Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Florida: Get Tickets Online To Visit

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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The Florida Aquarium: Entry Ticket

Highlights

Experience eleven distinct ecosystems showcasing species from Florida and global waters.

See over 670 animal species including seahorses, sharks, sea turtles, and a massive Pacific octopus.

Enjoy immersive exhibits such as a domed mangrove forest and the thrilling Shark Reef.

Interact with marine life in touch pools featuring stingrays and jellyfish.

Support marine conservation as your visit funds animal care, education, and coral reef research.

Experience not found.

Tampa Bay CityPASS

Highlights

Gain significant savings, more than half off the usual ticket prices.

Access a diverse selection of popular sites including zoos, aquariums, and theme parks.

Use the convenient My CityPASS® App for booking reservations and essential visitor information.

Enjoy flexible ticket usage, valid for nine consecutive days after first use.

Benefit from swift entrance procedures at several participating venues.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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
May 26 – September 1
September 2 – December 31
Please Note We recommend checking ahead for any holiday schedule updates.

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

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.

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

Tide Pool
Get hands-on with sea stars and more at the Florida Aquarium's newest Tide Pool experience

Bird AviaryStep into the Free-Flying Bird Aviary and discover a world of lush, tropical setting

Engaging ExhibitionsExplore immersive exhibits that bring Florida’s unique ecosystems and marine life up close.

Swimming With SharksDive into adventure with the thrilling Swim with Sharks experience at The Florida Aquarium.

Stingray Beach
Get up close and touch gentle stingrays at the interactive Stingray Beach.

African Penguins
Meet the playful African penguins and watch their charming antics up close.

Playful Dolphins
Meet the playful dolphins of the Florida Aquarium, a guest favorite for their energy and charm.

FAQs About the Florida Aquarium at Tampa, Florida

1. What are the Florida Aquarium’s operating hours?

The Aquarium is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

2. Where is the Florida Aquarium located?

It is located at 701 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa, Florida.

3. How long does a typical visit to the Florida Aquarium last?

Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the exhibits and experiences.

4. Is the Aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Florida Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, including meeting rooms and event spaces.

5. Can visitors touch marine animals at the Florida Aquarium?

Yes, interactive habitats such as Stingray Beach and Moon Bay allow guests to touch cownose rays and jellyfish.

6. Are there guided tours available at the Florida Aquarium?

Yes, unique experiences like the SeaTREK underwater walking tour offer guided underwater adventures.

7. Does the Aquarium offer experiences with dolphins or other wildlife?

Yes, the Wild Dolphin Cruise in Tampa Bay provides close encounters with wild dolphins.

8. Are pets allowed inside the Florida Aquarium?

Pets are generally not permitted inside; service animals assisting guests with disabilities are allowed.

9. What types of animal species can I see at the Florida Aquarium?

The Aquarium features a wide range of species, including dwarf seahorses, sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and alligators, among others.

10. Are there special events hosted at the Aquarium?

The venue accommodates private and group events, seminars, and receptions with diverse capacities.

11. Is the Florida Aquarium accredited by any organizations?

The Aquarium holds accreditations from AZA, WAZA, and American Humane Certified™, among others.

12. Is this the venue's official website?

This site offers official tickets to the venue. It, however, is not the official site of the venue.