Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, FL

249 Windward PassageClearwater Beach, FL 33767
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Overview

Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium, one of the best marine wildlife attractions in Florida! See rescued animals, including dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, river otters, and other marine animals. And be inspired by their work through fun interactive activities and presentations.

Description

Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium to learn about all of the rescued and resident animals. Catch some of the daily presentations and make sure to watch the daily programs in the theatre. Boat tours, animal care experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours will add at least another hour to your day.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an indoor/outdoor facility with air-conditioned areas inside and open air outside. Enjoy the views of Clearwater Bay from the harbor view deck and stranding deck. Discover a variety of animals including dolphins, pelicans, sea turtles, otters, sharks, and other animals.

The majority of residents cannot be released due to a variety of reasons, so you can visit them in their permanent habitats and learn their stories. See a number of animals currently undergoing rehabilitation in the working animal hospital. The presentations and talks throughout the day aim to educate you in a fun way about the work going on to take care of marine life and the environment.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Reviews

10 Reviews
Barb Phillips Tripster User Profile Image
Barb Phillips
Romulus, MI
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Not what I expected"
May 2024
Took my granddaughter there while we were on vacation in Clearwater beach last week. It was disappointing. There were no shows to see…..so not sure why the tickets I bought in advance had a time to arrive. The displays of the dolphins were good but dated. The woman’s microphone at the otter exhibit was horrible, so you couldn’t understand a word she said. We stayed an hour and a half, did not go through the new part. Touching the stingrays was great!
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Tip: Ask if there is a dolphin show.

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Victoria Champion Tripster User Profile Image
Victoria Champion
Hogansville , GA
5 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Great for a beach day..."
April 2019
We were staying Orlando, but drove 2 hours to have a beach day at Clearwater. We stopped here because my daughters really wanted to see Winter and Hope. The whole tour of the facility literally took 20 minutes...it would have been longer if I could get the kids interested in the lectures and tours. No luck...but all in all, it was a clean facility with a great message.
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Tip: Parking is kinda weird, but that will probably be rectified once the new construction is complete. Do not expect an usual aquarium experience...you will be disappointed. CMA is strictly for rehabilitation and release, if possible. Fans of the Dolphon Tales movies should go!

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Amanda M. Tripster User Profile Image
Amanda M.
Elkhorn, NE
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Wow!!! Not easily impressed but was delighted!"
May 2018
My kids and I went to the aquarium and loved it. Everyone there was awesome...except for an incredibly rude and harsh older lady that was managing lines at the entrance. Buying tickets in advance online was the way to go! Seeing Nicholas do his routine was the highlight of the experience. Wonderful place.
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Susan R. Tripster User Profile Image
Susan R.
Ocala, FL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"good"
April 2018
I thought we would see more interaction with winter but it was good.
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Tip: Very small with not too much to see

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Tamara Iskhakova Tripster User Profile Image
Tamara Iskhakova
1 Review
"Utter dissapointment"
May 2017
We were looking foward to seeing a wide variety of animals, (and maybe a show or two) but instead saw only 2 dolphins, 5 otters, 5 turtles, and some stingtrays. The place's main claim to fame was the movie that was shot here, and winter and hope. It was also immensly overpriced, and there were more donation boxes than animals. The gift shop could have been another exibit. It was an utter dissapointment. Would not go.
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Kerry Thormeier Tripster User Profile Image
Kerry Thormeier
1 Review
"Inspirational!!"
December 2016
What a great place to visit! We had a wonderful time! My daughter absolutely loved Winter, Hope, and Nicholas! Her favorite part was getting her picture with Hope! Such a great and inspirational place to visit! Thank you CMA
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Donna Williams Tripster User Profile Image
Donna Williams
South Bend, IN
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"What a rip off!"
September 2016
This was an awful experience! For what we paid and seen 3 dolphins and 4 turtles. The tanks were cloudy and dirty. Wouldn't waste my money if I were you! We was there about an hr.
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judith smith Tripster User Profile Image
judith smith
lake worth, FL
4 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Clearwater Aquarium"
July 2016
I have been to this aquarium twice and would highly recommend it for all ages. Great hands on for kids. I especially like the fact that all of their animals are rescues and not just captured for people to see.
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Tip: Especially with children in your group allow plenty of time.

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