The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is one of Florida's most beloved attractions — a genuine working marine animal rescue and rehabilitation facility that became internationally famous through the Dolphin Tale films. Unlike performance aquariums, CMA exists to rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured and ill sea animals, with public exhibits as a secondary mission.
What Makes CMA Unique
CMA is not primarily a tourist attraction — it's a working marine rescue facility. The animals on display are there because they cannot be released (typically due to permanent disabilities). Winter the bottlenose dolphin became famous because she lost her tail due to a crab trap entanglement and was fitted with a prosthetic tail, inspiring the Dolphin Tale films.
This mission-driven approach makes the facility more meaningful and educational than entertainment-focused aquariums.
Animals at CMA
- Bottlenose dolphins — Several permanent resident dolphins including Hope (Winter's companion)
- Sea turtles — Multiple species, some in active rehabilitation
- River otters — Two resident otters in a naturalistic habitat
- Sharks — Several species in the shark exhibit
- Stingrays — Touch tank available
- Fish and invertebrates — Multiple tanks throughout
Feeding & Presentation Schedule
Dolphin feeding/training sessions and turtle care demonstrations occur throughout the day. Check the daily schedule board at admission for times during your visit.
The Second Campus (CMA 2)
CMA expanded to a second facility (CMA 2) just across the waterway. A boat shuttle ($5 round trip) connects the campuses and is included in combo tickets. The second campus has additional exhibits and programs.
Tickets & Pricing
- Single campus: Adult $29.95, Child (ages 3-12) $24.95
- Combo (both campuses): Adult $45, Child $37
- Book online: Discounted and shorter lines
Getting to CMA
- Address: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767
- From TPA Airport: 35-40 minutes, from $60
- From Tampa Hotels: 35-50 minutes depending on location, from $58
- Parking: Limited (and expensive on peak days) — pre-book a transfer