When I first stepped into the Florida Aquarium‘s wetlands dome, what caught me off guard wasn’t the size — it’s modest compared to some American aquariums — but the free-flying birds swooping overhead. Herons and ibis wander through mangroves while alligators lurk below, completely barrier-free. You walk through their habitat, not past it behind glass. This hands-on approach at this Tampa aquarium defines the entire experience, from stroking stingrays to touching moon jellies.
Quick overview
Florida Aquarium tickets use plan-ahead pricing — a euphemism for charging as much as it can get away with. Costs vary depending on your chosen visit date, with adults typically starting around $38 and children around $33. The aquarium opens at 10am Monday to Thursday and 9am Friday to Sunday. Closing time is 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 5pm Friday to Sunday. Advance online booking is recommended as tickets are date-specific and non-refundable.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Varies by date | 10am Mon-Thu, 9am Fri-Sun | 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 | Under 2s | Not specified |
How much does the Florida Aquarium cost?
The aquarium uses dynamic pricing — ticket costs depend on which day you visit. Weekends and peak periods cost more than weekday visits. Select your date on the booking calendar to see exact prices. This pricing model means there’s no single flat rate.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Varies by date (typically $38+) | Ages 12+ |
| Child | Varies by date (typically $33+) | Ages 3-11 |
| Infant | Free | Ages 0-2 |
Active or retired military personnel receive 10% off their entire order by showing valid ID at the ticket window — no online reservation needed. The aquarium participates in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Programme, allowing members of 150+ participating zoos and aquariums nationwide to receive discounts. Check your membership details before visiting.
Is the Florida Aquarium free to enter?
No. The aquarium charges admission for everyone aged 3 and over. Children under 2 enter free. Unlike some museums with free days, the Florida Aquarium doesn’t offer complimentary entry periods. Members receive free admission year-round, but single-day visitors pay the variable rate. The surrounding Channelside District is free to explore, but aquarium entry requires a paid ticket.
5 Tampa experiences worth booking
- 🐬 See dolphins playing in Tampa Bay on a relaxed dolphin sightseeing cruise.
- 🚶 Take a historic Ybor City walking tour and learn how Tampa was built on cigars.
- 🍽️ Combine history with food and drink tastings on an Ybor City food tour.
- 🚗 Tour Tampa’s main highlights in a fun, street-legal vehicle on a golf cart city tour.
- 🪂 Fly high over Tampa Bay on a zipline adventure with a twist.
What time does the Florida Aquarium open?
Opening hours split between weekdays and weekends: 10am Monday through Thursday, and 9am Friday through Sunday. Closing time is 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 5pm Friday to Sunday during most of the year. From late May through early September, Monday to Thursday closing extends to 5pm. The aquarium closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours may vary on December 29-31 and January 1-2 — check ahead if visiting during the holiday period.
5 Tampa experiences worth booking
- 🐬 See dolphins playing in Tampa Bay on a relaxed dolphin sightseeing cruise.
- 🚶 Take a historic Ybor City walking tour and learn how Tampa was built on cigars.
- 🍽️ Combine history with food and drink tastings on an Ybor City food tour.
- 🚗 Tour Tampa’s main highlights in a fun, street-legal vehicle on a golf cart city tour.
- 🪂 Fly high over Tampa Bay on a zipline adventure with a twist.
Do I need to book the Florida Aquarium tickets in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended. Tickets are valid only for your selected date and cannot be refunded or transferred, so booking ahead locks in your preferred visit day. Walk-ups are accepted based on capacity, but showing up without a ticket risks disappointment. To reschedule, ring (813) 273-4000 — you can’t change dates online. Ticket resale is strictly prohibited, and fraudulent tickets become void immediately.
History
The Florida Aquarium opened in 1995 in Tampa’s Channelside District, designed by Hellmuth Obata + Kassabaum. The building’s most distinctive feature — an 80-foot glass dome covering the wetlands exhibit — has become a waterfront landmark. The aquarium operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation, with admission revenue funding animal care, sea turtle rehabilitation, and coral reef conservation research. In 2017, Tampa General Hospital partnered with the aquarium to establish an on-site animal health care centre, providing veterinary services visible to visitors through viewing windows. The facility holds accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
What you’ll see inside
The Wetlands of Florida exhibit beneath the glass dome creates an immersive swamp where free-flying birds, alligators, and river otters coexist. Walk through a mangrove tunnel at your own pace.
The Coral Reef Gallery features a 500,000-gallon tank with a panoramic window showcasing sand tiger sharks, Atlantic stingrays, and hundreds of reef fish.
Stingray Beach lets you touch and feed cownose stingrays — roll up your sleeves and reach into shallow pools.
Moon Bay provides hands-on interaction with moon jellies.
The Lemur Lookout introduces an unexpected resident species in a walk-through habitat.
The Tampa General Hospital Animal Health Care Center on the second floor offers views into the working veterinary facility.
The Ocean Decade Exhibition currently occupies the Aquatic Lounge with digital artwork emphasising ocean conservation.
What’s included with your ticket?
- All permanent exhibits across three floors
- Wetlands dome with free-flying birds
- 500,000-gallon Coral Reef Gallery
- Stingray Beach touch pools
- Moon Bay jelly touch experience
- Lemur Lookout habitat
- Tampa General Hospital Animal Health Care Center viewing
- Ocean Decade Exhibition
- Restroom and café access
Not included: parking ($10 or valet $20-40), add-on experiences (Wild Dolphin Cruise, SeaTREK, Penguin Encounter), café purchases, wheelchairs/strollers rental (limited availability, first-come basis).
Things to do near the Florida Aquarium
SS American Victory Ship (next door, 2 minutes’ walk) — Fully restored World War II cargo ship and museum. Tour the engine room, bridge, and crew quarters. This floating museum served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
Sparkman Wharf (300m west, 3 minutes’ walk) — Waterfront dining and entertainment hub with shipping container restaurants, outdoor seating, and frequent live music. Free to wander. Popular for sunset views over the bay.
Tampa Riverwalk (200m north, 2 minutes’ walk) — 2.5-mile paved trail along the Hillsborough River connecting downtown attractions. Free to use. Walk, cycle, or rollerblade past parks, restaurants, and public art installations. Links to the free TECO Line Streetcar System.
Glazer Children’s Museum (1.8km north, 5 minutes’ drive) — Interactive museum designed for children under 10 with 17 themed areas covering art, science, and engineering. Located on the Riverwalk in Curtis Hixon Park.
Tampa Bay History Center (350m southwest, 5 minutes’ walk) — Three-floor museum covering 12,000 years of Florida history, from indigenous peoples through Spanish colonisation to Cuban immigration. Strong collection of artefacts and interactive displays. For more history, try the Ybor City Museum.
Practical tips
Location: Downtown Tampa’s Channelside District, between two cruise ship terminals. The free TECO Line Streetcar stops nearby, connecting to historic Ybor City.
Parking: The City of Tampa lot sits one block north at 369 S 12th Street — $10 flat rate, payable at machines (credit card) or via ParkMobile, Passport, or PaybyPhone apps. Valet parking at the main entrance costs $20 for up to 3 hours or $40 for over 3 hours (members save $5). Valet unavailable when cruise ships dock at Terminal 2. Pre-paid parking options available — check your ticket confirmation email.
Time needed: Budget 2-3 hours. The aquarium is smaller than major facilities like Georgia Aquarium or Monterey Bay, making it manageable without feeling rushed. Families with young children often spend the full 3 hours.
Crowds: Weekday mornings see fewer visitors. School groups arrive mid-morning on weekdays. Weekends and holidays get busy — arrive at opening for the calmest experience.
Photography: Allowed throughout for personal use. The coral reef gallery’s blue lighting challenges phone cameras. Flash photography discouraged near animals.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs and scooters available to rent daily on a first-come, first-served basis — limited quantities. The aquarium is fully accessible with lifts to all floors. Accessible parking available in nearby lots.
Food: The on-site café operated by SSA Group serves lunch options including sandwiches, salads, and children’s meals. Prices reflect typical tourist attraction markups. Sparkman Wharf offers numerous alternatives within a 3-minute walk.
What to wear: Indoor areas maintain comfortable temperatures year-round — no jacket needed. However, Stingray Beach involves water interaction, so consider clothing that won’t matter if splashed. Comfortable walking shoes essential.
Splash zone: A water play area sits near the dining section. Bring towels and spare clothes if you have young children — parents report unexpected meltdowns when kids can’t play in the water.
Add-on experiences: Wild Dolphin Cruise (catamaran tour searching for bottlenose dolphins), SeaTREK (underwater walking tour of Heart of the Sea habitat), and Penguin Encounter require separate tickets. Book these in advance as they sell out.
FAQs
Is there a splash pad at the Florida Aquarium?
Yes, a water play area exists near the café. Parents should come prepared with towels and spare clothes for children who want to play.
Can I bring a backpack into the aquarium?
Yes, standard-sized backpacks are permitted. Large bags and wheeled luggage aren’t allowed. Bag checks occur at entry.
Are strollers allowed inside?
Yes, though some areas have tight corners. Stroller rentals available at Guest Services for an additional fee (limited quantities, first-come basis). You can also bring your own.
Do I have to pay for parking?
Yes. The City of Tampa lot charges $10. Valet costs $20-40 depending on duration. Members receive $5 off valet with ID. Pre-paid parking may be available through your ticket confirmation.
Is the Florida Aquarium suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The touch pools, free-flying birds, and lemur habitat engage young children. The aquarium is smaller and less overwhelming than major facilities, making it manageable for families with toddlers.
How long does it take to see everything?
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours. If you’re adding experiences like SeaTREK or the Wild Dolphin Cruise, budget 4-5 hours total.
More Florida travel
Other Florida travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Saying hi to the Apollo Beach manatees near Tampa.
- Why the Ringling Museum in Sarasota is one of the best stops on the Punta Gorda to Tampa drive.
- Plan your visit to the Museum of Illusions in Orlando.
- Visitor guide to the Frost Science Museum in Miami.
- Exploring the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.
