Explore the best aquariums in Florida for marine lovers
Top Florida aquariums before or after your cruise adventure
When you’re planning your vacation to the Sunshine State, no visit is complete without a trip to the ocean. The quiet beaches in Florida are world-famous for a reason. However, when you go to the beach, you can’t see what’s inside the sea. That’s why Florida aquariums are a must: You'll get a fish-eye view of the stunning local marine life.
During your Princess cruise out of Florida, a stop at an aquarium puts you up close and personal with sea life, where you can dive into exciting exhibits, interactive experiences and enriching activities.
Here are some of the top aquariums in Florida that promise an unforgettable time.
Top aquariums in Florida
Whether you’re looking to beat the heat, find an escape from the rain or add more fun into your schedule before embarking on your cruise adventure, these aquariums deliver. Here are our five favorites in Port Canaveral, Orlando, or the Fort Lauderdale cruise port area for a dose of vitamin sea.
1. SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family. It features the Dolphin Cove, Jewel of the Sea Aquarium, and a behind-the-scenes manatee rehabilitation experience. You can walk through tunnels with glass thick enough to hold elephants to see coral reef habitats, including sharks.
If you want a break from the aquarium, SeaWorld also has fun rides. It has the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Orlando and the tallest drop on a water raft ride. And for every purchase from the gift shop, 5% is donated to a conservation fund.
2. Cox Science Center and Aquarium, West Palm Beach
Have you ever wanted to experience the fun of a science museum alongside the thrills of an aquarium? At Cox Science Center and Aquarium, you can order up the perfect combo platter, thanks to more than 100 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, an outdoor science trail and a minigolf course. Kids will love seeing sharks and turtles and also learning more about robotics and computer programming.
3. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
How about a real-life encounter with Winter the dolphin? Families will love a stop at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which features in the "Dolphin Tale" movies for helping rescue, rehabilitate and release Winter. You can even engage in animal care activities.
Guests will love seeing creatures like North American river otters, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, nurse sharks and green sea turtles here. There's also a chance to spot some funny-named (and maybe kind of funny-looking!) sea life such as cownose rays, gag groupers and hogfish. Plus, you can get out on the water for a boat and kayak tour.
4. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa
At the Florida Aquarium, you get to see the best of the sea and the land. In fact, there are some 8,000 animals in this aquarium — that's enough creatures to fill the state of Rhode Island/20 football fields/etc! You'll not only spot sea life like sharks, sea turtles, eels and stingrays; you'll also spy local Florida animals such as river otters, pelicans and gators (oh my!). You'll even see creatures who don't live in the sea, like lemurs.
The Florida Aquarium also offers unforgettable interactive experiences, including wild dolphin tours, penguin encounters and in-water swim adventures.
5. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota
Science and research buffs won't want to miss Mote Marine Laboratory. The independent nonprofit marine research organization features research-focused exhibits designed to help you learn more about the world and its oceans. Kids will love the touch pools and high-tech interactive exhibits, and the whole gang can enjoy boat tours, kayaking adventures and behind-the-scenes tours.
Unique experiences at Florida aquariums
Ready to dive in? Here are some of the highlights of a visit to Florida aquariums:
• Interactive exhibits and touch tanks
Most of the aquariums in our round-up feature interactive exhibits like touch tanks, where you can get up close with Florida sea life and pet stingrays, starfish and other marine animals.
• Educational and conservation efforts
Our oceans are a wild, wonderful place, and it's up to us to help protect them. These aquariums and science centers offer education and exhibits that delve into marine life conservation. Some of these organization also donate money to conservation efforts and are actively protecting animals. You can observe the gentle manatee's at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and SeaWorld Orlando during your stay in Florida.
• Special events and programs
Ever dreamed of spending a night at the aquarium and finding out if fish ever go to sleep? At these Florida institutions, you can take part in special events like behind-the-scenes tours, animal feedings and themed nights to learn more about beloved marine life. Sometimes, you can even help feed some of your favorite creatures. Many of these aquariums also offer summer camps and family workshops, and can help host events like birthday parties.
Depending on when you visit, you can try summer camps, birthday parties, and family workshops.
Tips for visiting aquariums in Florida
- Visit during the off-times. Indoor aquariums are most crowded on weekends, holidays, and rainy days. An outdoor aquarium will be most crowded when the weather is nice. Try visiting during the week or when the weather is pleasant to avoid crowds.
- Bring sunscreen if it’s outdoors. If the aquarium has an outdoor portion, remember to bring sunscreen. Even if it’s just a touch pool outside, you’ll want to make sure your skin is protected.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Visiting the aquariums involves a lot of walking. Make sure to wear good shoes to enjoy your entire day.
- Start by checking showtimes and program schedules. Before you dive into the exhibits, check showtimes and programs. If you’re interested in something like a penguin feeding, you plan your day so that you don't miss it.
Conclusion
What lies beneath? Whether you're a sea life lover, a land lubber or looking for exciting activities before or after your next Princess cruise from Florida, you'll find out when you visit one of these fascinating aquariums. Additionally, visiting zoos in Florida can offer a comprehensive view of both marine and terrestrial wildlife.
For the ultimate vacation experience, start your journey from Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal or explore all Fort Lauderdale excursions before setting sail.
