I love aquariums so much because aquariums in Florida offer a glimpse into the beauty of a unique underwater ecosystem where you can befriend adorable marine mammals of all shapes and sizes.
It is ideal for outdoor activities on a rainy day or for a break from the sunshine.
You can get lost in the exhibition halls and take part in hands-on interactions with exotic species, as these aquariums offer a family-friendly, educational experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
Let’s move to Florida’s aquariums, and here are your questions:
What is The Best Aquarium in Florida?
In my opinion, it’s the Florida Aquarium.
It occupies an area of more than 24756 square feet and accommodates over 7,000 representatives of marine flora and fauna from different parts of the world.
The Florida Aquarium is located in the center of the American city of Tampa, famous for its many entertainment opportunities.
I have prepared a list of the best aquariums in Florida:
10 Amazing Aquariums in Florida
1. Florida Aquarium
The aquarium is doing well; it is included in the list of the main attractions of Florida (Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places), presents some of the best educational programs for children, the number of visitors is growing from year to year, and the exposition is constantly expanding.
2. Gulf World Marine Park, Panama City Beach
Gulf World Marine Park is one of the best places in Panama City for animal encounters, many live performances, and beautiful birdwatching.
Watch penguins, alligators, and flamingos throughout the park, while shark and turtle feeding, penguin encounters, and harbor encounters provide an educational glimpse into the animal’s unique features and traits.
There is also a program to swim with dolphins, offering a small chance for little ones to learn more about these intelligent creatures.
3. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Sarasota
Home to the Shark Zone and tactile rays and reef animals, the Mare Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota offers a host of amazing experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
The main attractions are two sensor tanks and a 135,000-gallon shark habitat, but there’s also the chance to see Mote Marine’s scientific research in visible working labs.
4. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
With over 5,000 animals at this aquarium in Orlando, you’re sure to find plenty of intimate animal encounters.
The aquarium on International Drive holds over 2 million gallons of water and is home to magnificent sharks, colorful clownfish, and inquisitive sea turtles.
Many of the creatures on this list are endangered or have been rescued, but one of the main attractions of this aquarium is the unique 360-degree underwater tunnel, where you can enjoy stunning views of underwater life.
5. Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Beach
It is famous for being the home of Winter and Hope, the dolphins from the hit movie Dolphin Tale. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is Florida’s premier family attraction with a variety of educational activities.
6. Key West Aquarium, Key West
The Key West Aquarium, located on Mallory Square, is a family-friendly aquarium where visitors of all ages will enjoy marine life, conservation, and coral reef reservoir exploration.
You will see the animals native to Florida on Touch Tank, including live shells, starfish, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, and giant hermit crabs.
You can touch a live shark on its tail at the shark exhibit, or visit other ardent Florida creatures at the alligator and jellyfish displays.
7. Miami Aquarium, Miami
The Miami Aquarium is the city’s premier facility for marine life.
This is a fun place for kids, with defined splash areas and animal interactions.
See African penguins at Penguin Island or visit the friendly dolphins at Dolphin Encounter, while a VIP tour lets you interact with iguanas and feed manatees, rays, and sea turtles.
8. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Fort Walton Beach
Entertaining marine lovers since 1955, Fort Walton Beach’s Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is a historic aquarium with many memorable animal encounters.
Watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from a submerged platform, feed an African penguin, or greet gentle seals and playful sea lions. Toddlers will marvel at the stingrays, while the Kids Reptile Safari offers a gentle introduction to turtles, lizards, snakes, and alligators.
9. Marine Science Center, Ponce Inlet
Filled with diverse environmental wonders, you’ll find a wide range of exhibits that feature marine life in addition to the scenic nature trail, while those who want a bird’s-eye view can climb the tower for panoramic views of Ponce Bay.
It is also home to hospitals that treat and rehabilitate sick and injured birds and sea turtles, visit turtle pools, and learn how to preserve Volusia County’s rich environment.
10. Florida Keys Aquarium Meetings, Marathon
An ideal place for those who want to immerse themselves in the magic of the ocean.
The Florida Keys at Marathon are home to a living collection of fish native to the Florida Keys and the Caribbean.
Take a tour with a professional marine biologist, marvel at the colorful fish at the Coral Reef Aquarium, or watch tiger, black tip, and hood sharks at the Predatory Reef Aquarium.
What Is the Largest Aquarium in Florida?
The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is the largest aquarium in Florida.
The Florida Aquarium opened its doors to the public on March 31, 1995. In the first year of its existence, it brought huge profits, but soon its popularity began to decline.
Thanks to the efforts of General Manager Jeff Swanagan, who helped stock the aquarium with exotic creatures and set up new exhibits, the facility has once again become a favorite family destination for city dwellers and tourists alike.
The two-story Florida Aquarium has everything you need for a fascinating acquaintance with the water world of our planet. The exposition is divided into different thematic zones:
- The Florida Wetlands are a hall of lush mangrove forest and free-flying birds under a glass dome. Here you can see river otters, alligators, pink spoonbills with unusual plumage, and other representatives of the fauna.
- The Journey to Madagascar zone contains animals that live on this unique island. Here you can meet ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, and poisonous tomato frogs.
- The shoreline zone serves as a habitat for individuals that normally live under the cliffs and bridges of coastal Florida: puffer fish, garden eels, spiny lobsters, etc.
- The coral reef is a huge reservoir containing almost 50,1926 gallons of water. You can see tiger sharks, sea turtles, giant rays, and thousands of colorful reef fish.
In addition to these rooms, the Florida Aquarium has other rooms where visitors can have a great time.
Children will certainly enjoy the small pool with starfish; if you’re lucky, you can even see the process of feeding them.
For convenience, near the tanks with representatives of the underwater world, there are special steps that you can climb to take a closer look at the fish and other living creatures. You should definitely take a look at the penguins and find out what the difference is between crocodiles and alligators.
There is a 4D cinema on the street next to the Florida Aquarium, and you can eat in a cafe. For children, there is a playground with slides and swings.