Explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a unique marine life rescue center dedicated to rehabilitation and release of marine animals. It is also home to Winter the Dolphin, star and inspiration of the hit 'Dolphin Tale' movies. This general admission ticket will allow you to see the resident dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and pelicans. Discover the working animal hospital, participate in educational activities and presentations, watch a marine life movie and more.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not a typical aquarium, for this nonprofit rescue facility is dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of marine animals. It’s a unique place where visitors can learn about more than 40 resident animals. In the Winter Zone, see Winter and Hope, the famous rescued Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Watch the trainers interact with them during feeding and enrichment sessions, and see Winter using her prosthetic tail. This was a main filming area for the Dolphin Tale movies. Afterwards, head to Shipwreck Alley, which is an underwater viewing tunnel that gives a different look at the dolphin pools.
At the Animal Hospital area, see the work that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on-staff medical professionals do, which ranges from routine physicals of resident otters to emergency procedures on injured sea turtles. See where the volunteers and staff prepare food for the animals, and discover the charting systems and housing of sea turtles deemed candidates for release back into the wild once their rehabilitation is complete.
At Stingray Beach, discover the shallow pool of Cownose and Southern stingrays, and hear educational presentations. Meet some of the other resident animals with incredible stories of survival, including Harold who played Mavis in Dolphin Tale 2. Learn about the care that is provided to them during daily presentations from the staff. Make sure to visit Otter Oasis to see the perfect haven for the rescued North American River Otters. Even with physical limitations, these otters are very active and love their oasis.
At the theater, view the short-form documentary about Winter’s inspiring survival story and learn more about the marine animal rescue work happening every day at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium with the Saving Sea Life feature. During seasonal operations, visit Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, a nearby indoor adventure that gives an immersive look at the heart-warming movies, complete with interactive games, rebuilt sets with real movie props, a Hurricane Experience exhibit, and a large retail shop full of unique gifts.
My expectations were too high for this attraction. We still managed to have some fun.
Review by: Mary K, August 2017
Love, love, love this aquarium and their mission! We had no idea what to expect, and, although we thought it might be a more traditional aquarium, we were pleasantly surprised to find it is the home of Winter and Hope from the Dolphin Tale movies! There is so much more!! Highly recommend!!
Review by: kathywithak827, July 2017
Ever since I saw Dolphin Tale 1 and 2, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been on my bucket list. A recent invitation to attend my husband's 40th High School class reunion from Largo High held at Clearwater Beach prompted me to finally be able to fulfill my dream. This was the best, simplest, most interactive aquarium I have been to although I may be biased because of my love Winter and Hope from the movies. The people who work, intern and volunteer there are among the happiest bunch of people you can imagine but then again, look where they are working and what they are doing. If you want to thoroughly immerse yourself in all the ways man is connecting with the creatures of the sea take the time to spend the day observing and watching. It was a vacation within a vacation.
Review by: Mark J, April 2017
Great little aquarium/rescue hospital
Review by: amazon r, October 2016
Love my time on the tour
Review by: Leigh Ann B, October 2016
Great place friendly staff
Review by: Craig C, August 2016
We learned a great deal and loved being able to interact with some stingrays and turtles in the outdoor pools. A most enjoyable time and a pleasure to finally see the star attractions.
Review by: Billy R J, July 2016
It's more of an elementary school educational field trip.... actually, it was a little Boring....the Dolphin Tale movie is over 10 yrs old..they were suppose to have some of the child actors there, but they have to be Adults by now...Not worth the price
Review by: Karla G, July 2016
I had so much fun.
Review by: Hsuan-Yun P, July 2016
Really not much to see except for Winter and the dolphin training. The facility was really hot and lack of any educational information.
Review by: Richard R, March 2016
Every thing was good, other than long lines and high prices. Like 3.00 for a coke.
Review by: Donald M, March 2016
Entertainingly informative. A great experience.
Review by: bernice b, November 2015
sea life boat cruise going out on the bay to troll for marine fish was so different. Liked that so much.
Review by: Kathy M, September 2015
Toughly enjoyed this trip! Everyone was super nice, informative, and made it very interesting and entertaining!
Review by: Carla C, August 2015
Raining , overly crowded, extremely hot . Parking 2 blocks away . Disappointed very commercialized. Saw more animals in local aquarium in Oklahoma!
Review by: Cecelia B, July 2015
It was extremely fun. Great seeing that there are groups willing to take care of our wildlife.
Review by: Priscilla W, June 2015
This is a special aquarium for rescued animals. It is very educational to me and my five year old grandson. It is not a show or entertaining facility. I probably learned more about the Florida sea life here than other places. I hope to return. Priscilla and Jacob.
RSS Feed