We're Just West of Orlando

A Quick Trip West From Orlando

Take a day from your exciting Orlando vacation for a visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Just 90 minutes west of Orlando, CMA is located at Clearwater Beach – voted TripAdvisor’s 2019 #1 Beach in the United States  We’re not your typical aquarium! Our marine life rescue center is home to Winter the dolphin, star and inspiration of the Dolphin Tale movies, filmed on location. Come be inspired and learn about our ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation and release.

Experience Clearwater Marine Aquarium

ANIMALS

We provide a home to many marine animals. Get up close to rescued dolphins, sea turtles and more!

EXHIBITS

Educational and interactive, there’s plenty of areas to enhance your knowledge and appreciation for marine life and conservation.

ACTIVITIES

Make your visit unforgettable and enhance your experience with educational presentations, boat tours and animal programs.

Best Times to Visit

Due to the proximity and popularity of Clearwater Beach, 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). During these peak times, we recommend arriving before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. for the best experience. Plan to spend about 2 hours with us with your general admission ticket, and more with additional program add-ons.

Don’t Wait to Plan Your Visit!

You can buy your general admission ticket at any time, but our popular add-on programs have limited availability. If you plan to visit during peak times, don’t miss out! We highly recommend booking animal care experiences, boat tours, and behind the scenes tours in advance of your visit, as they will sell out early due to availability.

Directions

DIRECTIONS TO CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

From Orlando:
Take I-4 to Tampa. Take Veterans Expressway to the Courtney Campbell Causeway, heading west. Continue to follow Hwy 60/Gulf to Bay Blvd. (Court Street in Downtown Clearwater), across the Memorial Causeway bridge. Turn right onto Island Way. Turn left onto Windward Passage.

Parking is available in the garage. 

Parking Garage at CMA

Ticketing is located inside the Parking Garage. Be sure to purchase your tickets or pick up at Will Call here.

Seasonal rates apply.

Members receive discounted parking in the CMA parking garage.

Stay longer: Book with a Hotel Partner

Enjoy part of the day with us at CMA and the rest of your time soaking up the sun, sand, and surf. The Florida Gulf Coast boasts some amazing sunsets, too!

We are fortunate to officially partner with a number of hotels spanning Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach. These properties support us in a variety of ways, including an offering of special room packages and rates. A portion of the proceeds from your reservation may also be donated back to support our animal care, marine rescue, research and conservation efforts.