Clearwater Marine Aquarium Reviews

Up close and personal with rehab and release programs.

Nothing special. Lot of construction going on. Pricey for what they have.

Fabulous, friendly and knowledgeable staff that made the day unforgettable! Clean facility with so much to offer for a day's visit....the dolphins, pelicans, turtles, fish... everything!

Great spot that helps marine animals! Winter and all her fellow animals that have been rescued are really wonderful. How they treat the animals that are rescued and can't go back to the wild is amazing. Anytime I am close, I come visit.

It was good to see the dolphins and see the other animals. Got to see my niece up front to do science prodjects.

Bad, nothing good for the price. It's a museum. Watch the movie and it's more fun.

Variety of animals. Line really long so buy tix online

Staff were very informative and the whole experience was fun

In need of some repair but great experemce for young kids

We planned to visit in the morning, but ended up staying the whole day. We didn't know the Dolphin's Tale movie, but we certainly do now. It isn't a polished tourist attraction, like Sea World, the toilets are portakabins in the parking lot, but I think that is part of its charm. It seems a rescue centre first, attraction second. Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid queues at the entrance (plus you get a discount). The free boat trip included to the other site was an added bonus.

We had lots of fun, don't forget to take the ferry to Downtown Clearwater

Kids loved the animals and getting to touch the rays. Make sure you check the times for the dolphin appearances, they aren't on display all day and get a lot of downtime (a very good thing).

Went during spring break. Three teens with us. Not to much for them to do or see. We didn't think it was worth the price. Probably better for those with smaller kids. Had to park a few blocks away. We're told we had to go to "will call" for pre-purchased electronic tickets? That's not will call.

Fun place to bring the kids on a weekend. Couple hours of things to look at or do. Winter and Hope are available to view. Also have sharks, otters, turtles, and pelicans. You can touch the sting rays.

Excellent place to go. Loved the story about Nickolas the rescue dolphin

Excellent aquarium. What makes it better is that it is primarily a rehab for oceanlife. Their moto is rescue, rehab, and release.

My first time here and got great service at the bar and the food was incredible

Very disappointed. I was hoping it was a bit bigger and to see movie props. Apparently, because it is under construction, you could not see most of them. The reason I wanted to go was foe that and to see Winter. They dis not say any of this when buying a ticket and dis not even give any discount foe jot being able to see it. More than likely will not return in the near future

For what we paid, we could have spent the whole day at the Florid Aquarium. The price doesn't match what you get to see and do.

Our first time, but seemed everything was closed off due to Covid. We've been to a couple other aquariums & have been impressed, but this was underwhelming.

Had a great time, loved seeing all the animals. Also took the boat ride where we were able to see some local birds and dolphins!

Small but worth it the experience is a must. The kids will love it.

Not a traditional aquarium, I suggest for older kids. It's a rescue aquarium still worth seeing. It's all about Winter the dolphin and her prosthetic fin. One visit is probably good.

Great price, and it goes to a really good cause. Cool seeing all the animals up close. Yes it's not quite what you think, it's not seaworld, and it's not very big. But if you go in knowing that it's small, but very interesting, and that you get to be part of saving some really cool animals lives, youll enjoy it. And make sure you take the bus to the second location where they have all the movie props from Dolphin Takes. Even If you didn't like the movie its still really cool. If your looking for brand new facility, and all the latest amenities, it may not be for you.

Not so much an aquarium, more like a hospital/ rehabilitation center for marine animals. Very educational and interesting though. Great place to bring children.

Kids had a blast and they learned lots about all the different animals.

What an amazing Sanctuary! We learned so much! Super friendly staff and always willing to answer all our questions! Great job!

I loved to see the dolphins but make sure to go there early enough it's not that much fun when you come after 4pm

Awesome and helpful staff, Awesome animals, and best of all, helping animals in need!

This is not an aquarium rather a rescue centre. Set your expectations accordingly. Gets very busy with very small spaces. Too much marketing based on the movie. Good cause, but not worth your time

Much careful attention given to the rehab and care of these marine aninals

I didn't like the price because you paid 69 dollars and there is barely anything there. The only interesting thing I saw was the one where you are like a scientist and you find the bones for what an owl spit out. Winter is there but he doesn't do anything obviously cause of his tail. But then there is a bunch of other dolphins and they do the show. The show is not very interesting. She just tells you what she/he likes then where she came from and etc. I would not recommend this place for a family thing.

Been there twice. Kids loved it each time. Nice facility!

I cannot say enough how wonderful this was. I love A Dolphin Tale so much and getting to see Winter and Hope in person was amazing. Beyond that, though, we did the behind the scenes your and learned so much about the animals and the work that they are doing there. If you're debating on going, I say go!

All around great place to go!! I thoroughly love working here!!!!

Nice to see winter and hope other than that it's a quick walk around and you're done.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is misnamed. A more apt and descriptive term would be "Clearwater Marine Rehabilitation and Rescue Center" as the variety of animal species and activities were abysmal compared to any true "Aquarium". A Bass Pro Shop has a more visually appealing and interesting variety of fish and creatures. While I'm sure the funds go to a good cause, the price is high for an "aquarium" that isn't one.

They are under construction.. not much to see.. their prices are a bit high for what they have to offer. Instead I would try the Florida aquarium in downtown Tampa

Not alot of exhibits. It is the home of Winter, the dolphin from Dolphin Tale.

hi I'm 12 years old and I watched the movies on hope an winter I'd really love to learn more about them I love dolphins and everything about them but winter and hope are amazing the way they are best friends and how they got along. I'm actually saving up money so I can take a trip to see them and meet u all

Although I live in Venezuela and I am gocha I love winter I was passionate about his feelings, this is definitely the best hospital in the world I would like to meet such a great animal

Beautiful place to spend time with your family, incredible memories! You will Love it!

Visited the aquarium on a Saturday afternoon when it was moderately busy. This is a place to visit with children old enough to understand fun facts about animals. 5 years old being the youngest, but geared more for children a bit older. I came with my 2 1/2 year old. Not so much fun. She looked at the marine life but ready to leave after 1 hour. The presentations are mostly talking and my toddler is way too squirmy for that! We also did the boat cruise which is lovely and older kids would enjoy it. Again, my toddler did not enjoy it.
Side note: Sharkbites is extremely overpriced. Pricing similar to buying hotdogs at a movie theater, although I think we paid more here than even the movies.

As a local and annual pass holder its important to say that this is not an aquarium. We love the work and the cause. My only knock in stars is due to the constant work being done. My year pass is almost over and despite being many times, we still feel like we need to go again to see more. Not because of the large amount of things to see but because things we feel we missed. Recommend swinging by if you love the work done but the year pass for locals, I don t believe is worth it.

Winter was awesome. Nicholas was freaking rock in too

Such an Awesome job that they are doing. Can't wait to come back after it has expanded.

This is a nice place to take the kids or just get away from the tourist traps of the beach. It is also very educational.

Very small aquarium. The main attraction is Winter the dolphin. There is a tank with fish , sea turtles ,pelicans and an otter but not much more. They are in the process of building a manatee center but it isn't finished yet. They have a nice sized gift shop.

Highly recommend avoiding weekends. I thought they did a great job of being informative about the animals and having tons to read. Many interactive displays, but understand they are rehabilitive, so it is less showing off the animals than other aquariums.

I visited the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in late April 2019 and I was absolutely impressed! The Behind the Scenes Tour was about 45 minutes long and it was worth every penny. I learned all about their success stories, past rescues, and I observed animals undergoing rehabilitation. I truly believe in CMA's mission - rescue, rehabilitation, and release.

It was really neat seeing the movie set of the Dolphin Tale films. I highly recommend watching those movies, if you haven't already! It warmed my heart seeing Winter, Hope, and Nicholas, along with the other animals. The entire staff at CMA was welcoming, knowledgeable, compassionate, and friendly. I highly recommend visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium! I give them two thumbs up!!!

Great place for grandkids ! Sound system, could hear, but different to understand.

Took my family here to see hope And winter. It was worth it. Would go agian.

Interesting rescue/rehab facility for marine animals. You can sign up to help feed the animals, or just watch. We got to see two boys feed two nurse sharks. That was cool.

Very amazing place. The staff truly love what they do. I hope to visit again very soon.

My kids love this place. Nice to see them continue to grow!

Nice place to visit with military discounts and interesting knowledge about sea life and rescue.

It was awesome to see how the staff heals the injured or sick animals. The dolphins were great, but my favorite part was seeing the otters

This is a rescue place that lets you visit. There are indicators about the movies filmed there. The place is small, but they have events constantly. Staff was very knowledgeable & helpful. There are also several volunteers that stand around & may or may not be knowledgeable.

A bit run down. Not quite worth the 20+ dollar admission. Still a good way to kill an afternoon if its raining.

It is the original Rescue facility for Winter the dolphin from the movie A Dolphins Tale.

Such a wonderful place to visit! The dolphins from the movies were super cute but most of all they really care about the animals and save them. Great experience

This is a great place to see what goes on behind the scenes for sea animals in need of rescue. And getting to see how well the resident animals are treated is a plus, as well!

Needs a renovation badly. Fun place for the family.

The shark tank was so foggy, you could seen in there. Overall, nice aquarium that does great rescue work. It is entertaining, educational, and very emotional at times. The stories about the things some of these animals went through is heartbreaking. It is quick and easy to get through. The whole thing takes less than 2 hours, which is perfect for young kids.

I have visited here two times so far in my life. Best time to visit is during nice weather and when there is not many people. Thanks CMA staff for making my two experiences memorable.

Yes, if you're close you must visit this inspiring place.

Nice little aquarium with Winter the dolphin. Nice 50 minute family boat ride. Very relaxing and saw dolphins on the gulf inlet.

Awesome behind the scenes tour. And amazing what these people are doing here. So many volunteers who devote their time and energy. Every penny you spend makes this place possible.

Visiting winter is a great way to have a teachable moment with your children while on vacation. Winter is very inspirational as she represents overcoming challenges we all face in life. This is more of an educational facility in how to help preserve marine life and there are several stars here now including Cooper the little otter:) They also work to help endangered sea turtles so a visit here will help them continue the work they do here. You also get to be much closer to the marine life than you do at most aquariums.