The Florida Aquarium is one of Tampa Bay's finest cultural institutions — a 250,000 square-foot facility in downtown Tampa's Channelside district that explores Florida's extraordinary aquatic ecosystems from the springs of the interior to the deep Gulf of Mexico.
What Makes the Florida Aquarium Special
Unlike most aquariums that simply display animals in tanks, the Florida Aquarium is organized around the ecological story of water's journey through Florida — from freshwater springs through coastal wetlands to coral reefs and the open Gulf. This narrative approach makes it more educational and meaningful than most comparable institutions.
Exhibits
Florida Wetlands
Indoor freshwater exhibit exploring Florida's springs, rivers, and swamps — alligators, river otters, water moccasins, and the diverse freshwater fish of Florida's spring systems.
Bays & Beaches
Estuary and Gulf coastal environments — sea horses, flounder, rays, and the incredible diversity of life in Florida's seagrass beds and tidal zones.
Coral Reef Gallery
The aquarium's centerpiece — a 500,000-gallon tank containing a living coral reef with sharks, sea turtles, grouper, and thousands of tropical fish. One of the finest reef exhibits in the Southeast.
No Limits Sportfishing Gallery
The story of Florida's fishing culture and the marine biology behind it.
Special Experiences
- Dive with Sharks — SCUBA experience in the coral reef tank (certification required)
- Swim with the Fishes — Snorkel experience for non-divers in the coral reef exhibit
- Penguin Encounters — Behind-the-scenes access to the African penguin colony
Outdoor Wild Dolphin Eco-Cruise
The aquarium operates dolphin eco-cruise boats from their Channelside dock — 90-minute cruises on Tampa Bay to observe wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Highly recommended add-on to the aquarium visit.
Tickets & Logistics
- General admission: Adult $45.95, Child (3-11) $39.95 (buy online)
- Hours: Daily 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Time needed: 2-4 hours
Getting There
- From TPA Airport: 10-15 minutes, from $40
- From Tampa Hotels (Downtown): 5-10 minutes, from $30
- Parking: Limited in Channelside, private transfer recommended on weekends