Florida Aquarium Tickets in Tampa, FL

701 Channelside DriveTampa, FL 33602
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Overview

Florida’s largest aquarium offers exciting exhibits for guests of all ages, from a Wetlands habitat with a mangrove forest and free-flying birds to a half million-gallon reef ecosystem with sharks, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, and more! The aquarium features engaging experiences, including three interactive touch pools, a 4-D Theater, and an outdoor Splash Pad for younger children—all included with general admission. And don’t miss the Journey to Madagascar exhibit with ring-tailed lemurs and colorful chameleons!

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Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our Tampa Travel Experts
  • Home to more than 7,000 aquatic plants and marine animals from Florida and around the world.
  • Enjoy live animal encounters and experiences.
  • Pack a bathing suit for the kids to play in a rainforest-themed Splash Pad.
  • Grab lunch at Café Ray, featuring plenty of dining options such as a full salad bar, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza.
  • Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent.
  • Take the trolley to Ybor City for numerous lunch or dinner options.
  • Outside food and beverages are prohibited.

Description

from The Florida Aquarium
Come see why The Florida Aquarium is a top USA TODAY ranked aquarium in North America; Top 10 Aquarium by WORKING MOTHER; a TripAdvisor Top 10 Aquarium in the country; and Parents Magazine's Top 5 "Kid-Friendly" Aquarium.

The Florida Aquarium enables visitors to get close to many of Florida’s aquatic and terrestrial animals and ecosystems, as well as from around the world. Florida’s largest aquarium is working to protect and restore our blue planet on many conservation fronts, including research and rescue efforts that help restore sea turtles, sand tiger sharks, and coral populations.

The Florida Aquarium takes visitors on a journey, starting with a drop of water from one of Florida's many freshwater springs, all the way to the open waters of the Florida Keys. Sights include a large wetlands environment with mangroves located under a tall glass atrium, shallow bays and beach habitats, and a coral reef ecosystem encompassed in half a million gallons of natural seawater.

The official Florida Aquarium parking lot is located 1 block north, next to the Aquarium. It is run now by the city of Tampa. The cost is $10.35 at pay-by (license) plate stations on the lot; a selection of parking mobile apps may be used as well. Also, the Aquarium is located on the free streetcar route with the closest station only a half block away at stop #7, Cumberland Avenue Station.

Buy tickets today to get the best Aquarium Tampa, FL, prices!

Last ticket entry is one (1) hour before closing.

EXPANSION PLANS
Today, The Florida Aquarium officially announced the expansion plans beginning January 2023 with public openings anticipated for the next 3 summers.
2023 – Rotating aquatics exhibit in approximately 3,700 square feet of existing space.
2024 – Two story Rugged Coast exhibit featuring Puffins, larger fish species such as salmon, and a kelp forest.
2025 – Large interactive sea lion exhibit plus habitat to support up to 30 African penguins in Outdoor Plaza; Splash Pad and 4-D Theater will be affected.




The Florida Aquarium Reviews

6 Reviews
Francesca  DiMario Tripster User Profile Image
Francesca DiMario
Longwood, FL
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Very fun!"
August 2021
We went for our anniversary and it was beautiful. Took us about 4 hours to see everything!
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Jennifer Rentas Tripster User Profile Image
Jennifer Rentas
Brooker, FL
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"What a Beauty!"
July 2021
The view of the fish and other animals was absolutely astonishing!!! This is a family-friendly experience and so are the staff. This was 100% a go again.
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Tip: The food prices are a little high.

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Rebecca Hodge Tripster User Profile Image
Rebecca Hodge
AUBURNDALE, FL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Best aquarium ever"
June 2021
Beautiful aquarium with lots to see. Unique fish and large shark tank was awesome.
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Tip: Bring some good walking shoes.

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chasity clayton Tripster User Profile Image
chasity clayton
Beaufort, SC
3 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Very small"
August 2016
The aquarium was small , the dolphin tour wasn't to bad
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Claire O'Shea  Tripster User Profile Image
Claire O'Shea
Clearwater, FL
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"Found Dori..."
July 2016
I was so impressed by the day trips I had booked through reserve Orlando.. The Florida aquarium was a great affordable place to spend the day with my two toddlers... Memories made.
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Karen Roginski Tripster User Profile Image
Karen Roginski
Bayside Hills , NY
2 Reviews
Verified Traveler
"The Florida Aquarium Rocks!"
June 2016
Buying tickets through Reserve Orlando was quick and easy. The Florida Aquarium has so much to offer for young and not so young. All kinds of sea life, including otters, many types of fish, jellyfish, etc. The Wetlands area included many local birds in a natural habitat. Madagascar lemurs in a tree house setting gave us a bird's eye view. The divers gave an interesting presentation in the big tank, sharks, sea turtles and all. Everyone was mesmerized by the presentation. An outdoor splash area gave little ones a great cooling off spot, while parents could relax in the shade and enjoy the breeze. We are senior citizens, but felt like two kids as we enjoyed this well thought out aquarium.
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Tip: Bring a towel if your kids want to go in the splash play area.

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Frequently Asked Questions about The Florida Aquarium

Where is the Florida Aquarium located?

The address of the Florida Aquarium is at 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602. The Aquarium is located on the free streetcar route with the closest station only a half block away at stop #7, Cumberland Avenue Station.

Is the Florida Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

The main entrance is accessible by wheelchair. The aquarium is fully accessible to guests with mobility issues and a limited number of wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis with appropriate identification.Handicapped parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis in The Florida Aquarium parking lot located north of the Aquarium on the east side of Channelside Drive.

How much are wheelchair or stroller rentals?

For those with accessibility issues, wheelchairs, scooters and strollers are available to rent daily. Limited quantities available and are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Costs are as follows: (1) Wheelchairs - $8 (2) Scooters - $15 (3) Single strollers - $6 (4) Double strollers - $8

How much is parking?

Parking is $10.35 per vehicle/day in their parking lot on the corner of Channelside Drive and York Street, in front of the Cruise Terminal 3. The address of the Florida Aquarium's parking is at 1371-1387 E York St, Tampa, FL 33602. Due to the new frictionless parking mandate of the Aquarium, you can only pay for parking through pay stations throughout the lot or via the ParkMobile, Passport, or PaybyPhone mobile apps. There are other parking spaces like the Post Harbour Garage ($10/day rate) and the Channelside Parking Garage ($15/day rate).

What is not allowed in the Aquarium?

Due to the nature of their facility with open exhibits, they aren't able to allow outside food and drink into the Aquarium. This does not include bottles or baby food for infants or people with special dietary needs.

Does the Swim with this Fishes, Dive with Sharks or Shark Swim cost extra?

Yes, they do. However they are not available with regular Florida Aquarium tickets. These are all programs offered by the Aquarium, you can call them directly to set-up the experience.

Is there any dining options at the Florida Aquarium?

Yes, guests can enjoy the Cafe Ray.