Know Before You Go
Get ready to visit the home of Winter the Dolphin and get an immersive look into the world of marine life rescue.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium will welcome all guests back on May 15, with advanced reservations required, available to be purchased online only. This allows CMA to provide a unique experience, with limited capacity for social distancing, while ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness. View our reopening announcement with more details.
Reopening Questions and Answers
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How do I reserve tickets for my visit?
Reserved visits tickets are currently available online. Please call reservations if you have any questions or need help booking tickets. 727-441-1790 ext. 0.
What are the operating hours?
CMA will open at 10:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. Guests will be welcome in 90-minute time slots.
What are the time slots I can book?
The following 90-minute time slots will be available:
10 am-11:30 am
11:45 am-1:15 pm
1:30 pm-3:00 pm
3:15 pm-4:45 pm
5:00 pm-6:30 pm
6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Can I book back-to-back time slots?
Yes, if the time slots are available, you may book as many as you like.
Is there a number I can call to make a reservation?
Yes, please call Reservations at 727-441-1790, ext 0. Be sure to bring a photo ID as your reservation will be under your last name. Or, you can make reservations online here.
I am a CMA member – how do I reserve my tickets?
CMA Members can reserve their admission tickets and select time slots and visit dates starting by selecting the Reserved Visit - Member ticket online. Please call 727-441-1790 ext. 0 if you have any questions.
Are the boats still running?
Our boat rides are educational and fun – and yes, our new 60-minute Dolphin and Wildlife Tour is running at the following schedule; 11:45 am – 12:45 pm, 1:30-2:30 pm, 3:15-4:15 pm, 5:00-6:00 pm, and 6:30-7:30 pm
When will animal presentations take place?
During this time, there will be no presentations.
Will I be able to interact with the animals?
You will have great above water viewing of our dolphins, otters and sea turtles, and great underwater viewing of turtles at Mavis's Rescue Hideaway, too! And don’t forget our sweet pelicans! Guest animal interactions, however, will not be available.
Will wheelchairs and strollers be available to guests?
Due to enhanced safety and cleanliness standards, wheelchairs and strollers will not be available at our facility. Guests are welcome to bring their own and we strongly encourage all to thoroughly sanitize wheelchairs and strollers before entering Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Is hand sanitizer available for guests to use?
Yes, we have increased the number of hand sanitizing stations available to guests throughout our facility.
How many people are allowed in CMA at a time?
To ensure the best guest experience while maintaining social distancing guidelines, we will be limiting the number of guests into CMA by 25% or lower capacity. Thus, all tickets must be purchased via a reservation made online here.
Are masks required to be worn at CMA?
All guest-facing staff are required to wear face masks. Guests are highly recommended to wear masks, but are not required.
Are Summer Camps still happening?
Yes, Summer Camps are still on at CMA! We are limiting capacity to 10 people in each classroom to allow for social distancing. Camps will occur in the morning starting at 8:30 am.
What kind of food and beverages are available onsite?
A limited menu of pre-packaged food items and beverages will be available for purchase onsite.
Are you doing temperature checks?
All staff are performing daily temperature checks. Campers are also required to have their temperature checked daily. Guests will not be required to get their temperature taken.
Will there be a shuttle from the parking garage to the entrance?
At this time all shuttle operations are suspended.
Will there be any changes to the exhibits?
Our animals will be visible and can’t wait to see you. Above water only viewing for the dolphins provides an unforgettable experience!
Will any discounts be honored?
CMA is honored to recognize the efforts of first responders, nurses, CMA members, active military, and teachers during the COVID crisis by allowing them free entry to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for Appreciation Days on May 13 and May 14 for a unique and special experience. No other promotions or discounts will be valid during this time.
What do I do if I purchased CityPass or a ticket through Expedia?
Please call reservations to book any visits with tickets you have purchased from CityPass, Expedia or other ticket providers. These tickets will not be redeemable on-site. Call 727-441-1790 ext. 0.
Tips and Reminders
Here are some tips and reminders to make your experience an enjoyable one:
Not Your Typical Aquarium
We are not exactly like the aquariums you may have visited in the past. We exist to rescue marine animals (dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, etc.), rehabilitate them from sickness or injury, and release them back into their natural habitats whenever possible. This is a unique experience unlike any other aquarium!
CMA Is a Working Marine Animal Hospital
A majority of our resident animals – including Winter – cannot be released due to a variety of reasons, so you will see them in permanent habitats and learn their rescue stories. You’ll also see a number of animals currently undergoing rehabilitation in our working animal hospital. Our staff and volunteers give presentations and talks throughout the day at various habitats and exhibits, educating you in a fun way about the work we’re doing daily to take care of marine life and the environment to make it a safer, healthier place for these animals.
Directions
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
We are located minutes away from Clearwater Beach, voted Tripadvisor’s 2019 #1 beach in the U.S.
Coming From the Orlando Area?
If you’re visiting Orlando, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is only a short 90-minute drive west. We are located off the causeway just a mile from Clearwater Beach, voted TripAdvisor’s #1 Beach in 2018, and home to wild dolphins and unforgettable Gulf Coast sunsets. Complete your Orlando vacation with a beach getaway and spend a couple hours visiting all of our rescued animals, including Winter the Dolphin, star of the Dolphin Tale movies.
More Orlando Visitor InfoTransportation
If you aren’t driving your own vehicle, we support the use of public transportation options like Jolley Trolley, Florida Free Rides, Clearwater Ferry and hotel shuttles that can conveniently drop you off for your visit. Especially helpful now during the busy beach season, check out this excellent resource to give you the best options and information for traveling to Clearwater Beach. We are also bicycle friendly with a bike rack near the front entrance.
Garage Parking at CMA
Seasonal rates apply. All guests driving and planning to park in the garage must pre-purchase their parking passes online.
Ticketing is located on the ground floor of the parking garage.
Entering the Aquarium
Please make sure to visit ticketing or will call inside the parking garage to redeem your tickets before entering the aquarium. The aquarium entrance is located on Marina Way.
View MapBest Times to Visit
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is less than one mile inland from Clearwater Beach – voted 2019’s #1 beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. Due to the proximity and popularity, the peak times for visiting occur in the days/weeks around major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, and also during spring break (March/April) and summer (June/July). We also recommend arriving before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid the busiest times of day.
We are regularly open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and have extended hours seasonally. CMA is open every day except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
Indoor/Outdoor Facility
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an indoor and outdoor facility with air-conditioned areas inside and open-air sections outside. Enjoy sunshine and views of Clearwater Bay from the harborview deck and stranding deck. It is a good idea to be prepared and bring sun protection, a hat and sunglasses, especially if you plan to go on one of our amazing boat tours.
Boat Tours
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is located right next to Clearwater Bay with docks along Mandalay Channel. Enjoy an eco-boat adventure through the local Gulf Coast waterways!
View seasonal wildlife while learning about members of our local dolphin population, dolphin ecology, techniques used to identify them, and dolphin behavior on the Dolphin Adventure Tour.
Or take a ride on the Sea Life Safari, where you’ll stop on a shell island and spend time learning about our local fish populations and other marine life.
Boat ToursADA Services
Read about our ADA services and accessibility offered to guests with disabilities.
Learn MoreGeneral Rules and Regulations
Be sure to check our rules for prohibited items and other general rules and regulations you should know when visiting us.
Read Rules
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Clearwater Marine Aquarium Map
Food and Beverage
Visit our concessions at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Choose from ice cold drinks, iced teas, snacks, ice cream and more!
Dinner Plans
Looking for dinner? Visit Island Way Grill, right across from Clearwater Marine Aquarium! View their menu here.
Free collectible poster with each kids meal purchased for CMA guests (wristband required.)
Did you know? Island Way Grill was used as the set for Sawyer’s going away party in Dolphin Tale 2!
