We spent an afternoon at Clearwater Marine Aquarium to kickoff our Clearwater Beach Vacation. This aquarium is located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida and offers a great opportunity for families to dive into the fascinating world of marine life. Our recent visit the kids and I were surprised by the unique mix of education moments, excitement of being on the water, and heartwarming moments. Here’s our the details of our experience at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and why it should be on your family’s Florida travel list.
Arrival and First Impressions
From the moment we arrived, the warm Florida sun and the breeze from the Gulf created the perfect backdrop for this unique aquarium adventure. Parking was conveniently a garage connected to the entrance, and once through security we were greeted by friendly staff eager to help make the most of our aquarium visit. The aquarium’s modern facilities and logical layout made it easy for us to navigate. If you get lost easily- no worries they have maps on the wall everywhere.
Exploring Exhibits at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Our journey began with the new Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex. This is the home to their resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Hope, Nicholas and Izzy. This complex is large– has five pools and holds 1.5 million gallons of filtered water from Clearwater Bay. With lots of floor to ceiling windows, including the Window of Wonder where we viewed and engaged with the dolphins. Informative displays and interactive screens provided background on the dolphins rescue and life stories were located all around.
Touch Tanks and Interactive Exhibits
One of the highlights of Clearwater Marine Aquarium for our kids was the touch tanks. These interactive exhibits allowed them to gently handle starfish, stingrays, and other fascinating creatures. The staff was very knowledgeable and patient, teaching children of all ages about the different species and put a large spotlight on the importance of conservation. This hands-on experience is a great way to spark curiosity and a sense of connection with the marine life.
Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation: Behind the Scenes Tour
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not just an attraction but a working animal hospital and research facility. We took the Sea Life Safari Boat Tour, which gave us a unique glimpse into their research efforts. We learned about the various animals being cared for, including sea turtles, otters, and pelicans. The dedication of the staff to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing these animals was truly inspiring.
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Next, we visited the Mavis’s Rescue Hideaway, where we learned about the sea turtle rehabilitation efforts. The exhibit featured various rescued sea turtles in different stages of recovery. Informative displays detailed the threats these creatures face, such as pollution and boat strikes, and what the aquarium is doing to help them. The kids were particularly captivated by the sight of the turtles swimming gracefully in their tanks.
Dolphin Presentations and Animal Care Demonstrations
The dolphin presentations were a family favorite. These sessions showcased the intelligence and playful nature of dolphins while educating the audience on the importance of marine conservation. The trainers explained the techniques used to care for the dolphins and how the animals are taught behaviors that assist in their medical care. Watching the dolphins perform and interact with their trainers was both entertaining and educational.
Ending the Day with some snacks and a souvenier
Before leaving, we grabbed a bite at the café, which offered a range of family-friendly options and a chance to relax and cool off from the boat tour (they also have some adult beverages). And no visit to an aquarium is complete without a stop at the gift shop. We found a variety of educational toys, books, and souvenirs that the kids would love to have. If you are looking to take a piece of the aquarium home with you then you wwon’t be disappointed by this gift shop.
Tips for Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Plan: To make the most of your visit, plan your visit time around the presentations and tours your family is interested in experiencing.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: The aquarium involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and cool clothing as many of the exhibits are in the open air (aka Florida heat).
- Interactive Exhibits: Don’t miss the touch tanks and interactive displays – they are both fun and educational.
- Behind the Scenes Boat Tour: Highly recommended for an in-depth understanding of the aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation work with a more up close interactive and educational experience.
- Plan for Meals and Water: Bring water or a water bottle to fill up. Lots of walking and the high temps that day had us wishing we brought water in with us. The café offers good options for snacks and water to purchase (but a bit pricey as one would expect at an attraction).
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is more than just an attraction; it’s a place where education, conservation, and family fun come together seamlessly. Our visit left us with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for marine life and the efforts to protect it. Whether you’re a local or a tourist in Clearwater for a short time, a trip to Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a fantastic way to spend several hours (or even a full day) with your family, learning, exploring, and being inspired by the incredible work being done to save our oceans’ inhabitants.
Business Information
Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been dedicated to marine life conservation for over 50 years! Clearwater Marine Aquarium believes in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation. They are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
phone: 727-441-1790
website
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