The Florida Aquarium is one of the most well-known attractions, and exploring its amazing aquatic life is an opportunity of a lifetime.
While visiting this place, you should ensure that no stones are unturned and you get a complete experience of the place and the surroundings.
We ensure that you consider planning your trip effectively to properly explore the aquarium and the outdoor exhibits and activities designed for all ages.
Here are some tips for visiting the Florida Aquarium you must consider carefully to maximize your visit.
Get ready for adventure at the Florida Aquarium
Schedule your visit
1. Purchase Your Tickets in Advance
Make reservations in advance and buy tickets online for a hassle-free experience.
With tickets booked online, you can skip the lengthy ticket lines and directly enter the aquarium for your marine life experience.
In addition to saving time, it also ensures that you visit every section of the aquarium and get entry at the time you have chosen beforehand.
2. Planning Your Visit Early
When you decide to visit the aquarium, knowing the basic information to plan your itinerary for Florida and other places is vital.
Ensure that you get the correct information on the opening hours, how to reach there, the best time to visit, the duration of the visit, eateries and safety protocols.
Choosing the best time and having a crowd-free experience gives a different angle to your visit.
You should also check the ticket prices and discounts that you get along with any special events or programs that can interest your family or group.
Remember that these considerations become essential to effectively decide when to go, how long to stay and what to do there.
3. Comfortable Clothing
Since it is on the coast of Tampa Bay in Florida, the temperature sores up as the day progresses and is quite hot and humid.
Though the aquariums have an indoor setup, quite a few activities and exhibits are outdoors.
So we suggest you wear comfortable clothing and shoes as it involves quite a bit of walking.
If you are going on the Wild Life Dolphin cruise, take a light jacket as it can get windy in the Oceans.
4. Carry Your Essentials
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must when you are out on a day-long journey with time spent outdoors.
Carrying a refillable water bottle is essential to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Carry swimsuits so kids can enjoy the activities at the site.
Food is not allowed to be carried inside except for some baby food.
Carry your camera to take photos and videos of the marine animals and the activities inside the aquarium.
5. Take a Map of the Aquarium
One of the essential tips for visiting Florida Aquarium is to have a map to navigate through the vast complex of its multiple structures, tunnels, restaurants, experience areas and many more.
The Florida Aquarium Map effectively displays the two levels and the sections at each level.
Level 1 has the Splash Pad, African Penguins, Wild Dolphin Cruise and Moon Bay, restrooms, restaurants, shops, nursing rooms and more.
Level 2 has exhibits, galleries, restrooms and other experiences.
6. Information on Accessibility
It is essential to know how accessible the Florida Aquarium is before you visit there.
They are committed to providing everyone with an inclusive and engaging experience, including those with visual, hearing, physical or sensory-processing needs.
There are separate programs and events designed for such visitors, with interpreters allowed to guide them through the events.
The amenities of the aquarium are built to enable visitors with limited ability to have a seamless experience.
There are wheelchair ramps, elevators, and rentals available for wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters to facilitate the guests.
7. Know About the Events and Programs
Find out about the various events and programs available as you visit the Florida Aquarium.
These include talk show series, animal encounters, underwater and cruise experiences, educational programs for kids and children, summer and school camps etc.
Get the details beforehand to participate in these and enhance your trip to Florida.
8. Know the Rules and Protocols
Knowing the dos and don’ts is one of the many tips for visiting the Florida Aquarium.
Be it about the safety of the animals, smoking prohibition, food allowance, or photography for personal or commercial use, get the details here.
If you are planning to visit Florida here, read more about:
FAQs
1. Do you need to buy tickets ahead of time for the Florida Aquarium?
We recommend buying advance tickets to get your preferred slot and day. This way you can save time on the day of the visit and get discounts on tickets too.
2. Can I bring snacks to the Florida Aquarium?
For the safety of the animals, the open habitats do not allow for outside food and beverages to be brought into the Aquarium. If you are hungry, you can eat at the available restaurants. They only permit bottles and baby food for infants.
3. Are strollers and wheelchairs available for rent at the Florida Aquarium?
Yes, you can rent wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters. Single strollers rent at $6, wheelchairs and double strollers rent at $8, and scooters rent at $15.
4. Can I purchase souvenirs at the Florida Aquarium?
There are many shops on Level 1 where you can purchase souvenirs of your visit to the Florida Aquarium.
5. When is the best time to visit the Florida Aquarium?
Visit the aquarium on weekdays in the early morning hours as soon as it opens. The temperature is also low, and you can walk outdoors. Weekends and afternoons generally get crowded.
Florida Aquarium tickets
Here are the best Florida Aquarium tickets for all visitors who wish to enjoy the marine beauty in Tampa.
Entry ticket: This is the simplest ticket option that provides skip the line access to the Aquarium.
Combo Tickets: Combo tickets offer entry to Florida Aquarium and another Florida attraction at discounted prices. You can visit Tampa Zoo, Dinosaur World and more.
Tampa City Pass: The Tampa pass offers entry to 5 attractions. It includes the Florida Aquarium, Busch Gardens, Zoo Tampa and 2 attractions of choice.
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