My Downtown Tampa

From the Florida Aquarium website:

The Florida Aquarium, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit institution astounds visitors with the beauty and fragility of our eco-system. The facility is home to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and all over the world. The cornerstone of The Channel District, The Florida Aquarium’s mission since opening in 1995 is to entertain, educate and inspire stewardship about our natural environment. It serves as a significant example of Florida’s commitment to preserving native landscapes, ecosystems, historical and archaeological sites, and ethnic and cultural traditions representative of the diverse geography and cultural life unique to our state. Opening in March 1995, the Aquarium has provided cultural enrichment experiences to more than seven million visitors, including 100,000 school students and 1,000 teachers annually.

Opened in March 1995, the 250,000 sq-ft aquarium tells Florida’s unique water story as it follows a drop of water from its underground source to the open sea and is home to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals both native to Florida and from all over the globe.

Four galleries highlight the route of that drop of water:

• Wetlands – Explore Florida’s freshwater environments, including springs, streams, marshes, rivers and mangrove forests. Come face-to-face with otters, spoonbills, gators and snakes. Climb to the top of the dome to check out Aquariumania! An exhibit dedicated to home aquariums.
• Bays & Beaches – Discover sea life along Florida’s coast, such as bonnethead sharks, seahorses, spiny lobsters, stingrays and a 350 lb. grouper!
• Coral Reefs – Plunge 60 feet below the surface into a colorful coral grotto called Sherwood Forest without ever getting wet! Home to more than 2,300 fish including moray eels, grouper, tarpon, Queen Triggerfish and much, much more! Guests age 6 and over can ‘Swim with the Fishes’ in this 500,000-gallon tank! Learn more.
• Sea Hunt – Encounter the world’s most fascinating predators: sharks, a giant Pacific octopus, lionfishand more! Certified SCUBA divers age 15 and older can ‘Dive with the Sharks’ in Shark Bay! Learn more.

Other highlights include:

• Explore A Shore – Cool off this summer with splashin? fun at The Florida Aquarium?s 2-acre water adventure park, Explore A Shore! Watery waves, slippery slides, gushing geysers and an assortment of animal models are just a few of the attractions that await the kids. While the kids play, parents can enjoy the comfort of the Tampa Tribune Cantina with easy viewing of the play and table service.
• Aquariumania! – Explore the art, science and fun of the aquarium hobby and discover why Florida is a leader in the global tropical fish business.
• Dive with Sharks – Our new shark experience, featuring the chance for certified divers to dive in our shark tank. Reservations required: (813) 367-4005.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Explore the Aquarium as never before. See previous “off-limits” areas and learn what it takes to make the Aquarium work.
• No Bone Zone – A kid-friendly, interactive presentation of invertebrates, featuring a 600-gallon touch pool.
• Eco-Tours – The journey through the bay aboard The Bay Spirit, our 49-foot powered catamaran, allows guests to encounter the awesome animals that thrive in these local waters. The only requirement is a sense of adventure. A good pair of binoculars is optional.

The Florida Aquarium (map) is located in the Channelside District, at 701 Channelside Drive. Parking is available in the lot just north of the aquarium (map), or the nearby Channelside Parking Garage (map).

The Florida Aquarium is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, but closed for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

As of November 2008, General Admission is $19.95 for adults, $16.95 for Seniors 60 and older.  Children under 12 get in for $14.95, and little ones 2 & under are Free.  Some of the optional tours incur an extra cost.

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