Sight guide · Tampa · United States
Visiting The Florida Aquarium
The aquarium follows a drop of water from Florida's springs and wetlands to its coral reefs, with a mangrove gallery under a glass dome, a large coral reef tank and a penguin habitat.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Tampa · Photo: Clément Bardot, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The Florida Aquarium is an aquarium in Channel District, Tampa. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Area
- Channel District
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, rainy day and nature
- Best months
- February and November–December
Plan a trip to Tampa
Compare flights, places to stay and rental cars, then book with the provider you choose.
About The Florida Aquarium
The aquarium follows a drop of water from Florida's springs and wetlands to its coral reefs, with a mangrove gallery under a glass dome, a large coral reef tank and a penguin habitat. It runs a coral conservation programme for the Florida Reef Tract, and an outdoor splash area suits younger children.
Tip: Time your visit with a scheduled dive show at the coral reef tank; the timetable is posted at the entrance.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Channel District.
Best time to visit The Florida Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- December: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- November: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- February: 23°C (73°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Tampa has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tampa itinerary visits The Florida Aquarium on day 3, together with Tampa Theatre, Ybor City Museum State Park and Armature Works and Heights Public Market.
- No. 4 of the 17 sights in our Tampa things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in tampa on a rainy day.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Tampa.
- A family favourite in Tampa with kids.
Near The Florida Aquarium
Within walking distance of The Florida Aquarium (straight-line distances):
- Ybor City Historic District — about 1.9 km away, half a day, free
- Henry B. Plant Museum — about 1.9 km away, 1–1.5 hours, low cost
- Tampa Riverwalk — about 1.4 km away, 1–2 hours, free
If you like The Florida Aquarium
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — North Tampa, Full day
- ZooTampa at Lowry Park — Lowry Park, Half a day
- Glazer Children's Museum — Downtown, 2–3 hours
- Manatee Viewing Center — Apollo Beach, 1–1.5 hours
Staying near The Florida Aquarium
Where to stay in Tampa compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at The Florida Aquarium?
Plan 2–3 hours. Ybor City Historic District is about 1.9 km away in a straight line, so the two fill most of a day.
+Is The Florida Aquarium free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit The Florida Aquarium?
February and November–December for the most comfortable weather. Time your visit with a scheduled dive show at the coral reef tank; the timetable is posted at the entrance.
+Do I need to book The Florida Aquarium in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is The Florida Aquarium good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Tampa. Tampa is one of Florida's easiest family bases outside Orlando: Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, a big aquarium, a zoo with manatees and calm Gulf beaches within an hour.