Our family went here during the rainy afternoon. It’s great if you’re into dolphins and turtles. It is not easy to navigate even with a map; lack of concise signage doesn’t help either. The employees are nice. Parking is on the 3rd level of the parking garage and it’s $12.99 to park. Younger kids would probably enjoy this place the most.

Not worth the money anymore. Not worth it with preteen/teenagers. We went in 2017, military used to be free, it's now 50% off. Parking was $12, that needs to be put out on the website so customers are aware of the charge when planning. Then we went to get tickets, I told the cashier 1 child and 3 adults over and over, she still only charged for 3 adults, she claimed I never said child, even though the other 2 adults spoke up and said yes she said 1 child and 3 adults. Back in 2017 there was so much hands on and more animals to explore. There was even a separate build for all the movie props and scenes. No longer there. There were so many dinosaurs around it was very odd for and AQUARIUM!!! On the map there was suppose to be a space exhibit, it wasn't there. We were in and out in 1.25 hours. Very disappointed and won't be returning. The new build is nice but poorly used and poor exhibit for the money. There were a few dolphins, 2 otters, a few turtles, and 4 pelicans, stingrays, and a small fish tank. They did offer a free audio tour to follow.

We visited the Aquarium years ago and wanted to see the new facility. Went with my 2 grown children and an 8 year old. grandson. It was a beautiful facility to visit and we enjoyed the views of the dolphins and the surrounding views. Some of the exhibits were interesting. The presentations at the animal tanks were informative but many were too long winded to hold the children’s attention. There was not enough to do in between waiting for the presentations and movies. We missed several things because it is hard to plan around the schedules. The entrance fee is way overpriced for the experience ( I know I know “supporting sea rescue”) especially because you are being asked to spend even more $ at every turn. Many items were up charges… boat ride , VR experience, mining activity, gift shops at every turn and have to walk through one to exit. Also had to pay for parking. The food at the cafe was decent and not super pricy but VERY slow and it was not that busy. You have to buy a combo meal that includes a drink ( we don’t drink sodas so that seemed a waste for water). It was a very expensive 2-3 hours when all said and done. The Tampa Aquarium is more value for your $ and can engage you for most of the day.

Over priced entrance fee, dolphin nervously swimming in circles in concrete rooms, exhibits with nothing in them (Turtle Cove, Otters). Waste of time and money. The best thing to say is that they rescue…but if you are saved quality of life does not look good. Good for kids who don’t know the difference. Save your money, go to the beach.

Waste of time and money. This is not an aquarium like normal aquariums. It is a hospital and rehab center for aquatic animals. Super ugly concrete structures. Big concrete tank for dolphins. Woo hoo. The entrance fee for the five of us was $177 plus $12 for parking. Then, before we even showed our tickets, they asked us if we wanted to pay $20 each for a boat excursion! Well, apparently, the boat excursion greatly adds to the experience because most positive reviews have included that. It's just too much $$ for too little. If you want to support this rehab effort by all means go ahead. Just know that this is NOT a beautiful aquarium with lots of colored fish and coral, etc. And also, it's a bit creepy because they have all these huge animatronic dinosaurs with bandages on them all over the place. Apparently they all have injuries and dinosaurs are now extinct so let's take care of our manatees etc. so that they don't go extinct. Oh, okay. I had to ask because i could not figure out how the dinosaurs fit in.

Lots of bad reviews here, which is understandable since this is not a typical aquarium This is not about looking ar pretty fishies in attractively designed aquariums. This is a wildlife rescue, meant for functionality first, education next, and entertainment last. It's also expensive relative to most aquariums. Remember, you're supporting dolphin rescue and science rather than your fun time. That said, there is much to learn... and much to enjoy here. the sea turtle rehab is particularly interesting. During our visit, there were also a variety of beautiful owls you could get very close too, including Screech Owls, Barred Owl, Barn Owl, and a Great Horned Owl, all absolutely magnigicent.

The entrance fee seemed a bit pricey, but then you're contributing to a non-profit organization. For 4 of us the cost was over $100. It was interesting to see turtles, dolphins and otters. The otter demonstration was disappointing because we could barely understand the live commentary - not clear. There was also a stingray pool where you could touch the stingrays. There were interactive displays for children too. Lots to learn there about ocean inhabitants.

This is a good and informational experience on the rescue and rehab of marine life. It is a beautiful building yet it doesn't have a good "people flow" to it. We found ourselves rambling between floors and not quite knowing where to go next. The good news is that there are a lot of employees and/or volunteers to ask when in doubt. Although many times we were told, "it is posted on the TVs that are located throughout the museum". We enjoyed the otters, the turtles (although the sound system was not great and the girl sounded muffled), the dolphin show, and having a glimpse at the hospital and the kitchen. We were there many years ago and there was a display of the clothing and settings from the movie, Dolphin Tale. I asked 4 employees if that exhibit was still there and they all looked at me with a dumbfounded look. Overall I gave this a 4 star rating as I think it is very good as long as you temper your expectations .

A nice day out and not too crazily priced. If we had more time in the area we would have bought the combo pass that gives access to five different entities, which is discounted. Very interesting exhibits and shoes. Friendly staff. Lots to see, however the layout is a bit confusing. There are eating facilities onsite. Plenty of parking. They have a photo shoot for you on the way in, which you can purchase on exit. I think that’s great for families traveling. There are mechanical animated dinosaurs throughout, which make alot of noise, but I guess it entertains the kids for a few minutes. There are gift shops. Lots of add-ins you can purchase for behind the scenes tours, etc. The facility serves a great cause in rehabilitating these animals and educating the public. Highly recommend.

Went there twice in one month. Once with another person and then husband and I went back and took the dolphin boat ride. The weather was good. Saw some dolphins. The employees at the aquarium always seem cheerful. Yes the layout can be confusing. The price of the food is not bad. We had a membership so we could get thirty percent off food and gifts. Will probably go back next year.