Florida Aquarium

Tampa, Florida: From deep underwater caverns to the depths of the ocean, the marine habitats are home to some of the most diverse creatures in the world. At the Florida Aquarium, visitors can witness many of these fascinating creatures without ever leaving Channelside. Come follow the trail of water from the underwater spring to the deep blue ocean and encounter all of their residents along the way on this journey through the aquarium filled with over 20,000 plants and animals.

The journey begins as you enter the world of the wetland. Enter the water world through a cave in an aquifer and follow waters journey through Florida springs, streams, marshes, rivers, hammocks, swamps, forest and more on the trip to the tidal basin. The eight habitats found here are home to bass, gars, ducks, alligators, otters and many more.

As you make your way through these freshwater habitats, the water becomes saltier until you reach the tidal basin. Here you will encounter the next collection of aquariums, Bays and Beaches. These exhibits feature marine life that live in bays, near bridges and at the beaches. Here you will see snook, sharks, stingrays, sea horses, and more in their native environment.

Finally your journey has led you into the deep waters of the ocean and the Coral Reef exhibit. The highlight here is the reef aquarium. This 500,000 gallon aquarium is modeled after coral reef formations in the Dry Tortugas and is home to 76 species of coral reef fish. There are over 1,500 of these colorful reef fish that are all native to Florida. The floor to ceiling windows and the reef tunnel make you feel like you are in the water with the fish. In addition to the reef tank, there are also exhibits of sharks, sea dragons and more.

Just outside the aquarium is the interactive playground called Explore A Shore. The splash park features slides, fountains and water cannons to help the kids cool down while they play. There is even a two story pirates ship equipped with water cannons. This 2 acre playground provides a great break for the kids while they visit the aquarium.

The aquarium also provides several special attractions and events to help enhance your experience. Th Wild Dolphin Encounter is an eco-tour of the area waterway onboard a 72 foot catamaran. There are also scuba dive experiences in both the coral reef tank and the shark tank. The aquarium also hosts birthday parties and holiday events.

The aquarium opened in March of 1995 in the Channelside district of downtown Tampa, adjacent to the Port of Tampa. The aquarium ran into financial trouble early in its history. Attendance was not a good as anticipated and the aquarium fell deep into debt, forcing the City of Tampa to step in and acquire the aquarium in 1999.

The restructuring of the organization after being obtained by the city combined with new visions inspired by CEO Jeff Swanagan, the aquarium began to grow in popularity. By the early 2000’s, the aquarium had begun to pay off its debts thanks to record high attendance.

Today the Florida Aquarium is one of the top 10 aquariums in the nation as well as a top 5 kid friendly aquarium. Its facility and conservation efforts has led to the aquarium being accredited by the National Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Click on the photo above to view my Florida Aquarium photo gallery.

Updated October 24, 2010