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Florida Family Travel Clearwater Marine Aquarium

By Michelle Myers 16 Comments

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Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Looking for a way to get up close and personal with Florida’s marine life? Want to meet the stars of Dolphin Tale in the place that inspired the hit movie? Clearwater Marine Aquarium is where you’ll see all of that and so much more!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Our family recently enjoyed a trip to CMA and had a wonderful experience. Clearwater is on Florida’s west coast, just west of Tampa and the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon. The CMA was and still functions as a marine animal rescue center. While visiting, you’ll notice that the layout is conducive to marine mammal research and rescue not necessarily a tourist attraction. I want to mention that because many people visit expecting a theme park, but this valued attraction is truly all about helping and saving animals, not necessarily entertaining tourists.

Because of the popularity of the Dolphin Tale movies, the aquarium has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several years and attracts larger crowds. Of course, Winter and Hope are the main attractions at the aquarium and guests can visit the dolphins in their habitat throughout the day. You can also prearrange to have an up close and personal experience meeting the dolphins and having a photo taken, creating a lifelong memory!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

We also enjoyed hanging out and watching the otters merrily frolic on their little beach and water area. My kids are completely fascinated with the underwater grace these animals display.

The second floor viewing areas, where the sea turtles, dolphins, and otters, along with other animals are displayed are un-airconditioned. I mention this in case you’re visiting in the especially HOT Summer months, please dress for the weather for maximum comfort. There are roofs/canopied areas to keep the direct sun off your family but it will still be warm and humid.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The 1st floor areas are air conditioned and provide several areas with benches so you can relax and observe the many tanks full of marine life, including the two nurse sharks, Thelma & Louise!

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

After you’re done at the aquarium, you can either hop aboard a trolley or a water taxi and head a couple miles away to the exciting Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, included with your regular admission ticket at the CMA. Here you’ll find recreations of the movie sets, props, and another live touch tank as well as daily scheduled activities the entire family will enjoy. This portion is located entirely indoors and a great place to beat the heat.

Our family spent approximately 3.5-4 hours total between the CMA & the movie adventure area. We had a full day planned so we chose to drive from the aquarium to the movie exhibit(5 minutes and easy to find, well marked signs everywhere). You could easily pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it near the water at Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure before entering the building. Otherwise, no outside food or drink is permitted at the CMA or the exhibition hall. Parking is free at both sites.

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Filed Under: Florida, Travel Tagged With: family, Florida, Kids, travel

About Michelle Myers

Michelle Myers is mom to four kiddos ranging from elementary thru high school, each with strong opinions and a flair for the dramatic. In other words, they're a lot like her. Former educator and lover of learning, she divides her time between carpool and Starbucks by reading voraciously and giving TED talks to herself at red lights. A Floridian for almost 40 years, Michelle loves the beach, making people laugh, and date nights with her hubby of 25 years...and yeas, they clearly married at age 7.
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Comments

  1. Shirley Wood says

    April 22, 2015 at 8:37 am

    It sounds like a fun day at the aquarium including a ride on a water taxi! Aquariums are always fun but with the movie sets and props included really make the Clearwater Marine Aquarium even more fun. There is so much to do in Florida!

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      April 22, 2015 at 9:11 pm

      Come for a visit, Shirley, there is TONS to experience here!!!!

      Reply
  2. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says

    April 22, 2015 at 8:08 am

    This is something my kids want to do so badly. Glad to get your perspective on trip. .

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      April 22, 2015 at 9:12 pm

      Could be a fun family day this Summer!!!!

      Reply
  3. Lacey Charrene says

    April 22, 2015 at 4:40 am

    I will have to check this out next time we are down that way. Love the dolphin photo and who doesn’t love a sweet otter. 😀 #laceyslegacy

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      April 22, 2015 at 9:12 pm

      Aren’t otters just FUN?

      Reply
  4. Logan Can says

    April 21, 2015 at 10:30 pm

    This is an awesome aquarium! I will definitely have to remember to go here when we are down that way this summer!

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      April 22, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Definitely worth checking out, it’ll be a fun experience!

      Reply
  5. Natasha says

    April 21, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    Great article! The hubs and I are always looking for places to take the kids! My daughter loves the Dolphine Tale movie and also has the book! Thanks for sharing…we’ll have to look into it for our next trip to Florida!

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      April 22, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      She’ll love it, it’s fun to meet movie stars! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Tiffani says

    April 21, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    Was so excited to see this post. My family and I used to visit this aquarium years ago before the Dolphin Tale movies came out. I always found it so amazing that the kids could see the all the beautiful ocean creatures close up. It is one of my favorite aquariums and I hope to visit again soon. 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      April 22, 2015 at 9:15 pm

      It is a lovely place! Are you located in FL?

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 4 Easy Family Time Ideas For Fun and Meaningful Connection says:
    April 4, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    […] for shark teeth fossils at local beaches, visited Winter and Hope from the Dolphin Tale movies at Clear Water Aquarium, and watched rocket launches at Kennedy Space […]

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  2. 10 Ways To Survive Disney In The Summer - Sunshine and Hurricanes says:
    October 6, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    […] Clearwater Aquarium […]

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  3. Florida Family Travel Searching For Shark Teeth - Sunshine and Hurricanes says:
    October 2, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    […] in Florida, be sure to check out Weeki Wachee Springs where you can see live mermaids or Clearwater Marine Aquarium to meet the stars of the Dolphin Tale […]

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  4. Florida Family Travel Weeki Wachee Springs - Sunshine and Hurricanes says:
    May 5, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    […] Clearwater Marine Aquarium […]

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Hi There! We’re Michelle and Kira, two Florida moms who know that parenting is full of sunshine and hurricanes. So glad you are here. >>>LEARN MORE





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