On our recent family vacation to the Southwest Coast of Florida, one of the top attractions we visited was Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota. Mote Marine Laboratory is a leader in marine research, conservation, and public education. They are one of the world’s few remaining private, non-profit marine research laboratories. The ocean is their passion. Mote Aquarium features more than 100 species of marine animals and showcases working laboratories where you can see scientific research in action.
Visitor Information
As of today, Mote Aquarium is requiring all visitors to purchase tickets online in advance. Your ticket will be timed to a 15-minute arrival window. I found prices to be very reasonable at $24/adult, $18/child (3-12), and ages 0-2 are free. They also provide memberships and discounts for active-duty military guests and parties of 10 or more. Parking is free in their large, attached parking lot. Mote Aquarium is open 9:30am-5pm every day, including holidays.
Mote Aquarium is divided into two buildings: the Main Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Center. We arrived right at the opening and decided to start in the Marine Mammal Center, which is a 5-minute walk from Admissions at the Main Building. Follow the manatee and sea turtle paintings on the sidewalk. I highly suggest getting there early and starting in the Marine Mammal Center. The animals were all alert and active. Some were still receiving breakfast.
Marine Mammal Center
Although it is called the Marine Mammal Center, you will see more than just mammals. This building houses sea turtles, manatees, alligators, otters, and babies of several species. This was probably our favorite of the two buildings. Several volunteers are around each area to help explain about each animal and why they are there. There’s even a baby shark touch pool!
Main Aquarium
The Main Aquarium building houses multiple galleries showcasing different ecosystems and the diverse creatures that live in them. You will see coral reefs, crustaceans, sea jellies, sharks, and more. There are two touch pools: one with animals like urchins, horseshoe crabs, starfish, and sea cucumbers, the other is rays. Don’t be afraid! Touch them! As you leave, you can “Sea Science at Work”. You will see scientists actively performing their important research.
Extras
When we visited, a temporary exhibit titled Savage Ancient Seas was being displayed. This separate gallery showcased fossils from the late Cretaceous period.
If you get hungry during your aquarium visit, the Deep Sea Diner is in the Main Aquarium building. It is a casual, retro-style diner that serves affordable family-friendly food. Currently, they are only allowing you to dine at the tables located outside by the ray touch pool.
Check out their Events Calendar for special programs including homeschool programs, story-time, learning labs, and more.
Mote Aquarium is offering a special for Florida residents during the month of September – Half-off admission on weekends!
The next time you are in Southwest Florida, check out Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. You won’t be disappointed! For other suggestions in the Southwest Florida area, check out our other blog posts Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, A Great Day Trip, and Hillsborough River State Park, A Campground Close to Tampa.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are my own. I was not compensated for this post.
