The Florida Aquarium

Negative experience: I love that they do conservation work. I wouldn't come here again unless they cut prices. To begin, there is no free parking, we paid $20 for 4 hours. Admission pricing is expensive and constantly changing. Most things such as souvenirs and beverages are also expensive. As for exhibits, they dont offer much, plus we struggled to see the exhibits due to children running around unattended. It was extremely crowded. The highlight of coming was the dolphin cruise. We did pay extra but seeing the dolphins was worth it. They don't guarantee that you'll see them though, so you basically pay for uncertainty.

Fantastic experience: very nice aquarium. Costs was $45. You’re able to go snorkeling in one of the large tanks with the fish and stingrays! Hadn’t seen that before. Fun experience!

Negative experience: Customer service sucks got there at 8:30 am and they were pressure washing the ticket area, staff was very unprofessional, especially Robert at the ticket area. When you have a business, be prepared and ready for your customers. Security was just setting up 5 mins to nine and there was no one out front to greet you and give you directions 15 minutes before they open.

Fantastic experience: What an amazing place. All the exhibits were really good. We brought our 2 grandkids. Almost $200 for the four of us. Not a place to come more than once a year.

Fantastic experience: The Florida Aquarium does the job well. An immersive experience with a great variety of awesome animals and opportunities to learn in a fun way. At first, I was a bit put off by the high entrance price, but overall the quality and uniqueness of the aquarium lives up to the high expectation. Tons of animals so that there is always something to see while still being clean and organized. Although it was a busy time, I thought the space handled the crowd well. Plus, they stored my backpack throughout the visit!

Negative experience: In a few words - disappointed and underwhelmed. We used to love going here and have visited regularly for several years - they had interactive activities, fun exhibits, a splash pad and more. In last year and currently it’s gone under significant renovations but the ticket prices haven’t changed which is ridiculous. There is no splash pad, which was a main draw for us and I’m sure many other families. It felt like more than half the aquarium was being updated. And cafe equipment issues meant they didn’t have the full menu there either. I get that it’s a good cause but I’m not going there as a taxable donation. I’m going there to entertain my kids in an educational environment. For them to charge the same prices for half the experience is extremely aggravating. Sadly I CANNOT recommend visiting museum in its current state at the cost they’re charging.

Fantastic experience: One of the best aquariums we have been to. Great Florida exhibit as you walk through mangroves, local birds, and salts. Splash pad too. Kids loved all of it.

Positive experience: I think this aquarium created habitats that mimic the animals' natural environments really well. I also think they only deal with animals that can not be released, so they may not have every animal on display or may not have a ton of animals compared to zoos or larger aquariums. Overall it was an enjoyable experience for a hot summer day!

Fantastic experience: Really cool aquarium! REALLY expensive compared to other aquariums, just a heads up. But there were discount websites if you purchase at least a day in advance (nor sure if they were legit, as we booked too late). It was smaller than the Georgia aquarium, with no shows or anything offered, but cost more (the Georgia aquarium had a dolphin show included in the cost of the ticket for example). That being said, the layout of this aquarium was really intuitive and easy to navigate. It was a smooth transition from one exhibit to the next and you went through the whole aquarium without having to look at a map to make sure you didn't miss anything. My kids loved touching the jellyfish and sting rays, and it was awesome being so close to the spoonbills. It seems that the penguins and sloths are only available if you pay extra for that specific experience, as we didn't see them anywhere. But an employee did bring a penguin out in a wagon and talked about it and let the kids look at it. The splash pad is also not there anymore. In its place was a turf circle with shaded activity stations. Some big blocks, animal shaped tunnel things, big connect four, a little froggy slide, that sorta stuff. They had a cute kid show where a couple employees came out in costumes and sang songs and that was fun for them. The cafe was really reasonably priced relative to other nearby restaurants, and there really weren't that many other restaurants around there, so if you're gonna go to other locations around the Tampa river walk I'd just eat at the aquarium!

Fantastic experience: I haven't been here in almost 20 years! The Florida Aquarium makes for a fun family friendly experience. I am looking forward to the Puffins and Penguins coming back! I was gifted a family annual pass, and we will definitely be making the 3-hour drive to come a few times within the year.

Fantastic experience: Always a fun place to visit. Kids and husband loved it and they are still talking about it days later. Everything is well maintained, educational, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. There is always something they are adding or improving. The kids play area outside was too hot and needed shade or a water feature, but everything else was amazing! We will come back next time we are in the area!

Fantastic experience: Full disclosure I did get in for free. But that is a nice aquarium. It’s more than an aquarium. It’s very kid friendly with lots of close encounters with the animals. They have some wonderful birds too that the kids (an I) loved!

Fantastic experience: I love aquariums and saw many aquariums in many states and many countries. This allow me to learn local animals, fishes and species. I personally recommend use valet parking. You will enjoy taking pictures and lots of video clips and lots of good memories.

Positive experience: Definitely aimed at younger kids. If you're a teenager or adult, I wouldn't really recommend it unless you really like fish. Me and my friend (high schoolers) thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, but ran out of things to look at after an hour and a half. Do some research on what time of day your favorite animals are most active. Most sharks are awake near dawn and dusk. You should get your face painted if you can!

Positive experience: Love the Florida Aquarium! They have a couple of really large tanks with the big sea life and some really unique sea life. It would be more enjoyable if they limited the capacity a bit more. It was crazy crowded and loud mid-day, but in their defense it was a rainy day. It'd also be an improvement if there were more than 1 baby changing stations in the restrooms.

Fantastic experience: What a nice time with the family. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to see this. Parking does cost, but that's not new anymore.

Fantastic experience: Vistes on a weekday but still very busy due to school holidays. Included on the Tampa City pass. Exhibits are fantastic, lots to see and loads of variety. The Florida wetlands were amazing. Really impressed with the quality and diversity of the Aquarium. Highly recommend.

Positive experience: It was nice place to go to see a lot of marine fish and animals and birds. Seems to be less exhibits than Georgia, Tennessee or Myrtle Beach aguariums. Still a nice facility and you can walk right out the door and possibly see cruise ships or other ships. This is a popular spot for summer camps, church groups,etc. There is an outdoor playground and resturant.

Positive experience: Always a fun place to visit. There's plenty to see and do and usually will take about 3 hrs. Quite a few exhibits were being "redone " this visit but that is to be expected now and then. Cost isn't bad for the Aquarium or parking.

Fantastic experience: I loved it there. It's about learning how important the ocean is and the animals that live in it. Seeing the fish, etc, up close and some.I definitely have not seen before.

Fantastic experience: It’s just a really great experience. I loved all of the exhibits. It was super crowded, but we went on a Saturday, so it’s to be expected. Also, expect the parking lot to be full - we parked across the street, so not a big deal. They do have food & drinks. We bought our tickets in advance, so there was no wait for us. There was a line for people who did NOT buy advance tickets. I would recommend buying in advance & skipping that line!!

Fantastic experience: One of the best aquariums I’ve been to!

Positive experience: I was so disappointed that the seahorse area hand shrunk to the point that we missed it entirely and had to ask where it went also didn't see the splash pad. It left us a bit disappointed.

Positive experience: A fun experience to get us out of the rain and recoup from being out in the sun all day the day before our visit. We spent just under 2 hours here.

Negative experience: Worst experience ever!!! If you plan on seeing the penguins, or any animal encounter be almost an hour before. We got there about 10 minutes before trying to find the meetup spot. Keep in mind we traveled over 6 hrs to get there. Had to ask someone at the counter well before the time and they told us to go stand at the podium. We were there waiting for a few minutes to later have the same lady come back to us to tell us that they already left!!!!!! Then they refused to let us join the group, I don’t even care if only get 30 minutes to be there instead of the hour, it’s the courtesy thing to at least try to accommodate someone who has already paid. Especially for the cost of $150 for us both to go. They write all of the stipulations in tiny format and I suggest you read every line carefully! They seemed annoyed and constantly made me feel like it was my fault that they had to try and help me out. I will never come back, nor suggest anyone to go, unless you want to wait over an hour before your time slot, because they may just leave without you, even if you get there on time. Bye $$$

Positive experience: Tickets on the website are \$11 cheaper. It's very crowded. This is a great place if your child is interested in the underwater world. If not, there are more budget-friendly options out there.

Positive experience: Entry was very pricey, $44 per adult. However on their website it says $33 which is not true (unless it might be online offered) It doesn’t seem worth $44, basically $95 for two adults. It definitely was a big and there was cool animals to see. I would recommend if you have kids, It’s very informative and most spots have interactive screens to learn more about the animals. Staff where nice and pretty clean environment overall. I would say really consider if it worth $44

Positive experience: This is a nice place to visit if you enjoy viewing animals. Though I felt kind of sorry for some of the birds being captive, especially the pelican. There is plenty to see, and it was air conditioned. We got a $5 dollar discount, so tickets were $30 each. (There were 4 of us.) In addition, we paid $20 to park. Overall, it was a nice enough experience.

Fantastic experience: It is a great exhibition that if you take your time it will last for about three to four hours. I suggest trying to find some discounted tickets because it is a bit pricey.

Fantastic experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An unforgettable experience at The Florida Aquarium! The Florida Aquarium in Tampa is a must-visit for families, tourists, and ocean lovers alike. The exhibits are well-maintained and highly educational. I especially enjoyed the Wetlands Trail, which features native Florida species like alligators, free-flying birds, and turtles in a beautiful indoor mangrove habitat. The coral reef tunnel is stunning and gives you a 360° view of sharks, rays, and colorful fish—perfect for photos! The touch tanks were a hit with kids, and staff were friendly and informative. There’s also a great outdoor splash pad for younger kids to cool off. The facility is clean, wheelchair accessible, and easy to navigate. Parking is convenient, and the on-site café had decent food options at reasonable prices. Tip: Buy tickets online in advance to skip the lines and arrive early to avoid crowds. Definitely recommend for a fun and educational day in Tampa!

Fantastic experience: Had a wonderful time at the Florida Aquarium! Definitely recommend going!

Negative experience: The website should say UNDER CONSTRUCTION and people should go somewhere else. The lack of transparency is appalling. I used to come here as a child growing up and the complete money sucking, waste of time this place has become is shocking. A lot of the exhibits were closed, coming soon, or being renovated. They don't have any shows, like they had the birds of prey in the past. We saw many tanks completely empty. There is a full cafeteria menu on the website, only to find out there is only outdoor seating and a shortened menu. The air conditioned cafeteria was closed. The splash pad, which is one of the main things kids look forward to there, is permanently closed we were told as we entered the building. It would have been nice to mention this on the the website. The only good part was the Dolphin boat ride, which is not included in the admission ticket. The prices have increased too. Parking was $20. We won't be coming back here. The only people who are going to like this place are those who hadn't been back in the day when it was great.

Fantastic experience: The place is amazing, they have lot of different species of animals. It’s a good place to visit if you want to spend 1-2 hours.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding. Maybe not quite as good as the Georgia Aquarium but it's still damn good.

Fantastic experience: Visited the Florida Aquarium on a Monday and had a great time! The vibe was relaxed, and it wasn't too packed, which made the experience even better. It was the perfect setting for a chill family outing. We really enjoyed seeing all the amazing marine life--everything was well-maintained, and the exhibits were beautiful. Definitely a great spot to bring your family or just enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by ocean wonders.

Fantastic experience: We had a wonderful time at The Florida Aquarium! The exhibits were well-designed and informative, especially the touch pool where we got to pet some friendly rays and stingrays. The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, answering our questions with patience and enthusiasm. The cafe had a good selection of food and drinks, and the overall atmosphere was clean and inviting. We also appreciated the educational initiatives they have in place. While the aquarium could benefit from more interactive exhibits geared towards older children, overall it was a fantastic experience and we highly recommend it

Positive experience: Overpriced but worth it since it’s the best aquarium in the area. Had a great time!

Fantastic experience: This aquarium is extensive and has many exhibits and some touch pools (jellyfish, stingrays). I thought that the jellyfish touch pool was very unique. It was pretty cool to see a lot of the animals and fish up close including birds. They also have a lemur enclosure. It was busy on the weekend and parking was plenty but could be difficult to find the later that you go. Would recommend buying tickets in advance because they have you do that at the door for the most part anyway.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time here; you really see all the creatures close-up. In the past year I've visited aquariums in Baltimore, Chicago and Newport KY and Tampa was my favorite.

Fantastic experience: We visited on a Wednesday at 10:15 and really enjoyed the entire aquarium. Plenty of creatures to see and the aquarium has a great “flow.” There’s also a stingray touching exhibit which was really neat. For the mangroves and the bird exhibits, I was surprised how close you are to the animals, very cool!

Fantastic experience: We had such a fun time when we visited! There was so much to see, but the giant aquarium and the touch tank with jellyfish were my absolute favorites, petting jellyfish was a first for me! It was an unforgettable experience and we really enjoyed every minute.

Positive experience: Really nice exhibits including Florida wet lands which include local marine life and birds. There is an opportunity to touch stingrays. There were several exhibits that were out of order when I went though. Overall it is one of the smaller aquariums I've visited but is a good way to spend a rainy day. Parking is conveniently located right next door to the aquarium and the price for parking is $15 for 3 hours. There is also a valet option for $20 for 3 hours. Additionally there are a couple of parking garages within walking distance. Admission is almost $50 per adult and the wait to get in was less than 10 minutes. Go early as it gets crowded.

Fantastic experience: I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Florida Aquarium, and it truly was a phenomenal experience. The underwater world on display is absolutely stunning — so vibrant, diverse, and mesmerizing. The aquarium beautifully showcases the unique marine life that makes Florida’s and the world’s waters so special. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and comfortable thanks to the friendly and attentive staff. Every team member seemed genuinely knowledgeable and eager to share their passion for our underwater species. They answered all our questions with enthusiasm, which made the visit even more enriching. The entire experience enlightened me about the incredible biodiversity beneath the surface and deepened my appreciation for these creatures and their fragile habitats. I’m excited to return once the new construction is complete, as I hear it will only enhance the exhibits and overall experience tenfold. A truly wonderful visit — highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring the magic of Florida’s underwaters and all bodies around the world!

Fantastic experience: This is a wonderful aquarium! Birds are able to free roam over the beginning of the aquarium as a part of the exhibit which is very cool. The dolphin cruise was extremely nice. They have a jellyfish touch tank and a sting ray touch tank as well.

Fantastic experience: The aquarium is a great experience for both kids and adults. There’s a wide variety of sea life to see, and some cool interactive exhibits — we especially loved being able to touch jellyfish and stingrays! Some activities do cost extra, so keep that in mind. It’s worth buying tickets in advance to save time, and if you live nearby, a membership pass is a smart investment. Overall, it’s entertaining, educational, and well worth the visit. Definitely recommend!

Fantastic experience: Clean, lots to see, well staffed. Flow of traffic through was efficient and the fish are really cool! Lots of fun ducks too.

Positive experience: Great aquarium. Lots of new stuff under construction. Was expensive- we bought tickets ahead of time for a Saturday morning and it was over $40. Animal collection is really great and signage is helpful.

Negative experience: I really wanted to give it 5 stars. However, as someone with a gluten allergy I was incredibly frustrated with the food. There are items marked as GF which I understand can be translated as gluten friendly as a way to cover themselves regarding possible cross contamination. However, to intentionally use ingredients that contain wheat such as soy sauce in the rice bowl that is simply not understanding the needs of someone with Celiac disease. Not only this but when I asked the gentleman who was serving the trays of food wearing what appeared to be a Chef’s coat he seemed annoyed with me and completely unaware of the soy sauce containing large amounts of wheat. He did immediately offer to make one without the soy sauce. Which i did take. However, I already had a couple bites of the soy sauce reduction which he told me was Kikoman low sodium soy sauce. Tamari made by Sanji is the most widely known GF soy sauce. If the Florida Aquarium needs education regarding Celiac disease and gluten I would be happy to help. This really made for a frustrating day for me. One bite and I feel horrible for weeks. So I am giving my review a 2 in hopes that this will get their attention and those in the GF community. Otherwise we had an amazing time. The rest of the aquarium gets a 5/5 for cleanliness and the friendliness of the staff. The exhibits were clean, easily viewed the animals. The dolphin cruise was also 100% worth the extra money. I especially loved the up close encounters with the birds.

Fantastic experience: That was an absolutely amazing time family-friendly environment my daughter loved it we walked through it twice she patted a stingray so and it was just a really amazing time and a great location afterwards to go take the family to eat.I highly recommend. It was a little high on the price range wise but it was a good time

Positive experience: Enjoyable but disappointing because too many “coming soon attractions “. Actually there were 5 areas posted( Africa penguins, sea lions, puffins, kids splash park & touch tanks”). My grandkids expected a splash park. what was there was a play area for 2-3 year old. Disappointing.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa! Brought the kids and they absolutely loved it. Tons of interactive exhibits, close-up encounters with sea life, and just the right amount of indoor space to stay cool while exploring. The splash pad outside was a big hit, and the stingray touch tank was a favorite for everyone. Everything was clean, well-organized, and staff were super friendly. Great way to spend a few hours with the family!

Fantastic experience: We had so much fun the day we came! There was so much to look at. My favorite things were the huge aquarium with all the different species in it and the tanks with the jelly fish in them that you could pet! That was one of the coolest things I've ever done! We had a great time!

Fantastic experience: Such a great facility for viewing and learning more about aquatic plants and animals in Florida. It's beautiful, has plenty of fun, interactive exhibits, the staff are all so kind and helpful and we love the seasonal events, too! Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Great experience here with the family, definitely the type of place for an interactive walk through and well maintained, nice outdoor area for kids to play as well, food court, and found parking easily and was considerably cost effective since there is a mall next door that you can go through after with coffee and better restaurants.

Fantastic experience: Eric took photos of our family and was all around just really nice to interact with! The keepers were all over and very knowledgeable about all the animals. We did the wild dolphin tour and saw dolphins so we felt it was worth the extra money. Definitely recommend this aquarium and will come back on another visit to Florida!

Positive experience: Wonderful experience at the Florida Aquarium. Try to get there during the week, after midday. It is so much quieter & U get to is it without jossling. There are places to grab a bite & a drink. Ablutions aplenty & really clean

Positive experience: If you have been to another aquarium in a different city, then this is the same. Lots of fun time for kids, but I found Clearwater aquarium much more interesting.

Fantastic experience: 5/5 A nice lovely place. My family enjoyed our visit thoroughly. Although it may be smaller in size than some bigger aquariums, its selection was more diverse and interesting. We ended up spending over an hour taking our time enjoying all the sites. I highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Thought there would be alot more exhibits...but really cool. Saw the entire aquarium in under 2hrs.

Fantastic experience: Highly would recommend had an amazing time if you’re not scared to touch stingrays and jellyfish would definitely do it staff super friendly and most importantly well informed. Personal favorite experience even got to know Mike one of the best staff there out of many others. I enjoyed my time there super kid friendly as well.

Fantastic experience: Nice, clean, modern facilities with lots of interesting and educational exhibits for children and adults alike! Accessible parking was a bit of a hike. Restrooms were accessible and very well maintained.

Fantastic experience: Fabulous large aquarium with numerous exhibits focusing primarily on the Florida ocean environment, and a wonderful experience visiting there. Numerous tanks with sharks, rays, jellyfish, and numerous other aquatic species. Waterfowl are also represented, and it's possible to get amazingly close to the birds who are obviously very accustomed to human visitors. Very popular with families, and a great place to bring kids.

Fantastic experience: Ok, the aquarium itself was AMAZING HOWEVER, sooo many people with babies in strollers there. No other young kids. Just parents and BABIES. Some lady yelled cuz her baby was crying. My suggestion would be if you don't have kids that are at least 4 & above, maybe skip it. They won't remember it anyway.

Fantastic experience: Superb! Well Managed & Not to Miss The Florida Aquarium is a must-visit destination in Tampa. From the moment you step in, everything is well-organized and beautifully maintained. The exhibits are engaging and educational, showcasing marine life in a way that captivates visitors of all ages. The diverse marine habitats, interactive touch pools, and up-close encounters with penguins, otters, and sharks make it an unforgettable experience. The Wild Dolphin Cruise is a fantastic addition, offering a chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The facility is clean, spacious, and family-friendly, with helpful staff ensuring a smooth visit. Whether you're a nature lover, a family with kids, or just looking for an exciting day out, this aquarium is not to be missed! Wow! Absolutely worth it!

Fantastic experience: Beautiful aquarium, fuses together animals endemic to Florida. They have many free activities, look out for them ahead of time because they have schedules. I highly suggest to go there with a discount code as I don’t think the whole price is worth it

Fantastic experience: A beautiful place I just thought the tank for the American Alligator is not enough big for him

Fantastic experience: A Magical Experience for the Whole Family! The Florida Aquarium is a truly incredible place—full of wonder, discovery, and excitement. My kids were absolutely in awe of everything they saw, from the fascinating exhibits to the amazing sea creatures around every corner. The dolphin cruise was a major highlight—we saw so many dolphins, and my kids were delighted! It’s an experience we’ll all remember. The staff was fantastic—engaged, friendly, and clearly passionate about sparking curiosity and joy in young visitors. You can tell they genuinely care about creating a magical experience for families. Highly recommend for anyone with kids—or anyone who just wants to feel a little sense of wonder again!

Positive experience: Aquarium is amazing...Dolphin boat ride from the Aquarium was a complete waste. While we were waiting in line to get on the boat, it was docking and there was a male guide talking on the microphone, very entertaining and engaging. We got on and we set out and it went downhill from there. First it was so windy and choppy but they did not seem to know ahead so we had to turn around in it...then we went down another channel of nothing but houses. The guide named Riann made a few meek announcements on the mic, and other than that preferred to sit and chat with another crew member. On the lower level where it was not so cold kids were running rampant and moving benches (the cruise was not full) and upstairs, it was cold, quiet, choppy, windy and the crew did nothing to try to make the best of the ride. The ride itself is a 1 star ......the Aquarium is a 10 star.....it was fantastic. Loved all of it. Photo of our guide on the right chatting with another crew member....how she spent 95% of the ride.

Positive experience: **Do not visit this museum on a cruise arrival or departure day!!** On a recent trip to Tampa, we decided to take a family trip to the aquarium upon getting to the aquarium at 10am. The parking lot was already slammed full, little to our knowledge there was a cruise ship currently departing, and a plethora of passengers were parking in the same parking lot as the aquarium. *Quick tip make sure you check the Cruise schedule and show up on a non-cruise arrival or departure day* Needless to say, the area cleared out after the ship left. I was a little flabbergasted that they charge $5 dollars for every hour you’re parked in the non-museum parking lot. Perhaps the aquarium should work with the city of Tampa and allow you to bring your parking ticket into the aquarium for a type of parking discount for having to park outside of the museum parking lot, if it’s full. We spent over $25 for parking at this aquarium for the 5 hours. We were here and there is no flat day parking fee. It goes up every hour you there. They didn’t have active-military discounts on their website, but when you show up at the window, they honor service members by offering a five dollar discount per ticket in your group. Upon walking in, we were immediately greeted with zoologists/marine-biologists, showing turtles and different types of reptiles within the atrium. The kids love being able to pet and take pictures with the animals, and we were told to start our tour on the second floor of the aquarium. After getting there, the mangrove swamp area was really cool!…But then again this was a cruise-ship departure day so we were smashed/shoulder-to- shoulder with everybody in the aquarium like you’re at some sort of rock concert mosh-pit. There wasn’t any room to spread out and kids would frequently get lost/separated easily. I just so happen to get separated from my party while they were waiting to touch the stingrays. I continued on in the aquarium all the way back to the lobby…. **Here’s the fun part after speaking with an aquarium employee. There is NO WAY to get to the second floor of the aquarium from a halfway point. You have to fight all of the people from the cruise ship going the opposite direction from the ground floor back to the stingray area or from the second floor back through the mangrove area. (They have a huge big wide open area with a small snack bar at the mosaic area on the second floor and an additional atrium where you can look down to see the people on the first floor, but there is no stairs to get there in the middle of the exhibits.) This was the huge frustration for me, deciding to walk against the flow of people to get back to my party in the middle of the aquarium. Instead of bypassing what I already saw. **Overall, there is just, waaaay TOO MANY PEOPLE smashed into the aquarium. I’m surprised they don’t have a maximum people cut off every day as stated by other reviews. The huge astro-turf kid outdoor play area, which I learned was (only temporary) is a huge plus for this aquarium and the food is phenomenal for the aquarium as well. Lunch was awesome. The gift shop was amazing… we spent well over $150 in apparel, gifts and different like items. They also don’t have plastic bags at this aquarium and you have to pay $5 dollars to purchase a bag that they say, is reusable but ends up in the garbage can right outside afterwards. You would think they have a place to throw away your pre-purchased bags on the way out the door if they were really trying to be conservative about the environment!

Fantastic experience: Both my wife and I really enjoyed the aquarium. My toddler did for a bit but eventually he became disinterested. At that point we went outside and they had a great place for young kids to play. It really was the best of both worlds for us. We got to enjoy the aquarium and he was able to get some energy out by playing outside.

Positive experience: The wild dolphin tour offered at The florida Aquarium was an unforgettable experience that offers an up-close and personal look at these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The thrill of seeing dolphins in the wild—swimming, leaping, and playing—cannot be compared to watching them in captivity. The tour was with expert guides who provide valuable information about dolphin behavior, local ecosystems, and conservation efforts.

Fantastic experience: First time to the Florida Aquarium and the whole family loved it. Between being able to pet stingrays to petting jellyfish and seeing all the sea life, it was a great experience!

Negative experience: This aquarium was, unfortunately, a disappointment for our family's vacation. We went on a rainy day for our small kids to enjoy but it was so overcrowded it was unsanitary. In some areas it was impossible to NOT be touching other guests passing by or trying to view the exhibits. It was so not enjoyable. I wish places like this would put a cap on amount of guests allowed at a time. Our kids were too overwhelmed to enjoy it & my husband & I were too concerned for their safety from the mass amount of people in any given area. My 2 year old son got knocked down twice from kids where there were too many people. There were hardly any staff placed around the exhibits educating about the animals except the "touch tanks". For the price we paid it was not worth it at all. Our trip there lasted maybe 45 min. It took us longer to find parking & walk to the building than it did our time inside. Not worth $50 per ticket! Our local aquarium (Cincinnati) had many more exhibits than this one for HALF the price. We were so excited for this visit and left feeling jipped.

Fantastic experience: I had an amazing time at the Florida Aquarium! The exhibits were beautiful and full of fascinating marine life. I highly recommend it for a fun and educational experience.

Fantastic experience: I love coming to this aquarium! Always take me around 2+ hours to go through but isn’t an all-day activity for me. I like to take my time and go through the exhibits. During my most recent visit, there was construction going on which I didn’t mind. Makes me excited to come back when they reopen. The cafeteria has some good options for food and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, especially those by the touch tanks. Just keep in mind parking can be crazy due to the cruise ships and it is pay to park. Also, buy tickets ahead of time online!

Fantastic experience: Wonderful facility with a broad range of educational exhibits that offer many ways for people to learn about the various Florida ecosystems. I could have spent a lot longer here than our plans allowed for, but the ~1.5h that we were there for covered everything and gave us a chance to explore as well as observe an exciting and wide range of aquatic life. We will definitely visit again!

Fantastic experience: Great experience for our 2 year old toddler. Visually engaging the whole walk through with lots of sea water species and some land animals to see as well. We did go on a weekday (1pm) and there was plenty of space for our toddler to walk around if needed. The aquarium parking lot seems to share with the cruise ship parking... It said the lot was full but we took a chance and drove in anyhow and found there were still a decent amount of parking spaces available. We would definitely come back here if we are ever on the gulf side of Florida again.

Fantastic experience: Really nice aquarium. Ignore the complainers from prior reviewers. Yes a section was under construction but the rest was awesome to experience. Well worth the trip!

Positive experience: Nice to take the family a d specially kids to see some of the species. Takes aprox 1hour and a halt for the complete tour.

Fantastic experience: Here are some videos of what you can find in this place. It’s a great spot to enjoy with family—very interesting and well-maintained. I really liked the variety of animals they have and how well cared for they look. The staff was very friendly and answered our questions politely.

Fantastic experience: Was here back in March 2024. Was an amazing experience and would definitely do it again. The mixture of aquatic life and activities was very cool. Would definitely recommend buying tickets in advance though as the line gets very long

Positive experience: Not bad and it’s right next to the Cruise Port.. they will store your luggage and bags for free.

Negative experience: Family 6. Around $250 for us to go. It was a nice experience but at this price it should have been an all day activity. We were out in about 2 hours. The staff was definitely knowledgeable and friendly but we expected more from the exhibits.

Negative experience: If you think you need the whole day at the aquarium think again it took us just over an hour to see everything. We were expecting more considering this aquarium is right by the ocean. It has some good aquatic life to see but it was a little underwhelming especially for the price you pay for your ticket and the price you pay for parking which is $20+ depending on where you park. Parking is not free. You should also buy your ticket in advance if you go to skip the lines and they also have scheduled times so it is highly recommended. This will be a one and done place I will not be going back here. The coolest park was you could touch the sting rays and jellyfish during certain times. Seems like a good place for families with kids as there’s an outdoor play area that can be used by the whole family.

Fantastic experience: Went here with the family and had an amazing time. We were able to see all types of marine life, and their were guides located strategically around the aquarium to help explain each exhibit. Not to mention, the facility was very clean and well maintained.

Fantastic experience: Was a little crowded, surprised for a Monday . But it was great so many different tanks and types of aquatic animals to see. Stroller friendly, and a touch tank with jelly fish. The food was really amazing too ! So many options and comes out looking and tasting just as great! It was our first time , took our toddler and we had a great experience.

Positive experience: I have been to a handful of aquariums around the country and this one is OK, not bad but there are better ones out there. If you have never been to an aquarium, then it is worth doing. If you've been to some of the best aquariums in the country, I'm not sure I'd spend the time and money on this one. Budget 2 hours +/- 30 minutes. You can spend more time if you read every digital board next to each tank. You can buy discounted tickets in advance but they are non-refundable. I waited until day of and had to pay more but was still able to purchase a ticket in advance online directly from the aquarium website.

Fantastic experience: Came for an "after hour" event. It was a great experience having dinner while the fish, rays, turtles & sharks swam around us. We need to come back to experience the entire aquarium during business hours. The parking garage was a short walk but must pay $20 for parking on your way back to the elevator that takes you to the floor where you parked.

Positive experience: Had a great time walking through the Florida Aquarium. It was my wife's first visit to an aquarium and she was thrilled. There are bigger ones for sure and more interactive ones, but this was a very nice afternoon. It took about 2.5 hours and the crowd was pretty minimal. The one caution I would extend is that this is on Channelside right next to the cruise docks. If they are boarding you might want to appropriately schedule your visit. We were dropping some friends off at the Carnival Pier 3 and did not have any trouble with the traffic or parking. BTW, parking is pretty steep at $5 an hour, or perhaps I just don't use parking lots like that much, but being by the water, what could you expect? The gift shop seemed pretty pricey too, but I don't frequent those either. And it's a charity. But I do feel for parents on a budget that walk thru there with their kids. The aquarium was well maintained and clean. We did sample a couple snacks from a snack bar that were just fine. Many colorful fish, frogs and even a Madagascar display with the ring tailed little varmints I forget the name of. Had a diver doing some maintenance in with the sharks which, NOT ME! What a colorful world! See photos of one of the best. And from colorful to camouflaged, all in one hallway. It took us 2 to 3 hours to walk thru. While we had no kids hustling us through, perhaps that will give you a zize idea of the facility. Crowds were minimal and on a Saturday so it isn't too crowded. The wife had never been to an aquarium, so it was impressive for her. I've been to some that were a little more interactive, where we couldn't drag the kids away from the stingray tank, but this gave a good blend. In one of the pictures you can see my wife being attacked by a huge turtle! LOL

Fantastic experience: I recently visited The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, and it was an overall great experience. The exhibits are well-designed, educational, and perfect for all ages. One of the highlights was the Wetlands Trail, where you can see otters, alligators, and even free-flying birds in a beautifully recreated Florida ecosystem. The Coral Reef exhibit was another standout, featuring a massive tank filled with colorful fish, sharks, and sea turtles. The interactive experiences were a nice touch, especially the stingray touch tank and the Moon Bay exhibit, where you can touch jellyfish. If you’re visiting with kids, the Splash Pad outside is a great way for them to cool off and burn some energy. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions and share fun facts about marine life. The only downside was that it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends, but that’s to be expected at such a popular attraction. Overall, The Florida Aquarium is a fantastic place to explore marine life and learn about conservation. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s well worth a visit! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fantastic experience: There's never enough good I can say about this facility. The staff are passionate, eager to educate. The buildings are always clean and orderly. All of the interactive sections are A+, overall just a fun experience all around.

Fantastic experience: Such a fun aquarium. Sadly we didn’t see the penguins but the other exhibits were great! We liked that they limit the tickets per hour so it’s not too crowded. There were plenty of spots available in the paid parking lot as well.

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium. Lots of touch tank experiences that my 3 yr old enjoyed. I liked the open fish tank exhibits where the birds were all just hanging out and flying around. My toddler really loved it too. The lighting is super cool in some of the exhibit areas even my 4 month old enjoyed it. The ceiling views were cool too, my baby was amazed looking up from her stroller to see the sea turtle swimming above her. It is stroller accesible but you do have to walk back from the exhibits to get to the elevator to see the stuff on the top floor so we parked our stroller and took the stairs because it was easier.

Positive experience: Nice aquarium. I think it’s kinda of expensive for what you see. But it was a great day out with the kids!

Fantastic experience: Wonderfull place to visit. They have interactive exhibits where you can touch different sea creatures. They also have an open area where there are different birds you can walk among

Positive experience: Great family friendly place with lots of exhibits and a wide variety of animals and fishes. Several gators also on display. They did a really good simulating actual habitat for each exhibit and the staff is helpful, informative, and knowledgeable. The cafe where you can get food at the beginning is nothing really special, but is okay if you're hungry albeit a bit on the pricy side. It was cool to be able to touch jellyfish, sting rays, and anemones (which I thought all were poisonous to humans, but most actually aren't). The penguin walk was amazing to see as well, those little guys were just scurrying along and cute as heck!

Fantastic experience: The Florida Aquarium is one of my top favorite places in Tampa. It never disappoints! Recent upgrades and more planned in the future for 2025 and 2026. This is a must visit for locals and tourists alike

Fantastic experience: The first time I visited this place was in 2017. For my first visit, it was amazing. There are so many anilmals to view and many interesting things to learn about. I haven't been back to visit here, but I plan on visiting this year. If you love aquariums like I do, I highly recommend this place.

Fantastic experience: Wish parking was free especially when you have the yearly passes, but $10 isn’t bad. Have a great time every time we go!

Fantastic experience: We met up with my son’s hockey team here for a team bonding experience. They had a great time.