Trip Planner:   USA  /  Florida  /  Southwest Gulf Coast  /  Sarasota  /  Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Sarasota

4.5
#1 of 60 in Zoos & Aquariums in Florida
Aquarium · Zoo / Aquarium
At the marine-research organization Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium you can explore marine life through a number of exhibits, including the 511 l (135,000 gal) shark tank. The aquarium has always been dedicated to educating the public on the science of the sea, with research on sharks and dolphins specifically. The laboratory itself opened in 1955, and the Mote Aquarium was later added in 1980. The aquarium is home to over 100 species of mostly local marine life, which you can experience in a number of ways. Take a peek into the working laboratory, watch manatees and dolphins play, or plan your own animal encounter. Learn about conservation and much more at this combination lab and aquarium. By using our Sarasota trip planning app, you can arrange your visit to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and other attractions in Sarasota.
Create an itinerary including Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Tours to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

FROM $15 BOOK WITH VIATOR Sarasota Downtown Bike Rental
Duration: 1 to 7 days
Tours from $15 »

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
4,238 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By A9928VZedithp
    Really enjoyed our trip to the Mote Aquarium. Really great for a small venue. Nice you can see everything in a few hours.  more »
  • By 491triciaw
    We've been coming to SK for a few years and finally made a trip to Mote. We bought a membership because it was so awesome. We were all educated and had fun!  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Celeste Schroeder
    Mote Marine is always changing & adding spectacular exhibitions! Their education programs for students & teachers are incredible. Although their everyday existence is all about education & encouraging conservation anyway. We couldn't be more fortunate to have the aquarium here in Sarasota. If you've never been you need to see this place. Just the most amazing way to spend a day (even a rainy one).
  • By Peggy Newman
    Our Grandchildren love this Aquarium. There is a nice variety of marine life and plenty to see. The Aquarium is clean, well maintained and staff is friendly. The only drawback for me is the separation of the two sections of the Aquarium. One must leave the main section of the Aquarium and go a distance to the second section to fully take in the full experience of the Aquarium. There is a Bird Rescue, which is an additional charge, located in between the two Aquarium sections. It is a hot walk in the summer months. (One may want to drive the short distance over and park.)
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Sarasota

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Sarasota

The Ringling ©
Art Museum
The Ringling
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
St. Armands Circle
Shopping Mall
St. Armands Circle
4.3
Duration: 4 hours
Sarasota National Cemetery ©
Cemetery
Sarasota National Cemetery
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Sarasota

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ©
Theme Park
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Tampa
4.1
Duration: 8 hours
Siesta Beach ©
Beach
Siesta Beach
Siesta Key
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Legoland Florida Resort ©
Water Park
Legoland Florida Resort
Winter Haven
3.5
Duration: 8 hours
Buy tickets from $95 »
©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Fishing Charters & Tours
Punta Gorda
4.8
Duration: 4 hours

Hidden gems in Sarasota

Siesta Key Rum ©
Distillery
Siesta Key Rum
4.9
Duration: 30 minutes
©
Kayaking / Canoeing
Kayaking & Canoeing
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary ©
Zoo
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
4.5
Duration: 2h 30 min
Unconditional Surrender Sculpture
Landmark
Unconditional Surrender Sculpture
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Wildlife in Sarasota

Myakka River State Park ©
Wildlife Area
Myakka River State Park
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Sarasota Saltwater Adventures ©
Scuba / Snorkeling
Sarasota Saltwater Adventures
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
©
Fishing Charter / Tour
Fishing Charters & Tours
4.6
Duration: 4 hours
Island Pearl Excursions ©
Dolphin / Whale Watching
Island Pearl Excursions
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Shopping in Sarasota

As Good As It Gets ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
As Good As It Gets
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Circus City Architectural Salvage ©
Gift & Specialty Shop
Circus City Architectural Salvage
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Sarasota Farmers Market ©
Flea Market
Sarasota Farmers Market
4.6
Duration: 2h 30 min
Detwiler's Farm Market ©
Farmers Market
Detwiler's Farm Market
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Sarasota

Liquid Blue Outfitters ©
Water Sport
Liquid Blue Outfitters
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Kayaking SRQ Tours and Rentals
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Kayaking SRQ Tours and Rentals
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Paradise Adventures Sarasota ©
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Paradise Adventures Sarasota
5.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures ©
Kayaking / Canoeing
Almost Heaven Kayak Adventures
4.9
Duration: 2 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium by other users

31 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES St. Petersburg · Clearwater · Spring Hill 9 days in Sarasota BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Siesta Key Rum · The Ringling · St. Armands Circle 57 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Tampa · Murphysboro · Swansboro 30 days in Punta Gorda, Sarasota & Lakeland BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Punta Gorda · Sarasota · Lakeland 6 days in St. Pete Beach BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Pass-a-Grille · Scuba & Snorkeling · Saint Pete Beach 30 days in Florida BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Sarasota · Sanibel Island · Naples