Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a nonprofit marine rescue center and aquarium located in Clearwater, Florida. Best known for rescuing, rehabilitating, and, when possible, releasing marine animals, CMA gives visitors a closer look at dolphins, sea turtles, otters, pelicans, and other coastal species. Exhibits, presentations, educational programs, and behind-the-scenes experiences highlight the aquarium’s mission and the real-world work of marine animal care teams. CMA also became internationally known through the story of Winter the Dolphin and the Dolphin Tale films, and Winter’s legacy remains an important part of the aquarium’s story.

Things to Do at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Meet the Dolphins
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is home to resident dolphins and other animals that cannot be released, while some patients may be at the facility temporarily for rehabilitation:
- Learn about dolphins such as Nicholas, Hope, and other animals in CMA’s care; resident animals may change over time.
- Watch scheduled care presentations where staff explain dolphin behavior, enrichment, and daily routines.
- Discover how injuries or long-term health challenges can affect whether an animal is able to return to the wild.
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center
See how the aquarium cares for injured and stranded sea turtles:
- View rehabilitation areas where turtles may receive medical care, observation, and recovery support.
- Learn about threats facing sea turtles, including boat strikes, entanglement, habitat loss, and ocean pollution.
- Explore educational exhibits that explain sea turtle life cycles and conservation needs.
Interactive Exhibits
Engage with hands-on and observation exhibits designed for visitors of all ages; exhibit availability may vary:
- Explore touch and discovery areas featuring marine life and coastal ecosystem education.
- See habitats that may feature sharks, rays, and other species commonly found in Florida waters.
- Walk through bird and pelican habitats to learn more about the challenges facing Florida’s coastal wildlife.
Learn About Winter’s Legacy
Winter, the famous dolphin with a prosthetic tail, remains an important part of CMA’s history:
- Discover her inspiring story of resilience and how it brought worldwide attention to marine rescue and conservation.
- Look for exhibits and interpretive displays that honor Winter’s life, the Dolphin Tale films, and the broader impact of adaptive animal care research.
Go Behind the Scenes
Gain more insight into the aquarium’s operations with a Behind-the-Scenes Tour or similar program, if available:
- See how animal care specialists and veterinarians help rehabilitate marine life.
- Learn about hospital areas, treatment spaces, and rehabilitation support systems used by the care team.
- Hear more about rescue missions, patient care, and successful release stories.

Additional Activities

Boat Tours
Join a narrated eco-tour or wildlife-watching boat trip, when offered:
- Discover local marine ecosystems while looking for dolphins, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife.
- Learn about the habitats of Clearwater Bay and nearby Gulf waters from guides and naturalists.
Educational Programs
Participate in programs and workshops designed for families, students, and aspiring marine biologists:
- Topics often include marine conservation, wildlife rescue, animal care, and ocean health.
Animal Encounter Experiences
Get even closer to marine life with one of CMA’s special encounter programs, which may require advance reservations and an additional fee:
- Available experiences can include close-up opportunities related to dolphins, rays, turtles, or other ambassador animals, depending on current offerings.

Amenities & Facilities

Visitor Services: Admissions, informational displays, and staff assistance for tickets and general questions.
Gift Shop: Souvenirs, apparel, toys, books, and mission-related merchandise inspired by CMA and Dolphin Tale.
Dining: On-site snack or dining options may be available; offerings and hours can vary.
Exhibits: A mix of indoor and outdoor spaces designed for learning, viewing, and family-friendly exploration.
Boat Docks: Departure points for select eco-tours and on-the-water programs.
Parking: On-site parking garage and nearby public parking options may be available; fees and availability can vary by date and season.

Accessibility

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is designed to welcome a wide range of visitors, and accessibility features are generally available throughout the public areas:

Elevators and Ramps: Main public exhibit areas are accessible by elevator or ramp.
Parking: ADA-compliant parking spaces are typically available near the entrance areas.
Seating Areas: Rest spots are available throughout the facility for added visitor comfort.
Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are generally available on-site.

Tips for Visiting the Aquarium

Purchase Tickets in Advance: Booking online can save time and help secure entry during weekends, holidays, and busy travel periods.
Plan for Two to Three Hours: Allow extra time if you want to add a boat tour, special encounter, or behind-the-scenes experience.
Dress Comfortably: Wear lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and sun protection since part of the experience is outdoors.
Check the Daily Schedule: Animal care talks, tours, exhibits, and hours may vary by date.
Support the Mission: Donations, memberships, and gift shop purchases help support rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.

Vicinity of the Aquarium

Nearby Attractions

Clearwater Beach: One of Florida’s most popular white-sand beaches, located just minutes away.
Pier 60: A lively area for sunset views, family entertainment, fishing, and beachside browsing.
Sand Key Park: A quieter coastal park with beach access, picnic areas, and birdwatching opportunities.
Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre: Enjoy concerts, comedy, and live performances in downtown Clearwater.

Why Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium?

Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a meaningful Florida attraction that combines marine-life viewing with real conservation work. Instead of a traditional large-scale aquarium experience, CMA focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and the stories of animals that have overcome serious challenges. From resident dolphins and recovering sea turtles to exhibits about coastal wildlife and ocean stewardship, the aquarium gives visitors of all ages a memorable look at the care and commitment behind marine rescue.

For hours, tickets, programs, and current animal encounter availability, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium official website .