Clearwater Marine Aquarium

After living down here for the past 7 years, we finally made it to the Clearwater aquarium. We've been to nearly all the others in the (Tampa, Mote, etc.). First let's begin by saying that it is just off the causeway into the busiest part of Clearwater. Traffic is and will always be an issue, be prepared. The facility is nice and clean and has very friendly staff. You definitely come here to see the dolphins. Amazing display and views of the dolphins. The rest of the exhibits? They're nice with a small variety. Nothing like the other aquariums. Again, Dolphins are the show here really. So why 4 stars? Well, for starters nearly every elevator was out of order during our visit. This is a 4 level facility. We were okay with the steps, but you could see it was an issue for others. Next, issue is money. While we don't mind supporting ocean life in any way possible, be prepared. Admission is pretty steep for what little there is to see as a whole. Again, the dolphins are worth it. Parking is $15 in the attached garage, and again the elevators were out of order there too. We didn't partake of any concessions, but I would safely assume there's a higher additional cash outflow there as well. We will certainly come back to see the dolphins.

Last time I visited this aquarium, they still had Winter the Dolphin there and it was much smaller. They have since drastically expanded so I took the wife here. Upon entering they have several options for touring. We opted for the private tour. We had our own personal guide. He took us around the behind the scenes of everything from the kitchen to the operating area to a back stage seat of the dolphin show. It was well worth the extra money. This place is great!! Highly recommended and definitely pay for the private tour.

What an unforgettable experience at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium! From the moment we arrived, the staff and volunteers made us feel welcome and engaged. The volunteers were amazing. They were so friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to teach us about the animals and their rescue stories. One of the highlights was feeding the stingrays, which was such a fun and interactive moment for the whole family. This place is not just an aquarium, it’s a place with heart and purpose. We’ll definitely be back!

I had such a blast at this aquarium while on my vacation here. Walking through the entrance you’re greeted with getting your pictures taken and have the option to buy (like the usual). You then walk through an area of a touch display. All the staff was super friendly and cheerful and fuuuuuuulllllll of knowledge about the animals. It was interesting to listen to their stories. I was highly tempted to jump into the water with the dolphins for a swim because I’ve always wanted to do that and they are just so cute hahaha! I would definitely come again if I even come to the Clearwater area again. Thank you for the fun time!!

My visit to CMA was an absolutely wonderful experience. Me and my husband decided last minute to do the VIP dolphin experience. While waiting for that we went through the whole aquarium and all the tanks were clean and animals appeared happy and living their best lives. Seeing all the Winter memorial stuff was a bit emotional, but the impact of her story is very real to everyone who visits. I had a very memorable encounter with Hope while observing the dolphins habitats and I almost cried from pure happiness. The VIP experience is an amazing experience and all the staff involved were very friendly and knowledgeable about all the dolphins. I wish I could’ve spent more time with each dolphin. I could’ve probably stayed there all day just watching the dolphins. Photos are very pricey, but pretty good quality.

We went here last month while we were on vacation! This didn’t disappoint. The marine life here is fascinating! I got some cool footage of the dolphins! We also went to pet/feed baby capybaras!! Would recommend 100% it’s very fun and family friendly.

We came on a rainy Monday while on vacation. Well worth the 45 minute drive from the resort we stayed at. I could have watched the dolphins the whole time but it was fun checking out the other animals they have on site too. My only complaint was it was hard to see the dolphins and the trainers with the grid cage around the area. I don’t know if that’s down for safety for the animals and trainers and if that’s the case I completely understand. We spent about 2 hours here.

We did the behind the scenes tour and the dolphin boat tour. Both were so informative and worth it. We got to feed dolphins with the Behind the Scenes tour and you get access to the kitchen where they breakdown each animals diet. Michael, our tour guide was great! On the boat tour there were plenty of dolphins and we even got to see some manatees! I highly recommend including at least one experience during your visit.