The Florida Aquarium Review

Lovely aquarium, and it's a very short walk from the Marriott Tampa Waterside hotel.

They have the most active Giant octopus I've ever seen - it would sprawl out on the aquarium glass, then assume all sorts of postures. Fun! It was nice to see the crocodiles, playful river otters and colorful birds like the Spoonbills in the Wetlands section.

The touch tanks were great, the rays were friendly and the bamboo sharks were not shy either. The horseshoe crabs were fun. The only downer was a staff member named Richard, who was condescending almost to the point of rudeness.

Overall, the aquarium is well worth the fee. I made it through in about an hour and a half, but you could linger for 2-3 hours easily and the kids would have a great time. They have a cafe overlooking the water, but I didn't get a chance to try it. If I visit again, I'll do the dolphin tour boat ride also - seems like fun.

The wetlands/mangrove exhibit was wonderful. Really loved the full wall views of the large fish and sharks. The wait in line to purchase tickets is the only reason I didn't give it a 5

Average aquarium. Some cool aspects. Glad we went even though we've been to a number of aquariums.

This is fun for all ages! I love the huge tanks and that you get to feel the starfish! They don't do that in many other aquariums. Very big and plenty to explore. A personal must-see is the dark ocean glowing jellyfish! The jellyfish are like a relaxing zen. I highly recommended this! Also, check out the amazing octopus!!!

It's a big place. Billions of gallons of water!!! Lol plenty of fish to see if all colors shakes and sizes. Huge sharks!!!!!! Baby shark petting tank. All around five stars. They also serve bear and liquor so I'd give it six stars but it didn't have that option.

So much fun. Kids had a great day... I wish times for animal events were spread a little better so you can see more if you only have 1 day as I did being from out of town, but it's a gorgeous facility and you can tell the animals are well cared for. Will definately be back.

Best aquarium around. The different areas are laid out in a way that you can easily transition from one section to another. Diverse marine life from all over the world.

I've been to the Denver Aquarium, which ironically most their fish were from here. I've been to the Atlanta Aquarium, which boasts the most water but other than the whale shark (which was amazing!) couldn't come close to matching this aquarium.

Amazing, perfect. My 10yr, 9yr and 7yr old kids loved it.

This place is great. It's huge, and so beautiful. They have so many species and fish, so much fun. Their stringray tank is dope. The dolphin tour to me was worth it. I was chilling on a boat for an hour looking at beautiful dolphins playing in the water.. and they have a kid water playground! I would definitely return to this place. If this is the third best aquarium, I can't wait to visit the first!

Fun place for the kids and adults. The splash pad is a great way to the kids to get energy out.

Suggestion: get the annual membership as you get specials all year and the cost is almost the same as the regular entrances

This aquarium had everything we needed. Cost of entry was steep but you can get discounts with AAA. Large space so crowds weren t an issue and exhibits were very well presented and maintained.

Loved the up close and personal experience with all kinds of wetland and sea creatures.

I go there almost twice a month, it is a really fun day for me and my younger brother. It is a bit small, but they have new exhibits fairly often so there's always something new to see. You can see all the aquarium in about 2 hours but if you go at a slow pace it can take like 5 hours. Also, the jellyfish are so beautiful and nice to touch!

A lot of exhibits were under construction, which I get and will only improve the aquarium once they're done. However, not a lot of exhibits in the first place, and charging an arm and a leg to add to admissions the extras like dolphin tours are somewhat aggravating. Baltimore Aquarium offers it for free.

Super fun and if you like fish and wildlife a must see in Tampa.

Attractions here are multiple for Gatorland is primarily Gators Gatorland is also Outdoors and the aquarium is indoors away from the Heat

Fantastic aquarium! Walk slowly around the predefined route seeing all kinds of wildlife or make your own trail. Outdoor splash zone brilliant for kids to cool off while getting rid of some energy. Will be returning.

Great place for families with kids. Aquarium is pretty small to exhaust kids during the visit yet has enough fauna to to maintain interest an enjoy the visit. Florida mangrove exhibition offers a close encounter and interaction with local birds, fish and animal. Time of the visit for adults feels a bit short though, it took us less than 2 hours to walk around and i think it's a bit not enough. Talking about truly magnificent aquariums, I would recommend to visit aquarium in Bangkok, Thailand if you ever have a chance. The place is huge and beats any aquarium we visited before.

It's a very well kept and run aquarium. The mission is conservation heavy and that lends the experience to that of a museum, which I love, but can be boring to some... Children.

Very clean and safe. Hand sanitizer on almost every corner and social listening signs on the floors. Not overpacked because you have to make reservations ahead of time. I felt very safe there with kids. I definitely recommend going here with your kids.

Always fun! We also really appreciate that the aquarium believes in science and follows CDC safety recommendations.

Place is pretty cool, has a lot stuff to do. I took my daughter and she loved, they have this area were kids could get wet and is awesome and for adult they have a lil bar where you could sit have adult time and watch your kid while they play lol. Would be coming back again for sure.

We love bringing our son here, and taking little family trips. It truely never gets old, such friendly people and it is always so clean.

Worth the price of admission. Brews By the Bay is one of the most fun events in the area.

I got an annual pass and took my 3 kids here. They loved it! Youngest 4, oldest 9. It is fun as well as educating. My little one was fascinated with the large tank in the room and they were able to answer all of the questions she had! She wanted to stay in there. They also have a large splash park which is another perk! I would suggest the annual pass and make sure to go to the shows.

State of the ark.could of been bigger for the price.See everything under 2 hours taking your time.Cant complain overall the exhibits were awesome

Totally worth the experience. The whole family enjoyed it 100%.

If you buy the ticket online then it s better as it slightly cheaper. You can save them in your cell phone and no need to actually print it. When you arrive at the aquarium, you can drop your family at the gate and can go park your car at the parking garage right besides it. Keep parking ticket with you. You can pay the ticket from the kiosk on your way back. Then can submit your ticket back while going out of the garage. Place is nice. It has various kinds of fish. It also has Real Megalodon Fossil Jaw .

Nice place for kids but not much to do, bring your own food paid 32.00 for two burgers, two drinks and one fry,OUCH

We had a great time exploring and learning. Our 2 yo loves watching the stingrays, sharks and fish.

BEWARE sleepover staff member bullied my daughter, denied her access to her food( despite prior authorisation by event coordinator for her special diet), and DENIED ACCESS TO HER MEDICATIONS!


At breakfast, the same woman tried to force her to eat food against doctor's order that had gluten and high glucose content despite my 11 year old daughters protest .The woman told her she could wait to get her " candy medicine " after parent comes for her. Refused her request to get the cooler in which food and medicine was stored.
Is this the same sadistic staff member who punished a child in a summer camp by throwing away her food and allowing that child to become dehydrated?!
When I picked up M she too was nauseous.
This is DANGEROUS and should not be tolerated.

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Not worth the price at all!. Aquarium is not what I expected as we were done with the visit in less than an hour.

Was hoping it would be more, especially for the price to get in. It was nice, but sort of on the small side

When crowded it takes a lot of time (3-5 hours) to experience all they have to offer. Also expect very high food and drink prices. Other than that, it's a great half-day experience.

Great aquarium for sure. I'd go again next time I visit Florida

Very nice and relaxing. Not to crowded. Wonderful experience!

Lots of different areas to visit, awesome outdoor splash pad and playground

Been to many aquariums. This one is average. The kids splash/water play ground is nice for kids, on a hot summer day.

Everyone who was working there was all smiles, helpful and polite!! 5 stars!

Really good aquarium but honestly a bit of a disappointment considering it is "the" Florida aquarium. Utah has a very comparable aquarium and it is in the desert.

Lots of cool exhibits to see. A great way to spend a couple of hours inside on a hot Florida day.

Nice aquarium. Great for kids. 3 playgrounds w water park in back. Also tiki bar outback for adults

Simply amazing. Great prices. Great exhibits. Grrat staff.

Had a great time, Go, get out, I highly recommended!

Lots to to do with the kids. Saw dolphins on bait ride. Good food.

The aquarium is great, my 2 yr old is always excited about going there. She gets even more excited when she hits the splash pad and playground. Never a dull day at the aquarium. I'm glad we got the membership

We have been going here for 13 years and it never gets old. The new splash area has stuff for kids all ages.

This is a great place to bring the family and walk around for a few hours. The water pad (mini water park) looks way for you the little ones!

I would definitely recommend for any family. Had a great time with the family, everyone enjoyed themselves from 40 to 5 years old!

We spent all day checking out all the Fish, very enjoyable

I went for my first time today and had so much fun! The staff was so nice and I appreciated how much they were implementing social distancing. The animals and fish? Amazing. So jealous I don't get to hang out with the otters all day. Best Thursday ever!

Excellent place to visit to explore. Very cool atmosphere

Wow. This place was amazing. I throughly enjoyed myself here and thought the exhibits were awesome. Our favorite part was the shark viewing tank. There's no other word to explain this place other than mesmerizing. Everywhere you look there is another neat thing to discover. This is a great place to bring your kids or even just go as adults like we did. We dined in at the cafe and loved it. I thought it was reasonably priced and the staff were friendly and helpful. I 10/10 recommend this place if you're wanting something fun and educational and family based. We walked through it twice and spent a good amount of time here and never got bored. Thank you for a amazing experience. We will be returning on our next trip to Tampa.

I guess it s better for kids and not so much for tourists. We didn t feel like we got our $30 worth.

One of the best aquariums I have visited. The splash park is an extra advantage for the little ones.

A great place to have a family outing. Annual passes were reasonable.

Lots of sea creatures. Don't miss the dragons and jellys!

BUYER BEWARE!!!!!
I was totally disgusted with the FALSE representation by the ADVERTISED Aquarium, Seafood Festival and Market. REALLY??? What a joke and rip-off!! IT is NOT seafood festival it is a buffet. NASTY breaded fish and tator tots for the kids. Mediocore buffet which consisted of Talapia, 2 pieces of shrimp, 1 quarter sized piece of Tuna and filler dishes-rice, salad. It was a HUGE fail !!!
Admission is 21.95 for adults. But, they were offering $34.95 which included "Seafood Festival and Market. Then if you bought a full price admission, Dad got in free except for the "Seafood Festival" which was $19.95. My math says the Seafood should have been $13.00 for the Dad. RIP-OFF!!

Very nice day trip. Facility is well staffed and a great variety of sea creatures. The cafe was good and the kid's outdoor play area is very nice. Our 3 and 5 year old grand kids loved it. Bring the family and make a day of it. Parking is right next door and it's inexpensive to park.

Small aquarium? Haven t been to too many of these but this only take about 1 and half hour to finish touring.

9am ii8like I dont want to grungy to go thrifty Thursday night at 'm

Great if you have the pass. Gift shop pricing is not too bad. Pass includes parking, exhibits get boring after a few visits.

Half price if you're a sunken gardens member! Worth it if you have a family with children!