With all of the attractions that Orlando has to offer, it’s easy to forget how close you are to other cities within Florida that also have fun things to see and do! The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a gem, and really close to all the action in Orlando!
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On one of our more recent visits to Orlando, we decided to make the drive to the west coast of Florida to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Even with a bit of traffic, the drive took only about two hours to get to the Gulf Coast. We split our day between Dinosaur World and the aquarium.
Click here for my post Take Break From the Parks and Visit Dinosaur World Florida!
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization aiming to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife. This center is also the inspiration behind the movie Dolphin Tale.
This movie, which came out in 2011 is about Winter, the young dolphin that was rescued after being caught in a crabbing net and subsequently lost her tail. She was eventually fitted with a prosthetic tail and now spends her days with her best friend, Hope, at the aquarium.
**update** Unfortunately, Winter the dolphin passed away in 2021.
While visiting the aquarium, you can see some of the set locations where Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman filmed actual scenes from the movie.
Since the Aquarium first opened in 1972, they have rescued more than 1,200 sea turtles, rehabilitated and released more than 600 animals and racked up more than 91,000 volunteer hours.
While walking around the aquarium, you will get to see some of the animals that currently reside there and have the opportunity to learn more about their injuries and what prevents them from being released back into the wild.
Plan on spending around two to three hours exploring the aquarium! If you decide to enhance your visit with the boat ride or one of the animal experiences, plan on spending at least half of a day!
Keep in mind, the focus of this Aquarium is the rehabilitation of wildlife and education of visitors. I’ve read reviews where visitors were expecting a grandiose aquarium with many different species of animals in a high-budget location.
Here you will find an educational, fun day trip where their funds are used exactly the way they are meant to be used – for their animals.
Click here to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium website and learn more.
During your visit, you can opt to take a Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour. The tour lasts approximately one hour and costs an additional $16.99 per person.
Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to go on the boat tour. We will most certainly be adding this to our day the next time we visit!
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium also offers a few up-close animal experiences at an additional cost. Some of these include a Shark Care Experience (assist the Animal Care Team with feeding Thelma, the resident nurse shark) and From Farm to Turtle (learn about the hydroponic garden used to feed the turtles that call Clearwater Marine Aquarium their home). There is also a Feed a Stingray program (learn about stingrays and get to hand feed them).
The aquarium is now home to two rescued rough toothed dolphins named Rex and Rudy – even more of a reason to visit!
At the end of your visit, you will walk through the gift shop. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs as all of the proceeds go directly to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife.
The shop has a wide selection of items – we picked up books, t-shirts, an ocean adventure kit, reusable water bottles, Christmas ornaments and more!
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, Florida 33767
(727) 441-1790
Due to COVID19, the aquarium is currently selling tickets that have a specific start time. This allows them to better comply with social distancing guidelines. I anticipate this will change once COVID19 restrictions have been lifted.
Adults – $26.95
Kids (age 3 – 12) – $21.95
Children (age 2 and under) – FREE
Seniors (age 60+) – $24.95
The Aquarium also offers discounted tickets for evening visitors, members, Florida residents and certain first responders.
The Aquarium is typical open from 10am – 6:30pm but during summer months they have extended hours from 10am – 8pm.
I would highly recommend a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It’s a fun, educational activity for any age and your ticket and gift shop purchases help support this great cause!
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