---
title: The Florida Aquarium
slug: the-florida-aquarium-tampa
type: attraction
sub_type: aquariums & sea life shows
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/the-florida-aquarium-tampa
city: Tampa
state: FL
country: US
address: 701 Channelside Drive
geo:
  lat: 27.94396
  lng: -82.44511
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:30:28.785Z
price_from:
  amount: 37
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 4.5
  count: 27
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: Skip-the-Line General Admission
        price: 37
        regular_price: 42
        savings: 5
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (12+ yrs)
            min_age: 12
          - name: Child (3-11 yrs)
            min_age: 3
            max_age: 11
          - name: Young Child 2 and Under (0-2 yrs)
            min_age: 0
            max_age: 2
---
## Overview
Trace Florida's waterways from wetlands to coral reefs at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa. Explore interactive touch tanks and immersive exhibits featuring nearly 20,000 animals, including sea turtles, playful river otters, moon jellies, sharks, stingrays, and species that reflect the state's diverse aquatic ecosystems.

## What's Included
- Admission to the aquarium’s main habitats and exhibits featuring sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, river otters, alligators, stingrays, reef fish, jellies, lemurs, shorebirds, seahorses, pipefish, and more.
- Access to interactive touch tanks such as Stingray Beach, The Tide Pool, and Moon Bay.
- Entry to habitat galleries including Coral Reefs, Wetlands of Florida, Waves of Wonder, and Lemur Lookout.

## What's Not Included
- Premium add-on experiences such as the Wild Dolphin Cruise, Penguin Encounter, and SeaTREK guided underwater walking tour.

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **Skip-the-Line General Admission** — $37.00 (regularly $42.00, save $5.00)
  Bypass the ticket queue and immerse yourself in diverse ecosystems, from Florida's wetlands to Madagascar's marvels. Encounter sharks, sea turtles, and more. Interactive zones like Moon Bay and MORPH'D make this a must-visit aquatic adventure.
  - Adult (12+ yrs)
  - Child (3-11 yrs)
  - Young Child 2 and Under (0-2 yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know
- Explore Florida wetlands, bays, beaches, and coral reef habitats inspired by the state's diverse ecosystems.
- See sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, penguins, otters, alligators, and thousands of marine animals.
- Walk through the Coral Reefs gallery, a 500,000-gallon habitat with floor-to-ceiling underwater views of sharks, sea turtles and more.
- Enjoy hands-on touch experiences and interactive exhibits for families and younger children.
- Visit MORPH'D, a unique exhibit showcasing nature's most unusual adaptations and marine species.
- Most guests spend about 2 hours exploring the aquarium's indoor and outdoor habitats.
- Located in downtown Tampa near the Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf, and cruise terminals.
- Onsite dining includes a full-service café with casual meals, snacks, drinks, and kid-friendly options.
- Children ages 2 and under are free but should be included in the reservation.
- Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent onsite on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Outside food is not permitted except for infant food and items required for medical or dietary needs; bottled water is allowed.
- Sensory-friendly resources and accessibility accommodations are available, including a downloadable Social Story guide.
- Service animals trained to perform specific tasks for guests with disabilities are welcome and must remain harnessed and under control.
- The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa's Channelside District near the Tampa Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf, and Tampa cruise terminals.
- The aquarium is accessible via the TECO Streetcar System (Stop #7) and Pirate Water Taxi (Stop 1).

## Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation

## FAQs

### What is included with The Florida Aquarium tickets?
Admission includes access to the aquarium's main exhibits, immersive marine habitats, and interactive experiences. Explore Florida wetlands, coral reefs, touch exhibits, and habitats featuring sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, penguins, and thousands of aquatic animals.

### How long does it take to visit The Florida Aquarium?
Most guests spend about 2 hours exploring the aquarium.

### Is re-entry permitted?
Yes. Check in with Guest Services prior to leaving or show your admission ticket to a Guest Services representative upon re-entry.

### Is The Florida Aquarium good for kids?
Yes. The Florida Aquarium is one of Tampa's most popular family-friendly attractions. Touch experiences, colorful marine life, splash areas, and interactive exhibits make it especially appealing for younger children. Children ages 2 and under are free, but tickets for them should still be included with the reservation.

### Is the Florida Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The aquarium offers accessible pathways, elevators, and restrooms throughout the facility. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent onsite on a first-come, first-served basis.

### Are there dining options at The Florida Aquarium?
Yes. Onsite dining includes a full-service café with casual meals, snacks, drinks, and kid-friendly options.

### Can The Florida Aquarium be visited on a rainy day?
Absolutely. Most exhibits are indoors and climate-controlled, making the aquarium one of the best rainy-day activities in Tampa.

### What animals can be seen at The Florida Aquarium?
The aquarium features sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, penguins, otters, jellyfish, alligators, tropical fish, and many other marine species. Large viewing habitats and interactive exhibits create close-up viewing opportunities throughout the experience.

### Are outside food and drinks allowed at The Florida Aquarium?
No. Outside food is not permitted inside The Florida Aquarium, except for infant food and items required for medical or dietary needs. Bottled water is allowed. The aquarium also features an onsite café serving meals, snacks, and beverages.

### Does The Florida Aquarium offer sensory-friendly accommodations?
Yes. Sensory-friendly resources and accessibility accommodations are available for guests with sensory sensitivities, including a downloadable Social Story guide to help prepare for the visit with confidence.

### Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not permitted inside The Florida Aquarium. Service animals trained to perform specific tasks for guests with disabilities are welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines and must remain harnessed and under control at all times.

### Where is The Florida Aquarium located?
The Florida Aquarium is located at 701 Channelside Drive in downtown Tampa's Channelside District near the Tampa Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf, and Tampa cruise terminals. The aquarium is also accessible via the TECO Streetcar System (Stop #7) and Pirate Water Taxi (Stop 1).

## Reviews

> "Family Time !!!"
> — amani p, May 2026

> "Large aquarium with so much to see"
> — Tripster Customer, April 2026

> "We love the Aquarium"
> — Josseline Chavarria, April 2026

> "Really good Aquarium"
> — Johan G., April 2026

> "Underwhelming"
> — Tripster Customer, April 2026

> "Fun filled adventures"
> — Phillip Barker, March 2026

> "Aquarium"
> — Gloria Luna, March 2026

> "Florida Aquarium"
> — Carone Hyman, January 2026