Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Discover marine wonders and vital research at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, a Sarasota gem focused on conservation and education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover marine wonders and vital research at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, a Sarasota gem focused on conservation and education.
"This place is great for anyone of any age, and the elevators for accessibility make it a very open experience."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Mote Marine Laboratory tickets in advance online.
🚶♀️ Explore Both Buildings
Don't miss the mammal center! Follow the fish paintings to find it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Touch Tanks
Main Aquarium Building
Get hands-on with sharks, stingrays, and invertebrates in interactive touch tanks. A visitor favorite!
Manatee & Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Mammal Center
Observe rescued manatees and sea turtles, learning about Mote's vital conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Giant Squid Exhibit
Main Aquarium Building
Marvel at the preserved specimen of a colossal giant squid, a truly awe-inspiring display of deep-sea life.
Otter Exhibit
Main Aquarium Building
Watch playful otters frolic in their habitat, complete with a waterfall and engaging toys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for the New Mote Aquarium
Rainy Day Rescue & Research Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Mote Marine Laboratory tickets in advance online.
🚶♀️ Explore Both Buildings
Don't miss the mammal center! Follow the fish paintings to find it.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Most of Mote Marine is indoors or covered, making it a great escape from the Florida sun.
🦽 Accessibility Features
Elevators make Mote Marine accessible for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Mote Marine Laboratory tickets in advance online.
🚶♀️ Explore Both Buildings
Don't miss the mammal center! Follow the fish paintings to find it.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Most of Mote Marine is indoors or covered, making it a great escape from the Florida sun.
🦽 Accessibility Features
Elevators make Mote Marine accessible for all visitors, including those with mobility challenges.
🐦 Bird Sanctuary Visit
Check out the free-entry bird sanctuary before it closes at 4:30 PM.
📍 New Location Coming Soon
Mote is moving to a new, larger facility at Benderson Park, opening in 2026.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, friendly staff, and commitment to marine research and rescue. Many highlight the interactive touch tanks and the educational value of seeing rehabilitation efforts firsthand. While the current facility is well-loved, anticipation is high for the new, larger location opening in 2026.
"I had a really great time at this aquarium, and I definitely would come again. There are two main buildings, the building with fish and other attractions like a preserved giant squid and a virtual reality experience, and a building with mammals like manatees and turtles. Once you pay for a ticket, you can enter both of these buildings. I suggest starting at the main building, and when you finish, follow the path marked with paintings of fish, and you can find your way to the mammal building. There's also a bird sanctuary, which is free entry. You can spend a decent amount of time there, so if you don't want to spend any money, it's a great option. This place is great for anyone of any age, and the elevators for accessibility make it a very open experience for anyone of any demographic. I highly recommend this place if you want to learn about marine life or just enjoy your day viewing interesting sea creatures."
Mr. Guy
"We visited from Arizona and this stop did not disappoint. I enjoyed all the exhibits and the educational graphics. The staff were friendly and welcoming. We had a great time and we will definitely be visiting again the next time that we are visiting family in Bradenton. My parents really enjoyed the touch pool and the sea turtles. I enjoyed watching the amphibians."
Lorenzo Fuentes
"I’m very happy to know they are moving to newer and nicer / larger building soon! This will be amazing for them since you always have to walk to the building across the street.
People are so friendly and so nice, we
Love the people working and volunteering here!
There was an older gentleman who took the time to explain to us how their giant squid ( found dead and now being preserved ) came to the facility. He was an amazing story telling and so knowledgeable about these creatures!
We can’t wait to come back but now to the new facilities!"
Rebeca Morrison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The current Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. However, a new, larger facility is under construction at Benderson Park, expected to open in 2026. +1
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a short drive from downtown Sarasota, typically about 15 minutes. You can drive, use ride-sharing services, or check local public transportation options.
Yes, there is parking available at the current Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium location. Be sure to check for any specific parking instructions or fees upon arrival.
Yes, you can reach Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or by checking local bus routes in Sarasota.
The new Mote Marine Aquarium will be located at Benderson Park. Specific directions will be available closer to its 2026 opening.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium are approximately $26 for adults (13+), $19 for children (3-12), and free for children 2 and under. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Visitors have mentioned using hometown zoo memberships for discounted tickets. It's always a good idea to check the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium website for any available discounts, such as military or senior rates.
Yes, you can typically purchase Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium tickets at the entrance. However, buying tickets online in advance is recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium offers membership options that can provide benefits like unlimited visits and discounts. Check their website for details on membership tiers and pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the interactive touch tanks with sharks and stingrays, the playful otter exhibit, the impressive giant squid specimen, and the manatee and sea turtle rehabilitation areas.
Absolutely! Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits like touch tanks and engaging displays that captivate children of all ages. 
You can spend a good few hours exploring Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Allow at least 2-3 hours to see all the exhibits and learn about their research.
Yes, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium features several touch tanks where you can safely interact with stingrays, sharks, and invertebrates.
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is renowned for its marine research, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, particularly for sea turtles and manatees, as well as its engaging public aquarium exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium typically has a cafe or snack bar on-site offering food and beverages for visitors.
While specific policies can change, it's generally advisable to check Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's official website or contact them directly regarding their policy on outside food and drinks.
Yes, there are dining options near Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Walt's Fish Market and Restaurant is often recommended as a nearby seafood spot.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The touch tanks, the playful otters, the vibrant jellyfish displays, and the manatees are popular subjects for photos. The giant squid exhibit also makes for a striking image. +1
Video recording is typically permitted at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium for personal use, similar to photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The playful otters and the chance to see manatees and sea turtles up close provide endless fascination. With accessible elevators, it's easy for families with strollers or mobility aids to navigate the exhibits. Beyond the exhibits, Mote's focus on research and rescue offers an educational component that can spark curiosity about marine biology and conservation in young minds.
+1 Consider arriving earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds and allow ample time for little ones to explore and engage with the exhibits at their own pace. 💰 Budget Travelers
Look for potential discounts by checking if your existing zoo membership offers reciprocal benefits, as some visitors have successfully used this for reduced ticket prices. 📚 Science Enthusiasts & Students
+1 The preserved giant squid exhibit is a standout for its sheer scale and scientific significance. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Mote's Mission: Research and Rescue
Their work spans critical areas like marine mammal research, sea turtle rehabilitation, coral reef restoration, and shark conservation. Visitors can witness the impact of this research firsthand through exhibits that highlight rescue efforts and scientific discoveries. The aquarium plays a vital role in educating the public about marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation. +1The facility is actively involved in rescuing and rehabilitating injured or sick marine animals, with a dedicated sea turtle hospital and a focus on manatee care.
This commitment to conservation is a core part of their mission, aiming to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. While some videos have raised concerns about the care of specific manatees, Mote emphasizes its dedication to the well-being of all animals under its care and its ongoing research to improve marine mammal health. With a new, larger facility planned for Benderson Park, Mote aims to expand its research capabilities and enhance its public exhibits, further solidifying its role as a leader in marine science and conservation.
Navigating the Mote Marine Experience
This section also features interactive elements like touch tanks and a virtual reality simulator, offering engaging experiences for all ages. The second building is dedicated to marine mammals and rehabilitation efforts, where visitors can observe rescued sea turtles and manatees.
As Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium prepares to move to its new, larger facility at Benderson Park, scheduled to open in 2026, visitors can anticipate even more expansive exhibits and enhanced educational opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit