Clearwater Marine Aquarium
By: Albert Brown | Created: Sep 6, 2024
Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Located at 249 Windward Passage in Clearwater, FL, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a unique destination dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation.
Known for its inspiring work with dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees, this attraction offers guests the chance to learn about marine conservation while enjoying up-close experiences with rescued animals. The aquarium is a perfect outing for families, couples, and nature lovers visiting Clearwater Beach.
Why Visit?
Clearwater Marine Aquarium stands out for its immersive animal encounters and dedication to marine rehabilitation.
This non-profit facility is best known for its inspiring rescue work, including the famous bottlenose dolphin, Winter, who captivated the world with her story of survival and use of a prosthetic tail.
Beyond dolphins, visitors can meet sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and even manatees recovering in the new Manatee Rehabilitation Center. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or simply want to contribute to marine conservation, Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Key Amenities at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers numerous amenities and interactive features that ensure every guest has an enriching and enjoyable experience.
Main Features:
Winter’s Legacy: A Tribute to a Heroic Dolphin
One of Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s most beloved features is the 360-degree virtual reality tribute to Winter the dolphin.
Winter became famous after losing her tail to a crab trap injury and subsequently learning to swim using a prosthetic tail. Her inspiring story was shared worldwide through the Dolphin Tale movies, and even after her passing in 2021, her legacy lives on.
Visitors can experience an immersive tribute that captures Winter’s story of resilience, showcasing the aquarium’s dedication to marine animal rescue and rehabilitation. This tribute offers a touching and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Dolphin Complex: Immersive Underwater Views
The Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex is a highlight for guests visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This state-of-the-art complex houses five interconnected pools and is home to several rescued Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, including fan favorites like Hope and Nicholas.
The complex’s design allows visitors to observe the dolphins from multiple levels, including stunning floor-to-ceiling underwater windows. These windows offer an immersive, up-close look at the dolphins as they swim and interact with each other in their naturalistic environment. This complex provides guests with an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the beauty and intelligence of these incredible animals.
Manatee Rehabilitation Center: Saving Endangered Species
Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Manatee Rehabilitation Center is a key facility in Florida’s efforts to rehabilitate injured and sick manatees. The center’s first patients, Yeti and Zamboni, are currently recovering from habitat and seagrass loss, and with proper care, are expected to be released back into the wild.
The rehabilitation center provides a rare chance for visitors to learn about manatees, an endangered species, and the critical conservation work needed to protect their future. By observing these gentle giants during their rehabilitation, guests gain a deeper understanding of the aquarium’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release vulnerable marine life.
Interactive Boat Tours: Explore Clearwater’s Marine Life
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a variety of interactive boat tours that allow guests to explore local marine habitats. The popular Sea Life Safari Tour takes visitors on an educational journey through Clearwater Bay, where they can observe marine animals up close and even participate in data collection with the aquarium’s field scientists. Another exciting option is the Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour, which focuses on the area’s wild dolphin population and the various creatures that inhabit the coastal environment. These tours are a fantastic way for visitors to engage with marine life in its natural habitat while learning from the aquarium’s knowledgeable guides.
New Film Screenings: Dive Into Marine Mysteries
In addition to the aquarium’s live exhibits, visitors can now enjoy daily screenings of Turtle Odyssey and T.Rex, two educational films included with admission. Turtle Odyssey offers a captivating look at the life of sea turtles and the challenges they face, while T.Rex explores the world of dinosaurs and their prehistoric environment.
These films provide an entertaining and educational break during a visit to the aquarium, making them perfect for both marine biology enthusiasts and families looking to enhance their learning experience. Showtimes are available throughout the day, ensuring that all guests have a chance to catch these fascinating films.
Facilities:
- Shark Bites Café: Enjoy cheeseburgers, flatbreads, salads, and vegetarian options with views of Clearwater Bay.
- Restrooms: Located throughout the facility.
- Parking: Visitors can reserve spots in advance through the ParkMobile app, with seasonal rates and discounted parking for members.
Recreational Activities:
- Daily Animal Presentations: Learn about sea turtles, dolphins, otters, and sharks through scheduled presentations.
- Feeding Frenzy: Join the Aquatic Biology Team for feeding demonstrations on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Stingray Feedings: Interactive feeding sessions happen four times daily.
Parking and Hours of Operation
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers convenient parking and flexible hours to accommodate all visitors.
Parking Information:
- Seasonal parking rates apply.
- Members enjoy discounted parking.
- Reserve your parking space in advance using the ParkMobile app for added convenience.
Hours of Operation:
- Regular Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
- Extended Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on select dates.
- Holiday Hours: Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas; limited hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Planning Your Event at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a stunning backdrop for special events, including private parties, weddings, and corporate gatherings. With breathtaking views of Clearwater Bay and the opportunity to include animal encounters, it’s a memorable location for any event.
Event Services:
- Catering: Full-service catering available for private events.
- Custom Packages: VIP animal encounters and private tours can be arranged.
Permits and Planning:
- Event planners can contact the aquarium for assistance with permits and customized event options.
Quick Tips for Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are typically less crowded.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
- Don’t Miss: The Dolphin Complex and the new Aqua Lanterns evening experience.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium at a Glance
- Location: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
- Size: Expansive facility with 1.5 million gallons of water across its dolphin habitat pools
- Recommended Time to Spend: 2-4 hours
- Entry Fee: $41.95 for adults; free for children under 2
- Best For: Families, nature enthusiasts, and marine conservation supporters
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an unforgettable destination that combines marine conservation with family-friendly fun.
Whether you're watching dolphins swim gracefully through underwater windows or learning about the rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, this is an attraction that inspires visitors to appreciate and protect marine life. Make sure to include Clearwater Marine Aquarium in your travel plans the next time you're in Clearwater Beach.
Share to social media
More posts
