Florida Aquarium Tickets in Tampa, FL

701 Channelside DriveTampa, FL 33602
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Starting at
$35.00
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

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
Fun is in the water at The Florida Aquarium, home to a variety of animals, from dwarf seahorses to apex predators! Guests are invited on a journey to enjoy species ambassadors from Florida and beyond.

  • A free-flying bird aviary with a lush mangrove tunnel, native fish, river otters, and alligators are in the Wetlands of Florida habitat.
  • The 500,000-gallon panoramic Coral Reef Gallery is home to impressive sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, barracudas, and more.
  • Opportunities to learn from Aquarium staff include interactive experiences such as Stingray Touch, No Bone Zone, and Moon Bay, where guests may safely touch fascinating moon jellies!
  • An outdoor plaza boasts a splash pad children’s play area, The Cove bar, and Penguin Pavilion.
  • Get in and out of the water! Jump into SeaTREK, a helmet diving experience, and set sail in Tampa Bay on the Wild Dolphin Cruise.
  • MORPH’D exhibit features animals that have adapted to survive, including electric eels, axolotls, bird poop frogs, four-eyed fish, and more!


The Florida Aquarium is located in downtown Tampa along the streetcar route and between two (2) cruise ship terminals. There is easy access to Tampa's award-winning Riverwalk, historic Ybor City, Sparkman Wharf, restaurants, and more.

More than a fun attraction, The Florida Aquarium is working to protect and restore our blue planet. Admission ticket sales help educate visiting students, provide world-class care to animal ambassadors, rehabilitate rescued sea turtles, and advance scientific research to save the Florida coral reef tract. As a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, the Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for maintaining high standards in animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, and education, among other requirements.

Parking options include a City of Tampa lot located north and adjacent to The Florida Aquarium on Channelside Drive; the cost is about $10 per vehicle, payable by major credit card at pay stations located throughout the lot. A privately managed parking garage with variable rates is also located across from the aquarium. Additional parking lots and garages are within walking distance of the aquarium. 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.

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

EXPANSION PLANS
The Florida Aquarium is undergoing an exciting expansion!
2024 – The two-story Rugged Coast exhibit featuring Puffins, larger fish species such as salmon, and a kelp forest will be coming some time in 2024.
2025 – A large interactive sea lion exhibit plus habitat to support up to thirty African penguins is being planned for the Outdoor Plaza.





The Florida Aquarium Reviews

8 Reviews
Catherine Zeoli Tripster User Profile Image
Catherine Zeoli
Williamstown, NJ
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great Aquarium"
February 2024
The aquarium was very nice. Definitely buy ahead, the line to buy at the aquarium was very long and not moving as fast as the prepaid.
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Tip: 1. Crowded. 2. Nice exhibits

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Alex Ponomari Tripster User Profile Image
Alex Ponomari
Wesley Chapel, FL
1 Review
Verified Traveler
"Great experience."
October 2023
Really nice aquarium, not really crowded and has lots of things to see.
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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
2 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
1 Review
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.