Get ready to visit the home of Winter the dolphin and get an immersive look into the world of marine life rescue. Here are some tips and reminders to make your experience an enjoyable one:
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.
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 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.
We are located minutes away from Clearwater Beach, voted Tripadvisor’s #1 beach in the U.S.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
RATES PER VEHICLE/PER DAY
Aquarium Guests: $6*
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 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.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is less than one mile inland from Clearwater Beach – voted 2016’s #1 beach in the U.S. 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 am or after 3 pm to avoid the busiest times of day.
We have a variety of program options to add on to your general admission ticket. If you plan to visit during peak times, we highly recommend booking animal encounters, boat tours, and Behind the Scenes tours in advance of your visit, as they WILL sell out early due to limited availability. Book now!
Plan to spend about 2-3 hours with us at Clearwater Marine Aquarium to enjoy learning about all of our rescued and resident animals. Catch some of our daily presentations and make sure to watch the daily showing in the Spectrum Theatre. Booking boat tours, certain animal encounters, and Behind the Scenes tours will add at least another hour to your day and provide an unforgettable experience.
Included with your general admission ticket, guests have the option to take a fun-filled boat ride on Clearwater Bay that lasts between 20-30 minutes.
Complimentary cruises begin at 11 am, with the last boat departing at 4:30 pm. Weather permitting.
For a longer boat excursion, where you’ll spend more time learning about our local wildlife, take a ride on our Dolphin Adventure Tour or Sea Life Safari.
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.
Visit our concessions at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Choose from ice cold drinks, iced teas, snacks, ice cream and more!
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!
