Mote Marine Aquarium Review

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Mote Marine Aquarium

  • Address: 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., City Island, Sarasota, FL, 34236 | Map It
  • Phone: 941/388-4441
  • www.mote.org

Fodor's Review:

The 135,000-gallon shark tank at Mote Marine Aquarium lets you view bull, sandbar, and other sharks from above and below the surface. Other tanks show off eels, rays, and other marine creatures native to the area. There's also a touch tank where you can get friendly with horseshoe crabs, conchs, and other creatures. Hugh and Buffett are the resident manatees and, though not as venerable as Snooty at the Parker Manatee Aquarium, they have lived here since 1996 as part of a research program. There's also a permanent sea-turtle exhibit. Many visitors take the 105-minute boat trip onto Sarasota Bay, conducted by Sarasota Bay Explorers (941/388-4200. www.sarasotabayexplorers.com). The crew brings marine life on board, explains what it is, and throws it back to swim away. You are almost guaranteed to see bottlenose dolphins. Reservations are required.

  • Cost: Aquarium $17, boat excursion $26, combined ticket $36
  • Open: Aquarium daily 10-5; boat tours daily 11, 1:30, and 4
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