Page Updated: September 14, 2023
Florida Aquarium
Florida Aquarium- Tampa FL
The Florida Aquarium is a conservation based institution housing over 8.000 animals off the port of Tampa. Located between two cruise ship terminals and on the city’s streetcar line, the aquarium’s 250k facility near the Channel District and Sparkman Wharf is perfectly situated for heavy visitation. The aquarium’s newest exhibit, MORPH’D, features interesting species like epaulette sharks and the bird poop frog. Plans for further expansion will include a new outdoor sea lion habitat and slated for completion in 2025.
For better flow, Florida Aquarium works to usher visitors along the same path. On entry, escalators carry visitors to the second floor and the journey appropriately begins in the Wetlands of Florida. The gallery features animals local to the area and incorporates mangrove forest as well as a free-flying aviary for a variety of birds.
A rainy day in Florida combined with the week of Spring Break means the Aquarium was a the place to be. It was overcrowded, and consequently we missed things - including the Journey to Madagascar exhibit. More than 80% of the species on the island of Madagascar is only found on the island. And who doesn’t want to see a hissing cockroach?! Bummed we missed this one.
Both the Shorelines and the No Bone Zone exhibits have touch pools for sensory exploration. Here, visitors have the chance to feel aquatic creatures like anemones, sea cucumbers, and cownose rays.
Coral Reefs guides visitors through tunnels while showcasing moray eels, reef fish, and sharks. Visitors also get to learn about the nocturnal habits of fish and if lucky enough, witness a bait ball.
One of the coolest exhibits of the Florida Aquarium is Waves of Wonder where lots of beautiful anemones dance in the water’s current. And they have a few unique varieties of jelly fish to gawk at. My favorite is this jellyfish that looks like it’s ready to go the disco!
It was gross and rainy on our visit so we saw nothing that was outside. We dont have immediate need for the outdoor splash pads, but maybe in the future we’ll get to see the South African Penguin habitat. Maybe after 2025 when the new Sea Lion exhibit is complete!
-b&b
Newman’s Lake Trail
