A visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a must-do activity when arriving in Florida. This is not your typical aquarium. The non-profit organisation inspires the world through their rescue, rehabilitation and release missions. The aquarium is also an active centre for environmental education and research projects, giving an unique learning experience to all.
Popularly known for housing Winter the Dolphin, who co-starred with Morgan Freeman, for the movies Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2, Clearwater aquarium is home to many celebrity sea animals. Read on to learn about your Clearwater aquarium tickets and what to expect during your visit.
Why Visit Clearwater Aquarium
Clearwater Aquarium promises a fun-filled and action-packed day for both families and solo explorers.
Step into the new 1.5 million-gallon Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex to meet the famous bottlenose and rough-toothed dolphins including Winter, Hope, Nicholas, PJ and Hemingway.
Get a chance to meet several rescued sea turtles, otters, stingrays, sharks, pelicans and lots more during your visit to the Clearwater aquarium
Go on guided eco-boat tours in Clearwater Bay to observe data collection and to learn more about the local dolphin population. Alternatively, visitors can also go for the walking tours to get a sneak peek into the heart of the organization.
Whales: Living with Giants exhibit occupies 20,000 sq ft where visitors get the chance to learn all about the magnificent gentle giants through educational multimedia exhibits, undersea VR experience, life-size whale gallery and lots more.
Clearwater Aquarium also hosts a wide range of fun educational programs where kids get the chance to explore the sea world with many entertaining activities including, aquarium tours, crafts, interactive games and lots more.
Get up close and personal with the residential animals to interact and take photos for a memorable experience.
Your Clearwater Aquarium Tickets Explained
With Clearwater Aquarium tickets visitors gain direct admission into the marine aquarium. Visitors will be able to cover every attraction at the aquarium except for behind the scenes tours and animal feeding experience.
Discover the rescue and rehabilitation centres and explore a wide range of underwater animals. Guests will also be able to watch the dolphin shows, explore the animal hospital and catch footage of the rescue team treating injured animals.
Gain access by displaying the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You can gain a full refund on cancelling Clearwater Aquarium tickets up to 24 hours before the schedule.
Discounted Clearwater Aquarium Tickets
Children aged 3-21 can avail discounted Clearwater Aquarium tickets for $26.95. Senior citizens aged 60 and above can also enjoy reduced tickets for $24.95.
Note: Please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.
Best Way to Buy Clearwater Aquarium Tickets
The best way to purchase your Clearwater Aquarium tickets is to buy online. This offers a safe and contactless transaction. Additionally, it offers the following benefits:
Convenience: Skip the hassle of standing in long queues and book your ticket with a click. We are also available on phone, chat, and email 24/7 to answer all queries.
Advance booking: You can book your Clearwater Aquarium tickets weeks in advance and avoid the disappointment of tickets selling out quickly
Great discounts: Our platform offers the best discounts online for this adventurous experience.
What to do at Clearwater Aquarium
Meet Rescued Animals
Get the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Clearwater aquarium residential animals. The majority of these rescued animals, including Winter the Dolphin, cannot be released due to many reasons, because of which, they have become permanent habitats at the aquarium. Sea turtles, otters, pelicans, sharks and stingrays are a few to be named.
Explore Rescue Center
Unlike other aquariums, Clearwater aquarium stands out for mainly acting as a rescue facility for many injured marine animals. When visiting, you will get the chance to see their animal hospital, high-quality facilities and even rescued animals at the aquarium. You can also go behind the scenes to explore the treatment and care offered for marine animals for an eye-opening experience.
Experiences & Exhibits
Make your experience a memorable one by meeting the residential animals at Clearwater aquarium. Get up close and personal by learning from the experts on how to feed and interact with friendly marine animals. Don’t miss out on special screenings and exhibits where you’ll gain new insights about aquatic species and their preservation.
Boat Rides & Guided Tours
Whether you choose to explore the behind the scenes action with trained staff or wish to spend your afternoon on one of the boat tours around Clearwater Bay, the guided tours are an easy pathway to make the most of your experience at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. From learning about the dolphins to kayaking, catching backstage magic - the guided tours have a lot to offer.
Whales: Living With Giants
Occupying 20,000 sq.ft of space in Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s newly expanded centre, the exhibit gives an immersive underwater experience to all visitors. Learn about these gentle giants through educational and virtual reality facilities. Not to mention, a life-size whale galley and an interactive kid’s zone to gain the complete experience.
Educational Kids’ Camp
Now kids get the unique opportunity to join Clearwater Marine Aquarium to learn about marine life anytime throughout the year. The educational program held during summer, spring and holiday breaks aim at giving a creative experience for children that goes beyond classroom activities.
Plan Your Visit to Clearwater Aquarium
Clearwater Aquairum Opening Hours
Clearwater Aquarium is daily from: 10 AM - 6 PM
Extended hours on select dates from: 9 AM - 7 PM
Holidays: Closed on: Thanksgiving and Christmas Christmas Eve: 10 AM - 2 PM New Year’s Eve: 10 AM - 4 PM Please note: hours are subject to change
Duration: On average, you can easily spend 2-3 hours at Clearwater Aquarium.
Getting to Clearwater Aquarium
Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, United States
Car: Orlando - Take 14 to Tampa following which, take Veteran’s Expressway to the Country Campbell Causeway, heading west. Continue on Hwy 60/Gulf to Bay Blvd, turn right to Island Way. Take a left on Windward Passage. Tampa - Go on the Country Campbell (Hwy 60), heading west. Continue on Hwy 60/Gulf to Bay Blvd, turn right to Island Way. Take a left on Windward Passage. Clearwater Beach - Take the Causeway Blvd/Clearwater Memorial Causeway eastbound at the traffic circle. Continue on Hwy 60. Turn left to Island Way. Take a left on Windward Passage.
Bus: The closest bus stop is Island Way + Memorial Causeway, a 1-min walk to the attraction. Bus SCBT will bring you here.
Best time visit Clearwater Aquarium
The best time to visit Clearwater Aquarium is before 11 AM or after 3 PM as this helps to avoid the busiest times of the day.
It is also advised to visit during the weekdays over the weekends to avoid overcrowding at Clearwater aquarium.
Clearwater Aquairum Dining
Check out the dining options available in and around Clearwater Aquarium.
Shark Bite Cafe
Enjoy everything from cheeseburgers and flatbreads to fresh salads and lots more at Shark Bite Cafe.
Kid’s meals and vegetarian options are also available where visitors can dine in an air-conditioned space or relax out on the open-air Dolphin Terrace with the incredible view of Clearwater Bay.
Visitors can also enjoy beer and wine on the terrace. (Must be 21 or older)
Island Way Grill
Enjoy fresh seafood specialities at Island Way Grill located near Clearwater Aquarium. Be it delicious fish and chips, baked scallops or sea bass alfredo - this restaurant has something for everyone.
Island Way Grill also offers a wide range of options for wine if you wish to take some time out to relax with your loved ones.
Hotels near Clearwater Aquairum
The following are some great accommodation options around Clearwater Aquarium:
Budget Hotels: Tropical inn & suites, Summerside Inn, Travelers Inn - Clearwater
Mid-range Hotels: Tropical Sky Ranch Motel, Clearwater Beach Hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott Clearwater Downtown
Luxury Hotels: Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach, an IHG Hotel, Sandpearl Resort, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort And Spa
Attractions near Clearwater Aquarium
Here are some of the top choices for things to see around Clearwater Aquarium:
Clearwater Beach
Caladesi Island State Park
Cleveland Street District
Florida Botanical Gardens
Sand Key Park
Visitor Tips
With the exception of service animals, absolutely no pets are allowed inside Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This includes small dogs in purses or other bags.
Guests are requested to wear proper attire, including shoes and shirts at all times. Bathing suits must be covered as well
Visitors are not allowed to carry food or drinks on the 2nd floor of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Ensure to not carry strollers larger than 36″ x 52″ (92 cm x 132 cm).
In case of inclement weather, certain exhibits may be closed temporarily without notice. These exhibits will be re-opened as soon as weather permits.
Adult supervision is required at all times for minors under the age of 13.
Feeding animals is prohibited unless supervised by a trained professional.
Ensure to book your Clearwater Aquarium tickets in advance to enter for the date of your choice.
All Your Questions About Clearwater Aquarium Tickets Answered
A. Yes, Clearwater Aquarium is open to visitors.
A. Clearwater Aquarium is daily from: 10 AM - 6 PM Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas
A. If you wish to escape the crowd, visiting during weekdays and earlier during the day would be ideal as there would be fewer guests and tourists. Avoid visiting during summer/winter breaks to enjoy a hassle-free experience at Clearwater Aquarium.
A. Clearwater Aquarium tickets start at $32.95
A. You can book your Clearwater Aquarium tickets online.
A. The best way to purchase Clearwater Aquarium tickets is to book them online. This way you get vouchers for great offers and can also reserve slots well in advance, granting access to Clearwater Aquarium for the date of your choice.
A. Children aged 3-21 can avail discounted Clearwater Aquarium tickets for $26.95. Senior citizens aged 60 and above can also enjoy reduced tickets for $24.95.
A. Children below the age of 3 can enter for free to Clearwater Aquarium.
A. Get a full refund on canceling Clearwater Aquarium tickets up to 24 hours before the schedule.
A. Yes, you can buy Clearwater Aquarium on-site. However, since the daily capacity has been reduced, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online to order your slot in advance.
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