drive and Washington Street.The Florida Aquarium is open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General admission is $17.95 for adults, and $12.95 for children under age 13. Seniors over 60 years of age are admitted for $14.95. Annual memberships are available and include unlimited admission for one year, free parking, $3 off rates for DolphinQuest Eco-Tours, discounts to Channelside IMAX Theatre, special member events, discounts at the café and gift shop, plus complimentary or discounted admissions to other area attractions.
