Miami Seaquarium Reviews

It is a smaller place than seaworld, but, they do a good job. It is a little pricey, but, the focus seems to be on conservation and education. You can bring in your own food to save some money. I spoke to one of the trainers and she said that the cost supplements the animal care. That care is expensive. These animals are better cared for than humans in hospitals and care facilities.

It is a Great Show and allow kids to be close to sea creatures.

Dolphin Odyssey Experience First off, should anyone try this in Winter, know that the water temperature is about 55 degrees in December (skinny kids will be teeth-chattering freezing for 30mins like mine). Secondly, the price difference between the Encounter and Odyssey is ridiculous (close to $100 more) and there is only one additional experience of being pulled Once by a dolphin. You get there half hour early to view a video and put on your wetsuit. My kid was happy but as parents dishing out the $$$, we were fairly disappointed with the lack of encounters you get for the 30 mins. My 9yrs got pulled once, fed the 2 fish to the dolphin, get to hold it once for hugging and once for kissing so we take pictures. Then she got to look under the water to see the dolphin swim. Despite the group breaking into two (max 14 so she was one of 7); there was a lot of waiting around and having to step out of the water for timeout of the dolphins when they dont participate to the trainer's liking. You DO NOT get to constantly touch, feed and swim with the dolphines. In summary, for $230 plus $53 for a parent to take pictures/observer; the experience is highly overrated for 30 mins of infrequently interaction.

Great time spent with family, all the staff were friendly and patient. Loved it.

Best aquarium I've ever been. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Swimming with the dolphins was absolutely incredible. Definitely would go back

Shows are very good for kids. Facilities are outdated

Very, very good place to go with the family. Excellent shows. The sea lions show is probably one of the bests in the world. Totally world class. The parking lot is huge but you should pay 10 per car. The ticket price is 50 dollars, in my opinion, a bit excessive. In the future, I'd like to see a bigger tank foyr the killer whale but that probably won't happen

You don't have to be a member of PETA to know that the treatment of the Orca at Miami Seaquarium is disgusting. You just have to not be stupid.

This place is overpriced for a small park and then charges for parking on top of it. The employees obviously hate their job and will even admit that some of the exhibits are sad. The animals are kept in small containers and parts of the park clearly haven't been maintained for awhile and are covered in gnats. I'm so excited that Florida finally outlawed using whales for shows, at least now places like this won't be allowed to force whales to jump through hoops in a small pool of water just to get fed. Charging this much per person, you'd really think that the seaquarium would spend more money to treat these animals better. I loved this place as a child, but now it's just depressing.

They should empty the tanks & the US really needs new legislation to protect the Marine Life that are being taken captive. This is not a good place. When my father took me here years ago I remember being very confused regarding the large whale performing tricks. I asked him where the whale stayed, who fed it ect. My dad literally told me there was an entrance to and from the ocean to let them in and out which he believed!!! I will not visit this place again after hearing about the MarineLand & Seaworld horror stories from present. Marine life has been proven over and over through the years to be a hyper intelligent species. Time to let them go.

The Miami Seaquarium is a fun place to being kids to give them a chance to view animals that don't necessarily see. It is more of an amusement park without rides than an aquarium, but still an enjoyable place. There are multiple dolphin shows and experiences. Plenty of chances to get close to reef animals and birds. You can even feed the seals / sea lions. There are plenty of shows and feeding events that will keep you busy for a while.

Keep in mind that most of this place is outdoors, so be prepared for the weather. There are plenty of shade spots and eateries.

Visited this place in 2014, it was so much fun and nice place to visit. But now in 2018 it's not worth the money. Animals are too old they don't perform. Parrots and turtles are dying and sick. You can clearly say they ve some disease.All aquariums are full with mud. You cannot see anything from outside. Nobody is cleaning anything. Not at all worth $50 ticket.

I'm giving it a 2 star only because we had a Summer Pass. Otherwise I really disliked it. It is not worth the money spent. The price is expensive. + $8 parking. That's mandatory.
There are 4 shows.
The dolphins shows are very good. The ladies are trying hard,and they are exciting. The music was upbeat, and the ladies were emotional while talking. Which was just right amount of talk.
The Sea Lion show was OK. The music was not energetic. When the entertainer-lady talked, sometimes she had to lip-sync, with a loud recording even without a mic. Seriously... You guys gotta fix both: horrible lip syncing situation an the music.
The Killer Whale and Dolphins used the best one! This was my 3rd/4th time and I'm quite disappointed! The lady conducting the show had a verbal "runs". The mic is not meant for you to deliver a monologue! I could not decipher much of what she was saying due to the acoustics, but she definitely killed the best show :-( In addition, the orca didn't make the splashes in the end,which everyone was expecting. We were told the show is over. 90% of the audience were stunned.
They have summer inflatable water slides for the kids, and the splash playground. This is great addition for kids entertainment.
The most awesome event that we happened to watch was feeding of the fish in the Reef tank. Thank you, for letting us see up close how a sting ray eats fish!

This place has been around since I was a child and it still amazes kids and even thrills adults. The shows are full of surprises and humor with a clear conservation message aimed at the next generation. This is a bright spot in Miami that inspires bright minds to care about our sea life, environment and our future.

Seaquarium is not part of the Sea World family and certainly not on the same level. It has a perfect location on Key Biscayne, but the property is showing some age and needs updated/renovated in a number of areas. I hope that the investment in a new entrance is the start of the process. There are four shows which were the highlight of our visit as much of the balance of the park is underwhelming - a few fish tanks, birds, turtles and such -- nothing impressive. If not for the shows we could have been in/out in probably 2 hours. Fundamentally, they charge too much for a day pass and then charge $10 for parking on top of it. I think they either need to "up their game" or reduce their price to reflect the true value of the experience.

Don't waste your money now, the main attractions which were the killer whales and dolphins show is not longer available. Coral reef tank is under remodeling. The rest of the shows they spend a lot of time teaching about recycling and cleaning the ocean, which is alrigh, just that when you go with kids they get bore and don't understand the reasons behind.I personal think is over rated for now. I came here like 15 years ago and it was way better.

There was also the feeling that the place is run by kids many who have no manners or are not service oriented. My girlfriend paid $11 for a margarita that was unberable to drink at Parrot Ice Cove stand. Asked the young guy, who by the way, was drinking a Stella beer, to add ice or sugar. He was not knowledgeable about drinks and had an attitude I offered to pay some extra $5. While pouring some of the drink in another cup, he splashed on my girlfriends shirt and did not even apologized. So here we are with a $16 drink heading to the guess services to share this horrible experience but of course there was no administration available. Eorse experience for a family of six.

*Military Discount* friendly and parking is easy but it seem very outdated there's nothing new really

The last time I came here was 17 months ago. I used to come here occasionally with my family and whatnot. The problem with this aquarium is the fact that it exists, and it needs to be taken down as soon as possible. Poor Lolita has been captivated in this very small tank for almost 50 years, that s half a freaking century, people. Imagine being trapped in a small cage for your whole life, you can t. The tank that she s in is smaller than the aquarium s parking lot, I mean apparently people parking their cars are more important than this innocent killer whale s life. If you didn t know, killer whales that are captivated commit suicide by bumping their heads against the edge of the tank. This is not acceptable. It s time to boycott this place before it s too late. How is this entertainment? People think Lolita likes doing tricks and stuff for people, but that couldn t be any further from the truth. Lolita is forced against her own will to do these things, and she is very, very exhausted. This goes for the other animals that are captivated in this aquarium, too, not only Lolita. This needs to end. This is ANIMAL CRUELTY.

If you re deciding on coming here for entertainment, think again, and maybe another time. This is the wrong place for entertainment. You want some entertainment? Go to the cinema, a theme park, a concert, etc. But don t ever go somewhere like this place for entertainment.

This place is amazing with a lot to do and see we went on Christmas Eve and spent the day. We did the dolphin encounter and was very fun and educational. The kids loved it the staff was very helpful and friendly.

A aquarium in the style of the 1950s.. small tanks, not much else to take away. I expect a lot more from an aquarium.

Fun place where u can see 5 different shows and learn about sea/ocean animals.
Personaly, I like when place is not huge, so the size of this is perfect for me- 3.3h was enough to see everything. There are some food, refreshments, icecream available to purchase at reasonable price and there are nice shaded benches where u can sit and tale a brake.

Location of Muami Seaquarium is absolutely stunning.
Vew of the sunset is breathtaking.

I visited here 3 times and it s entertaining as always.

Definitely doing a lot of good things for marine mammal conservation. Melissa was amazing and answered all of my questions very thoroughly. She is clearly very passionate about marine mammals and has a positive impact on the animals and guests. She definitely made me want to return to the park!

Great GWRRA Chapter. Lots of planned rides and gatherings

Hello everyone!
I would have to say me & all 5 of my kids have to say .it was very Disappointed. This Seaquarium haves No updates at all. The only thing new was they had but up two kids water Bounty house slide today. The shows was disappointing as well. To much talking then showing.
To think. They would make a better kids water playground at less. But nope!!!!!!! Be Aware!! To bring your own water bottles. Because your well pay over $4 for anything there. I hope this help. And help this company do some updates as well. Change it up!!

A little pricey for what you're getting but fun for the kids.

This place has seen better days and is in need for much refurbishment.

Best place to spend afternoon. You can enjoy the dolphins show. Highly recommended for families.

Honestly a little fun for the kids because they were able to see some sea life but was a great waste of money nothing was open on a Monday no huts were serving icecream no drinks not even a food selection only 3 out of there 50 food items were available nothing else was an option we left at 3:30pm and still nothing had opened.

Glad this place was closed due to weather. Doesn t even deserve one star!! Empty the tanks!!

The place is not worth the money you spend. It is really sad, small, decadent, and dirty. The restaurants are expensive. There is not a variety of food and what they have is nasty. The shows are the only enjoyable things of the park. Really disappointing!!!

Miami Seaquarium is the saddest experience that I have had as an animal and ocean lover. Don't waste your money, you are supporting the wrong cause.

It's not much big but it's good for a take a view of sea animals

Around $500 was spent for two of us for Dolphin Odissey . So DO NOT purchase this great opportunity to swim with dolphins. We were in GROUP of 15 (!!!) people, they gave us one 5 seconds ride with dolphin, the rest of the time we were waiting everyone if that group take pictures and such. Don t waste your money, for this price you have to get an individual swim!!! On top of that, they offer photos, $135 per person. Dear management, are you insane?? Will you pay almost $1000 for two people for 30 minutes??? The place needs renovation, will never go there again!

Awesome shows. Great diversity of marine species. However place is getting lld, needs some modernization

SeaWorld experience in a small area..no long walks..

We returned 5 months after the last review, the place has been improved. Tropical area is the one that they still working on it. All facilities and food are much better than last visit. Please keep up good works.

We went yesterday to swim with the dolphins, it was a great experience but oh boy, so pricey! we paid $498.84 for two adults and one child, our experience with the dolphins was scheduled for 3:15 but started around 4:45, and they rush the experience, we didn't get to touch them or get to know the dolphins not even for one minute, I kept asking the trainer when are we going to touch and interact with the dolphins and she said in a few minutes, but the few minutes never came, it was just the trainers making them preform, that was disappointing, second, I don't see the need for the wet suits, the water was warm, besides we were sweating balls in them with the intense sun! the junk food restaurant wasn't open either! a bottle water cost you over four dollars! but the worst part is how rundown, dingy the place is! all the water tanks are so dirty and murky, you can't barely see the animals, the algae is so bad that stains the glass and that's why you can barely see anything, omg and the worst is the tank were they do the sea trek, that my friends its really disgusting! the water has a greener to brown tint to it because is soooooo dirty, I feel so sorry for the fish life in there, I think that for the prices they charge the place should be kept nicer and cleaner, I have been to many aquariums around USA and this one by far deserves a D-, I hope this review helps so you go there with open eyes so to speak...

It was awsommmmeee !! I only went there for a fieldtrip it was really cool we saw lors of seeaa animals its also expensive there and be Wise on what to get

My family had a great time visiting here for my birthday. I had always wanted to swim with a dolphin and my wish was granted here. Well trained staff and well trained dolphins made my experince memorable.

Miami Seaquarium is such a great experience. There are so many opportunities to learn about the different animals and their wild counter parts through the shows and feedings along with the trainers and guides all around the park. The dolphin encounter at Dolphin Harbor is spectacular, thank you to Carmen A. and Grecia Z. for being particularly helpful in our experience with the park! Definitely recommend to all ages for a great day!

We have come here two times now and each time was a great experience. There is a little bit for everyone and the animals seem to be well taken care of

Bad facilities , expensive and not worry about the client

Had a great time watching dolphin shows, sea lion, killer whale and other exotic sea creatures

This is a horrible place that doesn't even meet the legal standards of animal care and well being. Lolita has been in the tinyiest orca tank in the UslS for over 40 years. She was born on the wold with her family until she was captured at 4 years old and sold to tje Seaquarium. PLEASE do your research before buying a ticket and supporting this awful place. Every weekend there are numerous groups protesting outside. They have also been sudd numerous times for violating the AWA (animal welfare act) This awful prison needs to be shut down. Google Hugo the whale and you will learn about one orca they have already killed. PLEASE do not support this torturous tourost trap. You pay $45 they pay with their lives.

Good time for the kids, they enjoyed the shows and exhibits. Food was good but a little on the pricey side. Overall very clean and enjoyable...

So hot in the summer, but worth it for the shows kid's and many opportunities to learn about sea animals and thier abilities

I loved everything about miami seaquarium. There was lots to see and do. The kids had a blast and the park itself was clean. A nice variety of food. The only thing is that there was no place to change the baby in the women's bathroom

Regardless of the animal rights issue the seaquarium is simply poor value. It looks like it was built in the 50's and hasn't really had anything done to it since. Many of the features were closed , very few shady areas and the catering was truly the worst we have ever experienced. Finally I couldn't believe they charge $8 dollars to park on top of an already high entry fee. As someone else said if you have been to Sea World you will be disappointed.

This place is depressing. I feel terrible for that lonely orca.

Everything was wonderful, only there should be more sharks...

It's really small. Honestly the best part of it in my opinion was right as you walk in and see the flamingos. Everything else is just kind of small and sad. The sea turtles just gather by the area where the sea water comes in. You can watch them try to climb on the railing and get back to the ocean. The worst part though is the Orca. That pool is so small, it made me really sad. There is no way that Orca gets the enrichment it needs from that tiny pool, it can't dive or anything in there. In my opinion it definitely wasn't worth the $50, and don't think we'll be stopping by there again. I didn't understand why there were protesters outside until we got in and seen how tiny everything was.

Great place for a family trip in Miami! We spent half a day here, taking in the dolphin show and the seal show. Both were excellent, holding the attention of adults, children of all ages, and even our 22 month old. However, I was concerned when visiting the penguin exhibit and the manatees, they both seemed to be in very small enclosures with hardly any room. Overall though, for better or worse when it comes to ethics re: aquariums, it's a nice place to visit!

I made a mistake while reserving a spot that had me in a pretty tight bind. These guys bailed me out even though it was my fault.

A great time for toddlers, teens, and everyone else.

Very nice, you can tell they care about their animals

Best time to go beginning of work week when nobody's there

Fun place with different shows during the day. My favorite was the Flipper s show, and the killer whale was cute.

This is a great place to spend a day with the family with plenty of things to do from the shows to activities for the kids to do in the park including water slides. The shows are informative and educational on how to preserve the animals of the sea. You can also visit the place where flipper a show that was in the '60s was shot. The other activities are worth it but cost extra. A special shout out to Victor who was a big help to us guides us thru the day.

Miami Seaquarim is a great place to visit if you want to pay upwards of forty dollars per person to put you and your family at risk and expose your kids to the atrocities of which humans are capable. All sarcasm aside under no circumstances should you relinquish a single dime to this horrific establishment. Upon entering it is immediately apparent that there has been little or no upkeep in quite some time. Paint (I imagine lead) is chipping off virtually every surface it covers, the concrete on walls and above your very head is cracked and crumbling in places. It seems the only time they use paint is to put some lipstick and rouge on the compromised foundations of the tanks. The place is dilapidated. It is literally frightening at times. Allowing your child to explore with their senses in this environment, touching and investigating their surroundings would be only slightly less disgusting than doing so in a Porti Potti at the state fair after it has been used all week in the smoldering heat of summer. On to the food. All I can say is, remember public high school cafeteria lunches? Before anyone cared about mechanically separated meats and high levels of laboratory engineered preservatives? If you would find pleasure in paying six dollars for the novelty of eating a pre-packaged beef-like burger topped with cheese product, go for it. Apparently the health department is not required to investigate this place, or there is some sort of arrangement because there are more critical health violations than tiny packages of salt and pepper. Finally, on to the biggest issue Lolita. She is the Orca they have had captive for FORTY years. Do a little research, inform yourself. Google Lolita Miami Seaquarim and I would bet you will not pay to support her captivity. Her mother and the rest of her pod are still alive in the wild. She lives in the same tank in which she performs . It is twice as big as she is. It is worse than prison because she has done nothing wrong, in fact, she wasn t even accused of anything. Orcas are social creatures and she hasn t seen another one in THIRTY years - since her companion at Miami Seaquarim bashed his head against the wall of the tank until he killed himself. Even prisoners get to interact with other prisoners. The primary instinct of wild animals is survival; imagine how horrible conditions must be for them to abandon that instinct for suicide. Teach your kids that treating animals like this is wrong, not that it is entertainment or even education. Avoid this place. As for the rest of the marine life there, get a couple masks and snorkels and go have a real entertaining, educational adventure with your children. That will make you a hero, that and boycotting Miami Seaquarim.

It s not the best place. Small and has a little amount of animals or shows. Most exhibits are closed and has little shades. We got in 1/2 off which is the ONLY thing that made it worth it. We didn t spend more than 2 hours there because there isn t much to see.

Fun place. Friendlyand helpful staff. The Cuban sandwich in the little cafe was actually really good.

Wonderful shows and presentations. Plenty of places to eat and drink!

We have the yearly membership and I recommend to get it so you can go anytime you want. The best time to go is at 3:30pm when many of the people have left and you have much of the park to enjoy without so many people.

Awesome place for family and friends to spend a day. Shows are great.

Soooooo amazing!! I was truly fascinated by this place, it was fun, educative, engaging, interactive and worth the time. I appreciate what they are doing to help these animals. This is what human using their skills, energy and time to steward this earth and encourage others to do the same. I enjoyed myself, I would do it again and spend a longer time.

great shows. awesome encounters if you are willing to pay more