Are you looking for unique things to do while in Clearwater Beach? If so, the Clearwater Aquarium packs a lot into a small area.
Enjoy close-up encounters with rescued sea turtles, otters, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and pelicans.
Don a headset and learn the backstory behind various rescue animals while your kids listen to their own audio tour led by Eco-Ranger Mary.
Not only will you discover a fabulous underwater world, but you’ll also meet memorable sea creatures like Hope the Dolphin.
Check out the daily presentations, or go all out and book an animal care experience or an eco-boat tour.
Photo credit – Clearwater Marine Aquarium
What Makes The Clearwater Marine Aquarium So Cool?
This is a cool place of learning, fun, and inspiration.
You can feel good about the money you spend because 100% of the net proceeds support the aquarium’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine creatures and care for its resident animals.
Stories like Winter’s–a dolphin with a prosthetic tail–will encourage you to approach the challenges in your life with joy and grit.
Where Is The Clearwater Aquarium?
The Clearwater Aquarium is located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.
To get to the aquarium from Clearwater Beach, take Causeway Boulevard at the traffic circle.
Continue driving, then turn left onto Island Way. Finally, turn left onto Windward Passage.
Paid parking is available on-site. The rates vary by season.
Clearwater Aquarium Hours
This aquarium is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last admission 30 minutes before closing.
On select dates, the aquarium is open an extra two hours, from 9 am to 6 pm.
It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, with reduced hours on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Photo credits – Wikimedia
Things To Do At The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
There are plenty of great things to do at the aquarium to make the experience top-notch.
Don’t rush through. Instead, take your time, listen to an audio tour, catch the daily presentations, or go all out with an animal experience.
Take An Audio Tour
Make your visit to the aquarium extra memorable by taking the self-guided audio tour that’s included with admission.
The adult audio tour shares memorable rescue stories about the resident animals.
Kids ages five to twelve will enjoy an adventurous child-friendly version, complete with an original rescue song.
Grab a device at the entrance, or ask for one at Guest Services.
Learn More During The Daily Programs
Every 15-30 minutes, aquarium staff put on a different presentation.
Check the website for the schedule on the day of your visit to enjoy programs such as:
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Sea Turtle Presentation
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Resident Dolphin Talk
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Turtle Talk
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Testudine Time
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All About Otters
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Tail Talk
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Shark Presentation
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Turtle Triage Demonstration
Participate In Animal Care Experiences
If you and your kids want a hands-on encounter with the resident animals, check out the following add-on Animal Care Experiences.
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VIP Dolphin Experience
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Dolphin Photo Moment
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Shark Care Experience
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Feed a Stingray
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Tortoise Treat Time
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VIP Pelican Experience
You’ll learn how the staff cares for, feeds, interacts with, and keeps the animals healthy.
Each experience includes a photo of you with the star of the show.
Go On An Eco-Boat Tour
Head into Clearwater Bay on one of the aquarium’s eco-boat tours.
You’ll learn more about the local dolphins, watch field scientists in action, and admire the beauty of area islands.
Available Eco-Boat Tours:
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Sea Life Safari Tour
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Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour
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Guided Kayak Tour
Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium and other attractions from Tampa with this tour Tampa Bay CITYPASS! 👈
Opt For A Guided Walking Tour
Although the free audio tour is great, a behind-the-scenes tour takes things up a notch.
Learn more about the aquarium and the things needed to keep it running on the following tours:
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Behind the Scenes Tour
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Guided Aquarium Tour
Eat At Shark Bites Cafe
Delicious restaurant food awaits at Shark Bites Café. They have amazing cheeseburgers, salads, and flatbreads.
The burger, grilled chicken, and Caesar salad will have you salivating.
Photograph The Sculptures
Cool sculptures made from recycled materials dot the hallways and aquarium spaces.
From jellyfish to otters, these eye-catching works of art add extra interest.
Booking a last-minute trip to Clearwater FL?
If so, we have you covered.
Top Tours in Clearwater FL
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure (Clearwater’s Best Dolphin Tour)
Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour (Affordable Dolphin Tour Option)
Sunset Cruise From Clearwater (Relaxing Sunset Cruise from Clearwater)
Clearwater Encounters With Dolphins Tour (Fantastic Boat Ride & Dolphins Tour)
Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise (Evening Cruise With Optional Dining)
Top Rated Hotels & Accommodations – Booking.com
Sandpearl Resort Private Beach – (4-star luxury beach resort)
Pelican Pointe Hotel – (Top-rated budget hotel)
AC Hotel by Marriott – (Cozy mid-range hotel)
Belleview Inn – (Fabulous luxury hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Clearwater FL?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗