Discover Florida’s Underwater Wonders

Florida is home to many aquariums, some big and some small, that are a great way to see local wildlife as well as exotic wildlife from around the world. We want to share with you our favorite aquariums, some that have amazing views and tanks, and others that focus on preservation and rehabilitate injured wildlife. Each one has something special to offer, giving you the chance to learn, explore, and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. Whether you’re with family or just checking them out yourself, these spots are definitely worth a visit.

The Florida Aquarium

Tampa is home to The Florida Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the state. Not only are the tanks massive, offering a grand display of wildlife such as stingrays, sharks, and fish, but the aquarium also has a sea turtle conservation center with educational options for school field trips, camps, and virtual learning. The exterior features a splash park in the back along with the SS American Victory, a U.S. WWII cargo ship open for tours and viewing. This Florida aquarium is one of the best aquariums for kids in Florida and has so much to offer. It’s a must-see destination for families and anyone wanting to experience marine life up close.

Daytona Aquarium

The Daytona Aquarium is an awesome place to visit. Not only do they have oceanic wildlife on display, but reptiles and rainforest species as well. At this aquarium, you can see blacktip reef sharks and moray eels, plus, in a fun twist, iguanas and alligator gar, which is a freshwater species of fish. A cool addition is their new VR experience that allows visitors to feel like they are swimming with humpback whales, riding a roller coaster, or even entering the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. The Daytona Aquarium is definitely worth a stand out if you have children or are just looking for a fun way to learn about wildlife and explore what the venue has to offer.

Whitney Lab

The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience operated by the University of Florida, is a fantastic place to visit if you want to learn more about Florida’s marine wildlife on a deeper level. Not only are the researchers here dedicated to studying Florida’s marine life, but they also run conservation programs that help wildlife recover from displacement and injury, especially those impacted by hurricanes. While Whitney may not be like the other aquariums, it offers kids and adults alike the chance to see oceanic wildlife from a scientific perspective, sparking a love and appreciation for the animals they study in a unique setting.

Sea Life Aquarium

The Sea Life Aquarium is another one of the best aquariums in Florida. With a 360° tunnel, you can walk through and view marine life such as sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. This aquarium also features seahorses and, if you can believe it, axolotls as well. One special attraction they offer is “Pirates of the Haunted Seas,” where you can take a tour with Captain Sebastian and explore the aquarium with his treasure map during the spooky season, learning about oceanic wildlife in a fun, interactive way.

Connecting With the Ocean

Florida aquariums showcasing oceanic wildlife have so much to offer. They possess beauty, color, knowledge, and ecosystems that function like a bustling city, with each fish, crab, shark, and coral playing its role to ensure survival and growth. Florida is surrounded by bodies of water, on one side the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other, the Gulf of Mexico. Within these waters lie some of the most fascinating examples of marine life. Exploring reefs and underwater communities isn’t always easy, but thankfully, aquariums give us the chance to experience these wonders up close. They not only provide a wealth of information, but also inspire us to protect and preserve the fragile ecosystems that make our oceans so extraordinary.

Fuel Up

Before or after your aquarium visit, come see us at Timoti’s Seafood Shack. With a wide variety of seafood options to choose from, it’s the perfect stop to match your oceanic theme. Whether you’re in the mood for fish tacos, shrimp, or a hearty lobster roll, Timoti’s has something for everyone to enjoy.

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Top Florida Aquariums to Explore