Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida: Get Tickets Online To Visit
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The Florida Aquarium: Entry Ticket
Highlights
Discover diverse ecosystems such as wetlands and coral reefs.
Get hands-on experiences like touching stingrays.
Explore habitats that showcase animals from Florida and around the globe.
Learn about conservation initiatives and unique species like axolotls and paddlefish.
Conveniently located in downtown Tampa, close to key landmarks.
Tampa ZooQuarium: ZooTampa & Florida Aquarium Combo Ticket
Highlights
Visit two top-notch animal attractions in Tampa with one ticket.
Explore interactive exhibits and ride exciting attractions.
Enjoy close encounters with diverse wildlife species.
Discover engaging conservation stories and efforts.
Perfect for families looking for an enriching day out.
Tampa Bay CityPASS
Highlights
Enjoy entry to five major Tampa Bay attractions with one ticket.
Benefit from discounts exceeding 50% on combined admission costs.
Explore attractions at your own pace over a nine-day period starting from your first visit.
Choose two additional experiences from several popular options to tailor your itinerary.
Skip the regular ticket lines by using your mobile pass at each venue.
Welcome to the Florida Aquarium
Dive into one of Tampa’s top attractions with ease—your gateway to exploring vibrant marine life, unforgettable exhibits, and family-friendly adventures starts here. Secure your tickets today and get ready for an aquatic experience like no other.
About Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium, located in downtown Tampa, Florida, is recognized as one of the premier aquariums in the United States. It offers visitors a diverse exploration of marine and terrestrial habitats, featuring a wide range of species from Florida’s native wildlife to exotic creatures from around the world. Known for its immersive exhibits such as the 500,000-gallon Coral Reef Gallery and interactive experiences like SeaTREK underwater walking tours and touch habitats, the Aquarium combines education, conservation, and entertainment. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine wildlife preservation, it supports important scientific research, sea turtle rehabilitation, and community education programs while welcoming guests to engage closely with aquatic life in a thoughtfully designed environment.
Address
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
Annual Visitors
Approximately 500,000
Founded in
1995
Why Visit Florida Aquarium in Tampa
Coral Reef Gallery
Explore the stunning 500,000-gallon panoramic Coral Reef Gallery, home to vibrant marine life including sand tiger sharks, a majestic sea turtle, giant Atlantic stingrays, and hundreds of colorful reef fish. This immersive habitat offers visitors a close-up look at the diverse ecosystem of coral reefs, highlighting the beauty and complexity of underwater life.
Free-Flying Bird Aviary and Mangrove Tunnel
Experience the unique free-flying bird aviary where visitors can walk through a lush mangrove tunnel. This habitat showcases native Florida wildlife such as river otters and impressive alligators beneath the famous glass dome, providing a rare opportunity to observe these creatures in environments that closely mimic their natural homes.
Interactive Touch Experience
Engage with marine life hands-on at Stingray Beach, where you can safely touch cownose rays, or visit Moon Bay to feel the delicate sensation of jellyfish. These interactive habitats make the Aquarium a fascinating and educational venue for visitors of all ages who want a tactile connection to ocean creatures.
Unique Visitor Experience
Enhance your visit with special activities such as the SeaTREK underwater walking tour through the Heart of the Sea habitat, or take a Wild Dolphin Cruise in Tampa Bay to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. Additional encounters include feeding stingrays, meeting playful penguins, and participating in a sloth feeding experience.
The Tide Pool
Discover the recently added Tide Pool, a hands-on touch experience featuring animal species from the Pacific Northwest. This exhibit offers a diverse look at marine life beyond Florida, adding an exciting new dimension to your Aquarium visit.
Which Ticket to Buy?
The Florida Aquarium: Skip The Line – For a Focused Aquarium Visit
Enjoy full access to all Aquarium exhibits, including the Wetlands Trail, Coral Reef Gallery, and Journey to Madagascar.
Get up close with stingrays, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish in immersive habitats.
Experience hands-on learning at interactive touch pools.
Learn about conservation programs and rare species like axolotls and paddlefish.
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families who want to spend a day discovering marine life at one of Tampa’s top attractions.
Tampa ZooQuarium: ZooTampa & Florida Aquarium Combo Ticket – For Animal Lovers Who Want More
Explore two of Tampa’s most popular wildlife attractions with one convenient ticket.
Enjoy marine habitats and interactive touch pools at the Aquarium.
Discover exotic animals, ride attractions, and go on a guided Safari Expedition at ZooTampa.
Ideal for families, groups, or anyone who wants a full day of diverse wildlife experiences across land and sea.
Free entry for kids under 3, plus free parking at ZooTampa.
Tampa Bay CityPASS – For Exploring Tampa’s Top Attractions
Visit five of Tampa Bay’s best attractions with a single pass, saving over 50% compared to separate tickets.
Includes admission to The Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens®, and ZooTampa.
Choose two more from top picks like Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a dolphin or sunset cruise, MOSI, or Glazer Children’s Museum.
Valid for 9 consecutive days, giving flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Best for travelers, tourists, and families who want to see more of Tampa Bay while getting maximum value.
Timings of Florida Aquarium, Tampa
January 3 – May 25
Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Friday – Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
May 26 – September 1
Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Friday – Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
September 2 – December 31
Monday – Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Friday – Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Please Note
We recommend checking ahead for any holiday schedule updates.
Hours may vary on December 29, 30, 31 and January 1–2.
The Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Best Times to Visit the Florida Aquarium
Mornings Right After Opening
Arriving shortly after doors open gives you the chance to explore popular exhibits—like the coral reef and wetlands trail—before the crowds build up. It’s the best time for a relaxed pace and great photo opportunities.
Weekdays (Especially Monday–Thursday)
These midweek days typically see fewer visitors compared to weekends, making it easier to move through the galleries and enjoy interactive experiences without long waits.
Late Afternoons
Visiting a couple of hours before closing lets you avoid peak daytime crowds. It’s a quieter way to enjoy the exhibits while still having enough time to see the highlights.
Outside School Breaks and Holidays
Planning your visit outside of spring break, summer vacation, and major holidays usually means lighter attendance and a calmer experience. Perfect if you prefer fewer lines and more space.
During Special Events & Seasonal Programs
The Florida Aquarium often hosts themed events, animal encounters, and seasonal activities. Aligning your visit with these programs can make your trip even more memorable.
Location of Florida Aquarium, Tampa
The Florida Aquarium is located in the heart of downtown Tampa, right along the scenic Channel District waterfront. Its central location makes it easy to reach from major highways, cruise terminals, and popular city attractions.
Address
The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
How to get to the Florida Aquarium
By Car
The Aquarium is easily accessible via I-4, I-275, and Selmon Expressway.
On-site paid parking is available in the Aquarium surface lot and at nearby garages.
Parking fees are generally around $10–$15, depending on the lot.
Electric vehicle charging stations are available nearby.
By Bus (HART Transit)
The HART (Hillsborough Area Regional Transit) system runs multiple routes to downtown Tampa.
Route numbers and stops near the Aquarium often include those serving Channelside Drive and the Channel District.
Fares are affordable (around $2 per ride), and buses run frequently throughout the day.
By Streetcar (TECO Line)
The TECO Line Streetcar connects downtown Tampa, Ybor City, and the Channel District.
The HSBC/Channelside stop is a short 5-minute walk to the Aquarium.
The streetcar is free to ride and operates daily with service every 15–20 minutes.
By Train (AMTRAK)
Tampa Union Station, served by Amtrak’s Silver Star line, is about 1 mile from the Aquarium.
From the station, you can take a 10-minute taxi, rideshare, or HART bus to the entrance.
Perfect for visitors arriving from other Florida cities or beyond.
By Bicycle
Tampa’s bike-friendly paths and lanes make cycling a fun, eco-friendly choice.
Secure bike racks are located near the Aquarium’s entrance.
Coast Bike Share stations are also available throughout downtown if you don’t have your own bicycle.
By Rideshare or Taxi
Services like Uber, Lyft, and local taxis can drop you directly at the entrance on Channelside Drive.
Pickup and drop-off zones are clearly marked for convenience.
Ideal for visitors who prefer a hassle-free and direct ride.
By Cruise Ship
The Florida Aquarium sits right next to Port Tampa Bay’s cruise terminals.
It’s a popular stop for cruise passengers with free time before boarding or after disembarkation.
Luggage storage options are often available nearby for travelers who want to explore freely.
The Florida Aquarium – Additional Info
- Facilities
- Accessibility
- Guidelines
- Rules
Onsite Facilities
Restrooms
Available throughout the Aquarium for guest convenience.
Nursing and Family Rooms
Private spaces for nursing mothers and families with young children.
Dining Options
Enjoy casual meals, snacks, and drinks at on-site cafés and concession areas.
Gift Shop
Browse souvenirs, marine-themed gifts, and eco-friendly products.
Parking
Paid parking lots and garages located near the entrance.
Free WiFi
Available in select areas of the Aquarium.
Stroller Rentals
Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Accessibility Information
Wheelchair Accessibility
All public areas of the Aquarium are wheelchair-friendly.
Elevator and Ramps
Provided for easy navigation between floors.
Wheelchair Rentals
Available at the Guest Services desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Animals
Trained service animals are welcome throughout the facility.
Assistive Listening Devices
Available for select programs and presentations.
Sensory-Friendly Resources
Quiet spaces and sensory guides available for guests with sensory needs.
Visitor Guidelines
Tickets
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time at entry and to skip lines.
Timings
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early, especially on weekends or holidays.
Photography
Personal photography is allowed, but flash photography is restricted in certain exhibits.
Food and Drink
Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except for baby food and bottled water.
Re-entry Policy
Guests may re-enter the same day with a hand stamp.
Group Visits
Special rates and packages available for groups; reservations recommended.
Rules and Regulations
Respect Wildlife
Do not tap on glass or attempt to touch animals unless part of a supervised encounter.
Emergency Procedures
Follow staff instructions promptly in case of any emergency.
No Smoking Zone
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the Aquarium.
Supervise Children
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Prohibited Items
Weapons, drones, large coolers, and outside alcohol are not allowed.
Dress Code
Proper attire and footwear are required. Swimwear must be covered.
Fascinating Facts About the Florida Aquarium
Home to Over 9,000 Animals
From sea turtles and sharks to lemurs and otters, the Aquarium is home to thousands of fascinating creatures representing ecosystems from Florida and around the globe.
Immersive Coral Reef Exhibit
The Aquarium’s 65,000-gallon Coral Reef habitat takes you underwater with a panoramic view of vibrant fish, moray eels, and majestic sea turtles.
Unique Wetlands Dome
Visitors start their journey walking through a massive glass dome filled with Florida wetlands, complete with free-flying birds, alligators, and river otters.
Touch Pools for Hands-On Fun
Guests can touch stingrays, sea stars, anemones, and other marine animals in designated interactive areas—an experience kids and adults both love.
Conservation in Action
The Aquarium is a global leader in coral conservation and sea turtle rescue, actively working to protect endangered species and restore ocean habitats.
Shark Swim & Dive Experiences
Adventure seekers can dive with sharks or swim among hundreds of reef fish for an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping encounter.
Penguin Meet-and-Greets
Lesser known to many visitors—yes, you can meet African penguins up close at the Aquarium! It’s a crowd favorite for animal lovers.
Right Next to the Cruise Port
The Aquarium’s location makes it a perfect add-on for cruise travelers sailing out of Tampa. Many passengers visit before boarding or after disembarking.
A Rainforest in Tampa
The “Journey to Madagascar” exhibit surprises visitors with lemurs, chameleons, and hissing cockroaches—showcasing wildlife you wouldn’t expect in an aquarium.
Hidden Gem: The Moon Jellyfish Touch Tank
A little-known but mesmerizing feature—guests can gently touch moon jellyfish, feeling their delicate texture in a safe and supervised environment.
Highlights of the Florida Aquarium
Get hands-on with sea stars and more at the Florida Aquarium’s newest Tide Pool experience
Get up close and touch gentle stingrays at the interactive Stingray Beach.
Meet the playful African penguins and watch their charming antics up close.
Meet the playful dolphins of the Florida Aquarium, a guest favorite for their energy and charm.
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