Discover The Top 10 Aquariums In Florida

When you plan your visit to Florida, your itinerary likely includes lots of outdoor time enjoying the beach and ocean. After all, that's what the Sunshine State is all about. With the ocean in sight, there are plenty of ways to explore its vast sea life, including visiting one of the many  zoos and aquariums. 

A day trip to a local Florida aquarium is an excellent activity to help you cool off on a too-hot day, get indoors on a rainy one or explore the region before your cruise from Florida.  Plus, you'll discover countless marine animals that will spark your sense of wonder. Let’s check out the state's best underwater worlds before setting sail on your next Florida cruise vacation.

1. The Miami Seaquarium:

Get Some Face Time With Dolphins

If you find yourself at a cruise port in Miami, plan a day at the Seaquarium. This iconic family attraction offers so many opportunities to observe and interact with sea turtles, penguins, seals and dolphins, including the beloved bottlenose dolphin. You're guaranteed an amazing day here as you swim with seals or dolphins and learn more about their Conservation and Care program — an initiative that rescues, rehabs and releases animals back into the wild. This spot remains one of the best aquariums in Florida for an up-close encounter with marine animals. If you have the whole day in Miami, don't miss out.

2. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium: Take A Walk Through The Ocean Tunnel

3. The Florida Aquarium: Visit Nearly 19,000 Animals

4. Gulf World Marine Park: Interact With Sea Lions And Stingrays

5. The Key West Aquarium: Have A Hands-On Experience At The Touch Tank

6. Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Explore Local Conservation Efforts

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, to the west of Tampa, is one of the top non-profit organizations leading the way in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life.  You can meet rescued animals, hop on a boat ride to witness wildlife in their natural habitats, meet dolphins and even help staff care for their sharks. It’s a perfect spot for anyone keen on marine science center work or interactive exhibits. Plus, it’s just a short trip from Tarpon Springs, making it a great way to spend the whole day out and about in Tampa. 

If you're choosing between the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the nearby Florida Aquarium, and wondering which is better, the Florida Aquarium is larger, featuring more exhibits and a splash pad. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is slightly smaller and focuses on marine rescue. It’s especially great for kids who love the 2011 3D movie Dolphin Tale, which was filmed at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

7. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Immerse Yourself In A Virtual Experience

8. Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: Snorkel In Stingray Bay

9. Museum Of Discovery And Science: Take The Scientific Approach

If you're looking for aquariums near your cruise port in Fort Lauderdale, don't discount the Museum of Discovery and Science. This place is a giant learning playground that combines a science museum with an aquarium. So, after exploring the space travel or ecology exhibits, head to the aquarium area for a deep dive into South Florida's underwater ecosystem and marine animals. You can also look for a new exhibit showcasing interactive technology that puts you face-to-face with stingrays, tropical fish and more. It’s almost like visiting a mini marine science center right in the heart of Fort Lauderdale.

Pair the Museum of Discovery and Science with the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center — a hidden gem about a half hour away — and get up close and personal with some land wildlife.

10. Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters: Discover New Experiences

11. Above And Below The Sea: Get The Best Of Both Worlds

Whether you’re exploring a Florida aquarium in Tampa or strolling through an aquarium in Orlando, you’ll discover that the top aquariums in Florida show off diverse sea life and highlight vital conservation work. Each one plays an important role in educating visitors about marine animals. A Florida cruise offers abundant opportunities to marvel at incredible sea creatures and learn about the importance of protecting our oceans.

Come to know all about the ocean’s marine life at one of the many amazing Sunshine State aquariums before or after your next cruise from Florida.