The Florida Aquarium in Tampa Bay
Overview
- The Florida Aquarium is located in downtown Tampa
- See thousands of sea animals and plants Hands-on experience with live sharks and rays in a 5,000 gallon touch pool
- Enjoy live animal encounters, and a complete program schedule daily
Then stroll along the boardwalk and touch a variety of different species of stingrays and sharks at a touch pool called Stingray Beach. Look for white-spotted bamboo sharks, coral catsharks, southern rays and more. See penguins right up close. Check out Ocean Commotion, a colorful exhibit with unique jellies, colorful clownfish, a pacific octopus, and more. And don’t forget to check out the outdoor water fun zone for children called Splash Pad. Check out the one-of-a-kind view at the Coral Reef Gallery, one of the most beautiful and diverse ecosystems in the world.
Itinerary
HIGHLIGHTS
"Splash Pad"
Splash Pad is 2.2 acre aquatic discovery zone for kids. Bring swim suits for the kids who are invited to play in in the outdoor plaza (weather permitting) at the rain-forest themed water feature with dump buckets and waterworks, plus net climbs, slides and more. Best of all - it's free with regular admission!
- Fins Bar provides an area for parents to enjoy refreshments, relax and watch their children play.
Penguin Meet & Greet
Stop by the Avian Research Center in the Main Lobby to meet Black Footed African Penguins. Learn fascinating facts about this endangered species. See their schedule in the Visitors Guide when you arrive at the Aquarium.
Journey to Madagascar
The country of Madagascar is known as a biodiversity hotspot; this gallery will take you through the wildlife and landscapes of the world's fourth largest island, where you will see ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, chameleons and an Indian Ocean coral reef.
Wetlands Gallery
Your adventure begins under a spectacular glass dome, home to freshwater fish, free flying birds, playful river otters, Florida alligators, and a host of other inhabitants of Florida's wetlands. Climb a giant staircase to the towering mezzanine of the Wetlands Lookout for a bird's eye view of the entire gallery below.
Bays and Beaches Gallery
Maybe you've been to Florida's beaches, but do you ever wonder what's lurking below the surface? Take a walk under a bridge, stroll by the beach, and encounter seahorses, stingrays and spiny lobsters without ever getting wet. You'll see the life of Florida bays and shorelines upclose and in awe-inspiring detail.
Coral Reefs Gallery
Plunge into the awesome underwater world of a 60-foot dive for a one-of-a-kind look at a coral grotto. From clouds of colorful fish swimming in unison, to green moray eels hiding in dark crevices, it's a constantly moving parade of life.
No BoneZone
This unique No Bone Zone features invertebrates (animals without backbones), and is especially designed for the younger marine enthusiast with low tanks and plenty of hands-on opportunities.
