Your adventure begins
under a spectacular
glass dome, home to
freshwater fish, free-
flying birds, playful
otters, alligators and
a host of inhabitants
of Florida’s wetlands.
From freshwater
springs to swamps
and mangrove forests,
you’ll explore many
fascinating habitats.
This unique exhibit
explores the world
of aquariums – the
science, art, history,
business, fun and
fascination of keeping
fish in tanks. Walk
through the home of
an “aquariumaniac”,
someone who is crazy
about fish, and get
ideas on creating your
own home aquarium.
From slowly moving
bay waters out to
tidal shorelines, see
the many inhabitants
of Florida’s coastal
areas. Look carefully
for seahorses, snook,
sharks, lobsters,
invertebrates and even
a 200 pound goliath
grouper. See feedings
at the beach exhibit.
Invertebrates are
spineless creatures!
Stop by the S.C.U.M.
tank to see and touch
sea stars, crustaceans,
urchins and mollusks.
Check out sea shells
and even try one
on. See a food fight
as the world’s most
incredible creatures
go hunting.
Level 1
Level 2
Going away from land
your adventure goes
deeper as you descend
through shallows,
tunnels, reef walls and
caves until you come
to a panoramic view
of a coral reef. See
hundreds of fish, sharks
and other creatures
swimming by.
Take a plunge down
under and see
Australian sea dragons –
the leafy and the weedy
are among the world’s
most unique creatures.
And get nose to snout
with their aquatic
“cousins” – seahorses,
pipefish and others that
slurp to survive.
Experience the most
high-tech gallery
in the country!
Immerse yourself in an
interactive experience
using state of the
art technology like
“smart Wi-Fi,” floor-to-
ceiling virtual displays,
animation and multi-
media presentations.
If you have seen all
the aquatic creatures
– it’s your turn to get
wet. This outdoor
play area is filled with
water jets, climb-on
animals, a pirate ship
with cannons, wave
water slide and a
place just for toddlers
– Shipwreck Shore.
Wetlands
Dragons
Down
Under
Dive with the Sharks!
Certified SCUBA divers, age 15 and older, come face-to-
face with live sharks! See Guest Services in the lower
lobby for more information. Daily dives in Coral Reef.
SPONSORS:
NAUI, The National Association of Underwater Instructors
Swim with the Fishes
Join hundreds of colorful fish in the spectacular
Coral Reef tank and become the main attraction! No
experience necessary. For people comfortable in the
water ages six and older. See Guest Services in the
lower lobby for more information. Swim daily.
SPONSORS:
Zeagle Systems, Inc.
Shark Feeding: Behind the Scenes
Allows guests age 12 and older the chance to walk in
the steps of a shark biologist, as they prepare, feed and
learn about these often misunderstood predators of
the deep. See Guest Services in the lower lobby for
more information. Sundays and Tuesdays.
Wild Dolphin Ecotour
Journey through the bay aboard The Florida Aquarium’s
Bay Spirit II and experience the awesome animals that
thrive in these local waters. The only requirement is a
sense of adventure. A good pair of binoculars is optional.
The daily Ecotours are 90-minutes long. See Guest
Services in the lower lobby for more information.
Tours daily.
Penguins Backstage Pass
The African Black-Footed Penguin Encounter is a new
30-minute Behind the Scenes experience giving guests the
opportunity to interact with penguins in an up-close and
personal setting. Led by an experienced penguin biologist,
a typical visit may include a chance to touch the penguins,
see them waddle, swim, shake their tails and jump in and
out of their interaction pool. While there, our biologist
will describe these remarkable birds and their specialized
care. See Guest Services in the lower lobby for more
information. Backstage Passes offered daily.
SPONSORS:
IERNA’s Heating and Cooling
Explore A Shore
Set sail for phenomenal family adventure as kids splash,
play and spray the day away at Explore A Shore, our
outdoor water fun zone! This 2.2-acre water park has
slides, gushing geysers and pirate ship with working water
cannons. Changing rooms and restrooms are located
outside near Shipwreck Shore. Need a bathing suit or
sunscreen? We have access to the gift shop outside.
Touch Tanks
Have a hands-on experience with live rays and Bamboo
sharks in the 5,000-gallon tank in the downstairs lobby
or in the Pacific waters No Bone Zone located on the
2nd floor lobby.
Shows and Feedings
Plan your visit around the popular and interactive dive
shows held daily at the Coral Reef panoramic window
and Shark Bay. See and hear divers put on a show in the
midst of sharks, moray eels, sea turtles and more!
Catch a close-up look at owls, alligators, snakes
and other animals at the Wetlands Stage in the
Wetlands Gallery.
Get a glimpse of animals eating at one of several
feedings throughout the day.
Check your Program Schedule insert for daily show
and feeding times.
The Florida Aquarium strives to entertain, educate and
inspire stewardship about our natural environment.
The Florida Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 days a week
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Please, no outside food or drink.
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 273-4000 www.flaquarium.org
Annual Events
May
SeaGrapes Wine Tasting - 1st Saturday in May
(ages 21 and older)
June – August
Summer Camps
July 4
Fourth of July Celebration with extended
hours and fireworks
October
Brews By The Bay / Oktoberfest -
2nd Friday in October
(ages 21 and older)
Guppyween – Trick-or-Treat throughout
the Aquarium
December 31
Aqua-Eve, a New Year’s Eve Celebration
(ages 21 and older)
See Guest Services in the lower lobby or visit
www.flaquarium.org for more information.
BECOME A MEMBER! | Enjoy visits to the Aquarium
year-round along with many other benefits. Cash in your
tickets today towards a family membership. For more
information call (813) 273-4030.
CAFE RAY | Enjoy deli sandwiches, assorted gourmet
pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, chicken and more. Full
line of bottled and fountain drinks. Member discounts
honored on all purchases.
CARIBBEAN CANTINA | Located in Explore A Shore, this
dining area provides a place for parents to enjoy food
and drinks while they relax and watch their children play.
GIFT SHOP | Discover aquatic treasures and unique
souvenirs in the gift shop! Member discounts honored
on all purchases.
ADOPT AN ANIMAL | Help us feed and care for the
animal species of your choice for one year. Call (813)
273-4000 for information.
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM | Work with us to support
the Aquarium’s mission and purpose. Call (813) 273-4121
for more information.
CELEBRATE YOUR NEXT EVENT AT THE FLORIDA
AQUARIUM | From elegant sit-down dinners to casual
receptions, events held at the Aquarium are truly
memorable. For more information call (813) 273-4056.
SLEEPOVERS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND MORE! | Create a
memory that will last a lifetime by having your child’s
birthday party at the Aquarium. Member discount and
group rates available. Call the Education Department at
(813) 273-4015.
SUMMER CAMPS & EDUCATION | The Florida
Aquarium offers fun, hands-on educational programs for
all ages, teachers, families, tots, scouts and more!
We also offer summer and school-year camps. For more
information call the Education Department at
(813) 273-4015.
CONSERVATION PROGRAMS | The Florida Aquarium
works with a variety of partners to rehabilitate, enhance,
research and conserve Florida’s natural environment.
For more information about the places and programs
listed above see Guest Services in the lower lobby or visit
our web site at www.flaquarium.org.