Explore. Discover. Make a Splash in Tampa Bay.

Located in downtown Tampa’s Channel District, the Florida Aquarium is a top-rated nonprofit attraction featuring 7,000+ animals and plants. From immersive marine habitats to hands-on animal encounters, it’s designed to educate, inspire, and entertain guests of all ages.

What you’ll experience

Journey to Madagascar
Meet lemurs, hissing cockroaches, tomato frogs, and more in a lush rainforest setting.
Stingray Beach
Touch stingrays and small sharks in a safe, supervised interactive pool.
MORPH’D Gallery
Explore extreme adaptations in nature, from electric eels to uniquely evolved fish species.
Wetlands Under the Dome
Walk beneath a massive glass dome filled with mangroves, river otters, alligators, and free-flying birds.
Coral Reef Habitat
See sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and thousands of tropical fish in a 500,000-gallon exhibit.
Animal Care Center
Watch veterinary teams care for animals behind the scenes.
Mosaic Exhibit Hall
Interactive digital exhibits, AR experiences, and hands-on learning stations.
The Splash Pad
An outdoor water play zone perfect for kids to cool off and play.

Sloth Encounter (Animal Experience Add-On)

Get up close with a Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth in an intimate, guided animal encounter.

Animal care specialists share fascinating insights into sloth behavior, habitat, and conservation while the sloth relaxes, moves slowly through its environment, and snacks nearby. Guests may even get the chance to feed the sloth by hand and capture photos.

Details:

$60 per person (plus general admission)
Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 11:30 AM
Check in 15 minutes early
Ages 8+ (ages 8–12 must be accompanied by an adult)
Max capacity: 10 guests
No touching the sloth allowed
No food, drinks, or strollers during the program

SeaTREK (Underwater Walking Experience)

Take your adventure below the surface with SeaTREK, a guided underwater walking tour for non-divers.

Wearing a specialized helmet, you’ll walk along the bottom of the Aquarium’s 15-foot-deep Heart of the Sea habitat, surrounded by coral caves and vibrant Indo-Pacific marine life. Expect close encounters with species like the Māori wrasse, blue speckled grouper, spotted unicornfish, and even a loggerhead sea turtle.

No swimming or diving experience is required—just step in and walk underwater.

Details:

$75 per person (plus general admission)
Duration: 1 hour total (about 20 minutes underwater)
Available Saturdays and Sundays (varied start times)
Check in at least 15 minutes before the start time
Age requirement: 10+
Requires a signed waiver and medical questionnaire
Certain medical conditions may restrict participation

Plan your visit

Timed-entry tickets required (book in advance)
Pricing varies by date
Ages 2 and under are free (reservation still required)
Open daily (check official hours before visiting)
On-site paid parking available
Outside food and drinks are not permitted
Budget 2–3 hours minimum for full experience

Why it’s worth it

The Florida Aquarium isn’t just a visit—it’s a conservation-driven experience. Every ticket supports marine research, coral restoration, and global wildlife protection efforts while giving guests unforgettable hands-on encounters.

Suman Biswas

The Florida Aquarium: Entry Ticket