The Florida Aquarium is home to over 300 species of fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds, amphibians and invertebrate animals. Looking at its sheer number of species, it’s no wonder people often see the Aquarium as one of the best zoos in the country. In fact, many zoos are considered part of the Florida Aquarium System. With so many different animals, you might think the Aquarium is a little intimidating but there are actually many different ways you can experience the Aquarium and see as many animals as possible. There are different levels of Sea Life Encounters that you can choose from depending on how much time you have and your level of experience:

Plan Your Day at the Aquarium

The best way to experience the Aquarium is with the Sea Life Encounters Program. These Encounters are designed for adults 18 years and older. You’ll get to see a wide variety of animals and interact with them in different ways. You’ll also get to learn about the animals’ lives and diet.  On Sea Life Encounter days, you’ll first take the Encounter tour. This begins at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and walks you through the history of the city and the Aquarium. After the Encounter tour, you’ll be given a Sea Life Encounter guide, which you’ll need to follow throughout your day.

 

Take a Tour

If you’d like to see all the animals at the Aquarium up close, you might want to take one of the Sea Lion or Shark tours. Shark tours take you to the Shark Lagoon and you’ll get to see a variety of sharks and rays. Sea Lion tours take you throughout the Aquarium and you’ll see many of the animals from a distance, but you do get up close to them in the Aquarium’s Lagoon.

Go on a Sea Lion or Shark Tour

Tickets for Shark and Sea Lion Tours are the most expensive at the Aquarium, but they’re also one of the most popular. You’ll get to see these huge predators up close and get to know them a little better because of this.  Shark and Sea Lion Tours operate from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Next post.

 

Get Certified as a Divemaster

If you want to be certified as a Divemaster, you’ll need to take the Divemaster Certification course. Certification is good for one year and must be renewed annually.  You can get certified as a Saltwater Diver, Freshwater Diver, or Total Padi Diver.

Visit the Tropical Reef Exhibit

The Tropical Reef Exhibit is home to one of the largest coral reef systems in the U.S. and the largest such display in the country. This exhibit is home to more than 300 species of tropical fish and corals. You’ll also get to see a giant grouper, an anemone, and a sea turtle.

Visit the African Rainforest

The African Rainforest is a simulated rainforest you can walk through. This exhibit is home to monkeys, crocodiles, and many other animals.

Visit the Oceans of the World

The Oceans of the World feature fish from around the world. You’ll see many different types of fish from around the world and learn some facts about them.  This exhibit is home to many different types of fish, including clownfish, tangs, and gobies. You’ll also see ocean sunfish, a species that can grow to 70 centimeters (28 inches) in length and weigh more than a pound.

Help Take Care of the Aquarium

The Aquarium’s Volunteer Program is an opportunity to help take care of the Aquarium and its animals. You can volunteer between 30 and 60 hours a year to help feed the fish, clean the tanks, care for the animals, and much more.

Get an Aquarium Membership

If you’re interested in the Aquarium but don’t have a lot of time, an Aquarium Membership is a great option. This Membership grants you unlimited access to the Aquarium and is good for one year. You can also add Sea Life Memberships to your Membership, which grant you unlimited access to Sea Life Aquariums around the world.

The Bottom Line – Is a Sea Life Membership Worth It?

The Florida Aquarium is one of the best zoos in the country and you can experience the animals up close and personal. If you’re interested in seeing the Aquarium, you might want to consider the Sea Life Encounters Program. This program is designed for adults 18 years and older. You’ll get to see a wide variety of animals and interact with them in different ways. You’ll also get to learn about the animals’ lives and diet.  The Sea Life Encounters Program is best for those who have time to dedicate to seeing as many animals as possible. While Sea Life Encounters does allow you to visit the Aquarium freely, it is best for those who have the time to dedicate to seeing as many animals as possible.

Final Thoughts – Is a Sea Life Membership Worth It?

The Florida Aquarium is one of the best zoos in the country and you can experience the animals up close and personal. If you’re interested in seeing the Aquarium, you might want to consider the Sea Life Encounters Program. This program is designed for adults 18 years and older. You’ll get to see a wide variety of animals and interact with them in different ways. You’ll also get to learn about the animals’ lives and diet.  The Sea Life Encounters Program is best for those who have time to dedicate to seeing as many animals as possible. While Sea Life Encounters does allow you to visit the Aquarium freely, it is best for those who have the time to dedicate to seeing as many animals as possible. Browse site.

 

 

Embedded Driving Directions From This POI To The Next POI

 

 

Written Driving Directions From This POI To The Next POI

 

Start: The Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States

 

Head north toward Channelside Dr

38 s (151 ft)

Drive along E Adamo Dr and N 40th St

23 min (10.3 mi)

Turn right onto Channelside Dr

164 ft

At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on Channelside Dr

0.7 mi

Use the right 2 lanes to turn right toward E Adamo Dr

0.1 mi

Continue onto E Adamo Dr

1.8 mi

Turn left onto N 39th St

0.6 mi

Continue onto N 40th St

 Pass by FleetPride (on the right in 0.9 mi)

1.0 mi

Continue straight to stay on N 40th St

0.3 mi

Continue straight to stay on N 40th St

0.4 mi

Continue straight to stay on N 40th St

0.5 mi

Continue straight to stay on N 40th St

0.5 mi

At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on N 40th St

1.3 mi

At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on N 40th St

0.5 mi

At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on N 40th St

1.8 mi

Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto E Fowler Ave

0.7 mi

Turn right at USF Bull Run Drive

 Closed 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM

25 s (335 ft)

 

 

End: Museum of Science & Industry

4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617, United States

 

 

 

 

Embedded Driving Directions From This POI To Blue Farm Digital Marketing Agency Tampa

 

 

Written Driving Directions From This POI To Blue Farm Digital Marketing Agency Tampa

 

Start: The Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States

Head north toward Channelside Dr
Partial restricted usage road
151 ft
Turn right onto Channelside Dr
164 ft
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on Channelside Dr
0.4 mi
Turn left onto E Kennedy Blvd
Pass by Firestone Complete Auto Care (on the right in 0.4 mi)
0.6 mi
Turn right onto N Morgan St
292 ft
Turn left onto E Madison St

Destination will be on the right

325 ft

Blue Farm Digital Marketing Agency

412 E Madison St 12th Floor, STE 1206, Tampa, FL 33602, United States