Florida Aquarium Review

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Florida Aquarium

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 3.8/5

Fodor's Review:

Although eels, sharks, and stingrays are the headliners, the Florida Aquarium is much more than a giant fishbowl. This is a dazzling architectural landmark with an 83-foot-high multitier glass dome and 200,000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibit space. Recent additions include dives with mild-mannered sharks and sea turtles (certified divers over 14), a shallow-water swim with reef fish such as eels and grouper (ages 6 and over), and a shark-feeding program. The aquarium also has more than 10,000 aquatic plants, and animals representing species native to Florida and the rest of the world. The major exhibit areas reflect the diversity of Florida's natural habitats—Wetlands, Bays and Beaches, Ocean Commotion, and Coral Reef. Creature-specific exhibits are the No Bone Zone, showing off invertebrates, and Sea Hunt, with predators ranging from sharks to lion fish. The aquarium's most impressive single exhibit is the Coral Reef Gallery, in a 500,000-gallon tank ringed with viewing windows, including an awesome 43-foot-wide panoramic opening. Part of the tank is a walk-through tunnel, almost giving the illusion of venturing into underwater depths. There you see a thicket of elkhorn coral teeming with tropical fish. A dark cave reveals sea life you would normally see only on night dives. If you have two hours, try Bay Spirit's Wild Dolphin Ecotour, which takes up to 49 passengers onto Tampa's bay in a 64-foot catamaran for an up-close look at bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife. The outdoor Explore a Shore exhibit, which gives younger kids a chance to release some energy, is an aquatic playground with a waterslide, water jet sprays, and a climbable replica pirate ship. Last but not least, two black-footed African penguins make twice daily appearances in the aquarium lobby.

  • Cost: Aquarium $17.95, Ecotour $19.95; Aquarium/Ecotour combo $32.95; parking $5
  • Open: Daily 9:30-5
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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 11/12/08
A good aquarium set in a striking and attractive modernist building. Has the usual watery critters pleasingly displayed. Expensive.

Member Rating: 3.8
Ratings details: Experience: 4.0 Ease: 4.0 Value: 3.0 Don't Miss: 4.0
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