Clearwater Marine Aquarium Reviews

Small aquarium but for ages ranging 2 to 8 and especially if you know dolphin tale it is worth every penny. You can make it an ok 5-minute walkthrough or a long and very fun experience. The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable about all aspects of the wildlife there. Don't miss out on Nicholas and Hemingway at the top. You may have to be patient to see Winter but it is very exciting when you finally see her. we definitely recommend doing the boat tour. It is extra but when the dolphins are out it is truly an amazing experience to have you and your children see dolphins in the wild. Our kids absolutely loved it and said it was the best experience.

Very interesting and learn something about sea turtles

Save your money!!!! This place was a major let down! From the outside you think that the aquarium is going to be big with a lot of fish but once you get in you realize it s not. The aquarium is a few fish a couple of turtles and 3 dolphins in a small enclosure, should not be able to be called an aquarium! It s very unfortunate that this place misleads the public like that, would have rather donated money to helping the animals within the aquarium then be mislead into thinking I was going to have a fun experience. It s doesn t take much to make me happy so if I m writing a review like this, you can trust me. Sorry for the bad review but I think people need to be informed.

It was very good, I would highly recommend it to anyone in the area. Very educational and lots for the kids to do.

Winter and Hope were fantastic. Great stop for all families.

It was a fun place to visit,very educational for the children alot cute activities for the kids to do..The only issue I have is I'm a Breast feeding mom and there was no where private to sit and feed my NB I asked customer service and one of the employee told me to go sit in bathroom and do it ,turns out we just had to go because i couldn't find anywhere to feed.

A little underwhelming when held to the standards of the nearby theme parks, but considering the good work that they do, and the budget they have to work with, everything is as perfect in their world as ever. Definitely worth checking out when in the area. Also, about 15 years ago, my family and I did a behind the scenes tour with one of the marine biologists, and even went out in a boat to tour the surrounding waters from the educational perspective. Was an amazing time. If they still offer this, good times. Was here more recently than that, but just wanted to add that. Also, Dolphin Tale...good stuff.

Such an amazing place with amazing people. We had such a special time here today

Not as impressed as I thought I would be. The rescue and release aquarium, is a great place, non profit, they do some amazing work here, but I felt like the whole aquarium is devoted to the movie Winter Tale. It is a bit to pricey for the souvenirs. I gladly donated money to keep the good works on play, but gouging the customers on pictures, and dolphin time, made me feel a bit uneasy. Nice place to visit once, keep up the good work. I won't be returning for another visit.

Although at this time the facilities are a little uncomfortable because the restructuring are clean and the staff is friendly

Upon walking up to the aquarium, it is clear to see that they are doing work out the outside. The inside felt confused and lackluster. When using the word "Aquarium", it sets the expectation that it is a marine life exhibit designed for the viewing pleasure and entertainment of those entering it, while providing an educational experience. Just as important are the housing tanks for the animals. They are near close replicas of what the animals would be living in, in an ocean environment. This aquarium was only one of those things. (Sort of) educational. The bottom level was a crowded mess of humans packed like sardines in narrow hallways and peering through teeny tiny, almost opaque (acrylic?) windows. The upper floor (please note that this location is not stroller friendly) were open tanks that were just salt water and a few animals. I was left feeling underwhelmed and more like I was an intruder, given that the facilities were clearly not designed with visitors in mind. I have been to major aquariums all over the country, and this was the first time I felt sorry for the animals. I think this aquarium needs a major overhaul for the benefit of the animals and the comfort of the visitors. In a word, our visit was "meh."

Awesome place. They rehab marine animals of all sorts.

It was awful the absolute worst aquarium I've ever been to!!!! For 2 adults and 1 child it cost $117.00 and there was only like 6 things to see. I do not recommend this place for anyone it took a total of 10 minutes maximum to see everything.

Needs more organization and more show type attractions in and out in less than a hour I think with the right direction it could be memorable and very entertaining not a bad experience just pricey for the short time you are there but staff was very friendly

This is a rescue and rehabilitation hospital for aquatic animals. It is not what many expect when going to an aquarium. While there, I heard many complaints ('Is that it? What about tricks? Where are the fancy exhibits? No rides?)...if that's what you are looking for, try the nearby Florida Aquarium or Sea World. My family and I enjoyed our visit and are looking forward to visiting again once the renovations are complete.

Note: I only visited their Aquarium section and didn't try out their animal encounters, boat adventures, or behind the scenes tour.

The park is split into two locations (connected by a free shuttle boat) and is relatively small, but you can easily spend hours learning and exploring. Some of the presenters can't be heard well over the ambient noise, but all were nice, knowledgeable and available for questions after.

If you....
are looking for rides, fancy exhibits and animal acrobatics, this is not the place.
are interested in learning about sea life (sting rays, dolphins, turtles and more), rehabilitation, and rescue / release then visit this place.
enjoyed the Dolphin Tale movies, you will likely enjoy seeing the movie set "Winter's Dolphin Tale Adventure" and the dolphins themselves (at the aquarium).

Tip: If there is heavy causeway traffic, park at the "Winter's Dolphin Tale Adventure" and take their free boat shuttle.

Staff was wonderful. Very informative and everyone was super friendly.

Nice aquarium for a rehabilitation center. Staff is knowledgeable and there are many shows about each exhibit.

This facility is extremely important for the work they do for the animals. Being the spouse of a retired military members, I don't think it is right to only give active duty personnel the discount. That being said, the price one pays for admission is high, but understandable since they use their own funding for upkeep for the aquarium and for the care of their animals. Seeing Winter is important for everyone, and the message that they are wanting to give to the visitors, it would be great if visitors could see more of her. LOVE THE RAY TANK!!

Just ok. If you want animal interaction...general admission won't cut it. Must pay extra. Pales in comparison to Mote and Florida!

loved it, plenty of things to see, boat tour was good

Very expensive. They seem to charge for everything individually. The Tampa aquarium is much better.

Very interesting place. Lots of great staff and volunteers. Well worth the visit.

Really cool to see how they care for the animal, we did the behind the scene tour which was awesome to see how it all runs and to see the rescue animals. We got lucky the cast of dolphins tales 2 was there doing a meet and greet

Very interesting and interactive. Highly recommended for children.

My family had an excellent time at CMA. We loved the set up, the view of all the animals, and Nicholas the dolphin! Thanks to Liz, the best dolphin trainer there, our experience was unforgettable and we'll definitely be coming back. Thank you CMA!

Hands down, the best aquarium I have been to. It is also the only rescue center I have been to but I would go all the time if I lived close enough! SUPPORT THIS PLACE

I expected more from the advertising and from the admission price. Good for 2 hours of fun and learning

Loved visiting for first time! Loved seeing Winter & Hope! Staff are very welcoming

While I love what they are doing for the animals at this facility I feel the price is a little high for what there is to do here. It s very small. Do not expect to be wowed by the aquariums or fish if that is what you are going for. It s nothing compared to Shedd Aquarium or some of the other aquariums I ve visited. My son loved the dolphins. They staff seems knowledgeable and very friendly.

Clean aquariums and hospital...
Shout out to winter and hope!

Great experience! Social distancing practiced, masks offered. All staff members are always pleasant. Over all spectacular!!

Its a small a aquarium with TONS of neat things. This place really has a lot to offer both for entertainment and education. We came to add to our school enrichment for our Science curriculum. Its definitely more than meets the eye here.

CMA, please keep doing what you do. It matters and is appreciated by people. You all are awesome!

The staff is very friendly; a lot of marine wildlife to see: turtles, dolphins, etc.

Was worth going. Rescue animals. We really enjoyed the dolphin Nicolas

Very disappointed in the size of the aquarium compared to the price. Parking for 2 cars, and admission for 4 adults, 1 child and an infant $180.00. Took us 5 minutes to walk around to see everything. I understand it s more of a rehab for injured animals and I appreciate that. However, very disappointing for us all. Big deal Winter and Hope are there.

Very disappointed. No air conditioning. It was way too hot. Kept waiting on a show with winter and hope. But they just took pics with children. Was not at all what I expected.:(

This place is pretty boring. Not much to see. I get it and appreciate what they do there, but for a family looking for something to do, I would look elsewhere.

This is a wonderful place for the whole family. The work they do for the sea life that we love is amazing. Rescue, rehab and release helps undo some of the damage we humans can do to our wildlife. Watch the movies and come see the real thing!

The CMA is fun for every member of our family! They are military friendly and allow service members to enter free with up to 10 guest! There are endless activities for adults and children to be actively engaged!

Pleas keep in mind when visiting. This is a very old facility. The animals here are infact being taken care of to the best of the staffs ability. With that said, i found this place surprisingly far less educational than I expected. The staff were knowledgeable for the most part depending on who you talk to. But most newer aquariums keep information posted about the animals that are being kept. Things such as range of the species, maybe conservation status, and a few simple facts. These types of things were available only for the dolphins. Or through staff interaction. I understand that most of the animals here are here for a short time, perhaps a tablet with information about a particular creature that could change along with the species would be nice.

Now with all that said, the boat rides are spectacular. We even took time out to clean trash out of the gulf. I would highly recommend a visit just for that.

They are doing wonderful things to help creatures in need.

Somewhat disappointed, expected more. My son is in a wheelchair and could not see very well. They had all the handicapped viewing areas roped off around Winters tank. He could not see into the pelican area, the window was too high. I understand the main purpose is for our education plus rescue, and rehab of the sick and injured. I just feel a little mislead.

This is such a fun aquarium. Really enjoyed myself. Can't wait to see it when the renovations are finished.

We had a great visit. Lots to see and do. Very friendly staff. It's not a zoo though.

I love their animals and their reason behind it all!

The BEST! !!! Saw Winter & Hope, but they were a little shy. But Nicholas was friendly. Enjoyed seeing the sea turtles rehab center. Hope the building project goes well.

Home to the Dolphins Winter and Hope, eternalized in the movie Dolphing Tale (Winter, the Dolphin) with actor Morgan Freeman, visiting the Aquarium is an interesting option for children.

Note that this isn't Sea World, it is a place for research and rehabilitation of wild animals foremost, a tourist destination second. Above all, It is enriching, inspiring, and educational My children want to attend their summer camp and will plan to make the long journey so they can!

Calling this place an aquarium is a far stretch from what it really is. The price is far to high for what they what have and even once all the construction is done it still wouldn t be worth $30. They should definitely pre-warm people or lower the price during their construction. I definitely feel taken advantage of.

Under renovation and you still have to pay full price. Go to tampa aquarium better and cheaper

Other than Winter and the other dolpins there isnt much to see

I found this place very depressing and shabby. No natural habitat vibe. Pelicans in a stark room with black felt floor, no foliage, nothing. Small gloomy tanks, minimal exhibits. How is this rehibilation?? Staff was friendly, however when I asked when these animals would be released from these confining quarters back into the wild, I was told it was up to the government, which I found discouraging. I felt so bad for these animals. Donate to the cause but do not waste your money thinking you are going into a true aquarium experience.

It was not what I expected. They do good work but there really was not much to see.

Good place for sure. You're able to see the dolphins and touch stingrays. Staff is super friendly and willing to answer any questions. One thing to expect and is awesome, they let the animals do what they want. With this being said, don't expect every show to go as planned. There is no forcing of "performance". Great job guys. Little on the pricier side but will be worth it once addition is completed. Solid 4 star

I have never visited CMA but from the movie i think it is amazing!

I love going and learning about all they are doing to help sea life. It is a unique experience as it is a working hospital and sometimes you can observe an operation on a turtle or other sea life.

Went today with the whole family and we all left very disappointed. The place was small for the admission price. Just a few pools with 2 dolphins, 1 sea turtle, a few fish, a few small sharks, and sting rays. You can walk through the whole place in about 30 mins. If you are expecting a nice, indoor, aquarium this is not the place to visit. Kids from age 2 - 16 were all bored and couldn't wait to leave. Sadly sharing our experience from today (08/17/18).

It's a relatively small aquarium compared to the ones in Baltimore or Atlanta, but very cozy. It's great if you want a smaller more personal aquarium experience for your family. There's also touch tanks for small kids and a pool where you can touch the stingrays. I would definitely recommend it for families, especially if you don't like huge crowds.

They might be doing good work but this is in no way worth the admission price and we went after 4pm!

This aquarium if you call it that has very few observation locations to see aquatic fish and animals. In these tanks there are not a lot of fish and the tanks themselves are hazy. Ironic for a this facility to be in Clear water. My second gripe is this how facility appears to be base of a rescued dolphin that was filmed in 2010 right after How to Train Your Dragon hit the box office and had extreme success in which a prosthetic tail was attached to the dragon's tale that captured the hearts of the views. It seems rescuing this dophine was an investment at using this shotty publicly stunt of creating a prosthetic dophine tale that is still influencing many people of donating their money to this facility. I am surprised how crowded this place was the day my family and I went except it was a very rainy day and there was not much else to do in the area. If you go to this facility with low expectations you might not be too disappointed, but make sure you go after 4pm to get a discounted rate or you will never be satisfied with the money you will have lost.

I did the behind-the-scenes tour, dolphin tour and the family evening Cruise. I enjoyed myself even though the family evening Cruise was not as long as they stated it would be. I really enjoyed seeing winter and hope the Dolphins and being able to see the ICU animal unit. I also enjoyed being able to pet the Stingrays and the shark viewing area. All in all it was a fantastic experience and I would highly recommend it.

Really beautiful to meet Winter & Hope in person. Love them both & the whole facility marvelous

Interesting place to visit (Especially during cold weather)

This is a awsome experience for family's the story is great