Clearwater Marine Aquarium

I would say this is more of a learning center. This place is quite large and provides several opportunities for learning. You can watch a few videos in the auditorium, make your own slime, participate in challenges and quizzes, complete puzzles, and view/listen to talks and demonstrations. They have dolphins, a shark, some turtles and otters, stingrays, pelicans, tortoises, and a variety of other fish in tanks. You can also touch animals in the touch tank (free) and for an extra cost, can feed the stingrays. We enjoyed listening to the talks and demonstrations by the workers/volunteers, who were all extremely knowledgeable and patient. The artwork/sculptures on the 4th floor all made from trash collected out of the ocean. They have a small café (burgers, tenders, fries, etc.) next to the giftshop for lunch/dinner. This place is a bit expensive- $40 per person (children are cheaper but we don't have any), plus you have to pay $15 to park. Make sure to ask about discounts on admission (Military, teachers, first responders, etc.), as they are not posted but I got in cheaper for a teacher discount. Overall, we really enjoyed our day and learned a lot about the animals in residence.

We have visited three prior times and loved the aquarium. We even bought hundreds of dollars of merchandise but that was all before the new aquarium. This was our first visit since the new addition opened and We were so disappointed. I know they have bigger better tanks for the rehab but for the paying public it has lost its charm. You didn’t go to Clearwater for the tons of fish but because of their mission. Somehow in the new building that got lost and it just feels like a waste of time and money now. I know winter is gone but the old facility felt like a place of hope and purpose. Now it’s just a big corporation. Even the merchandise was lacking and everything requires an extra fee and throw in the $40 cost which is more than any other that I’ve been to and I can’t request that people go see the aquarium now. If you want to look at it as a donation great but don’t go expecting lots. I wish winter’s legacy had been better used.

The aquarium is easy to find and has an attached parking garage. Make sure you take you ticket and pay by the aquarium entrance to get out of the parking garage. We were greeted by a nice young lady and she asked if we were veterans, which we are, and gave us a great deal (I think maybe 50% off?). I didn't see any signage about military discounts, so I was very pleased when she asked. The aquarium is not very big, as it isn't your typical aquarium. It is great though all the work that they put into rehab for the animals. I wish I had gone here when Winter was still alive, but they had a nice dedication to her. It doesn't take long to get though, but the signage is not marked well and easy to get turned around. Most of the staff that we encountered didn't speak or even smile. The gift shop staff was very nice though; however, you will not get a bag for everything you buy in it, unless you are willing to dish out several dollars for a reusable bag.

We visited this aquarium 11 years ago and had an enjoyable experience. We remember seeing Winter, had our pic taken with Panama and our son was able to hold one of Winter’s prosthetic tails. We were in the area and decided to visit again. At $41.95 per adult plus $15 to park it was definitely a let down. We saw several turtles, otters, some fish and other misc sea life. They don’t allow access to the dolphin area unless you pay extra for a photo op with the dolphin. I have no idea what that cost. You can only view the dolphins underwater on the lower level. They take pics which are pricey also. Four 5x7s were $40 plus tax.
I realize Winter and Panama are now gone but don’t count on seeing the other dolphins except thru thick glass if they decide to swim by you. Needless to say this was probably our last visit here. The only reason I’m giving them three stars is for the work they do to help the animals.