A trip to Clearwater Beach is about more than sun and sand. One of the area’s most meaningful attractions combines education, conservation and family friendly fun, and it is only about a mile from Pier 60.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers visitors a chance to connect with rescued marine life while learning how to protect our coastal environment. This guide shares practical tips, with current hours, prices and the daily talk schedule, to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable visit.
| Address | 249 Windward Passage, Island Estates, Clearwater |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10 am to 5 pm; last entry 30 minutes before closing |
| Tickets | Adults $41.95, kids 3 to 11 $32.95, seniors $39.95, 2 and under free |
| From Pier 60 | About 1.2 miles, roughly 4 minutes by car |
| Phone | 727-441-1790 |
Why visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium
This aquarium is well known for its mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life. Many of the animals you’ll meet were rescued and now receive long term care because they cannot return to the wild. The aquarium is a nonprofit, and it says 100% of the net proceeds from your visit go to that mission.
For families looking for hands on learning, it stands out among Clearwater’s family attractions, and visitors of all ages leave with a better understanding of marine conservation and Gulf wildlife.
What to see and do
The aquarium focuses on real animal stories rather than huge displays. Expect resident dolphins, sea turtles, otters, pinnipeds and birds, with staff who are happy to answer questions. Signs explain how animals were rescued and the care they still need, which helps children understand conservation in a personal way.
Do not miss the Tales of Winter the Dolphin exhibit on level 4, which tells the story of the rescued dolphin made famous by the Dolphin Tale films, or the underwater Window of Wonder on level 1. Younger children can burn off energy in the Mangrove Key Kids Zone, and short films such as Turtle Odyssey and Earthflight screen daily, included with admission.
Daily talks and presentations
Educational presentations run throughout the day, and they are the highlight for many families. A recent daily schedule began with the Squawk Talk at 10:15 am in the Visitor Center, a Sea Turtle Session at 10:30 am in Turtle Cove and the Resident Dolphin Talk at 10:45 am on the Dolphin Terrace, followed by the Pinniped Presentation at 11:30 am, with otter, turtle and dolphin sessions repeating into the afternoon. Times change, so check the digital signs when you arrive. Visit info and daily schedule.
The aquarium also offers behind the scenes guided tours and seasonal tours on the water for an extra fee, which are worth booking early in busy months.
Tips for planning your visit
Planning ahead makes the day easier. Buy tickets online to save time, allow at least two to three hours, wear comfortable shoes and bring refillable water bottles. Arriving close to opening lets you catch the morning talks and see the animals before the busiest part of the day, and weekday mornings outside peak vacation months tend to be quietest.
For lunch, the Shark Bites Cafe serves made to order burgers, flatbreads and salads, with kids’ meals, and you can eat on the open air Dolphin Terrace overlooking Clearwater Bay. Nearby, the Island Way Grill at 20 Island Way, which appeared in Dolphin Tale 2, has a kids’ menu.
Sensory friendly: the aquarium partners with KultureCity, and sensory bags with noise canceling headphones and fidget tools can be borrowed free at Guest Services on level 3 by leaving an ID.
Parking, hours and tickets
The aquarium is open 10 am to 5 pm, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and opens 9 am to 3 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Parking is in the aquarium’s own garage, connected to the entrance, with seasonal rates and discounts for members; ticketing is at the level 3 entrance. Visit info.
Daily admission is $41.95 for adults (12 and up), $32.95 for children 3 to 11 and $39.95 for seniors 65 and over, and children 2 and under are free. Active duty military and K to 12 teachers get 20% off with ID, and everyone gets in free on their birthday with proof of date. The aquarium is also one of the choices on the Tampa Bay CityPASS, along with Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium and The Tropics Boat Tours. Admissions.
Getting there without a car
You can skip the garage altogether. The aquarium suggests the Jolley Trolley, which stops at Island Estates (ask the driver to drop you at the aquarium), or the Clearwater Ferry to the Clearwater Beach Marina. For more ways to get around, see our parking and transportation tips. And if your family loves aquariums, pair this visit with a day trip to The Florida Aquarium in Tampa.
Stay with Sunny Orange Stays
Staying nearby makes it easy to visit in the quiet morning hours and come back later in the week. Here are three family friendly homes on Clearwater Beach. Casa Del Mar has six bedrooms and four baths, sleeps 12 and has a private screened pool with a waterfall. Island Time sleeps 16 near the uncrowded North Beach sands, with a resort style pool that can be heated for a fee. Seas The Day is a two bedroom, two bath home on Mandalay Avenue that sleeps four.
Casa Del Mar
Island Time
Seas The Day
Questions we get asked
How much are Clearwater Marine Aquarium tickets?
Adults (12 and up) are $41.95, children 3 to 11 are $32.95, seniors 65 and over are $39.95, and children 2 and under are free.
What are the aquarium’s hours?
10 am to 5 pm, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. It closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Where do you park?
In the aquarium’s own garage, connected to the entrance. Seasonal rates apply, and members get a discount.
How long should we plan for?
Allow at least two to three hours, and arrive near opening to catch the morning talks.
Let’s plan it
Plan Your Family Visit
Meet rescued dolphins and sea turtles in the morning, and spend the afternoon on the beach. Find your Clearwater Beach home base.
See you on the sand.