Mote Aquarium

Explore the secrets of the sea with touch pools, shark, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits and over 100 other species of marine life. Viewable-working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory.

Mote Aquarium is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As an institution accredited by AZA, Mote has met rigorous, professional standards for animal management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing and more. Click here to learn more about Mote Aquarium, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the care of our animals at Mote.

Visitor Information  

Location
Mote Aquarium is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236. Just a few minutes from downtown Sarasota by way of the Ringling Causeway, and one mile north of St. Armands Circle. Mote Aquarium is located on City Island.

Directions
Take Fruitville Road exit 210 off I-75 west to Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), turn left.  At Gulfstream Avenue turn right and proceed across the Ringling Causeway to St. Armands Circle.  Exit the circle at North Boulevard of the Presidents. Proceed one mile to the traffic signal at Ken Thompson Parkway and turn right.  Main parking for the aquarium will be on the right. (Parking is free.)
Click here for directions from neighboring Florida cities.

Hours
Mote Aquarium is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays.

Tickets
General admission includes access to Mote Aquarium, the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Center and Immersion Cinema.

Adults (over 12): $17
Seniors (over 65): $16
Youth (4-12): $12
Children (under 4): Admission is free
Mote Members: Admission is free
Annual Memberships begin at $50

Discounts

All special offers and discounts are not valid with any other offer. Mote Aquarium issues complimentary passes for many special causes and promotions. These passes expire at the end of the year they are issued. As a courtesy, Mote will offer a discount if these complimentary passes are presented

*Military: All active-duty U.S. Military personnel receive $2 off Aquarium admission. A current I.D. must be presented to qualify for the special discount.

Group Visits/Pre-paid Tickets
Parties of 10 or more are invited to take advantage of our group rates with advanced reservations. Reservations are required and must be made at least one week in advance.

For more information, to book your group or to purchase 10 or more tickets:
Call 941-388-4441, ext. 536
or toll free at 1-800-691-MOTE ext. 536.
E-mail: groupsales@mote.org
Fax: 941-388-1872.

Dining: The Deep Sea Diner
Mancini Diners, Inc. has cast fine food and superior service into Mote Aquarium waters at the Deep Sea Diner. Exclusively available to visitors and members of Mote Aquarium, the retro '50s-style diner offers a fun, affordable, family-style menu. For complete diner information, including hours of operation and to view a menu, go to www.mote.org/DeepSeaDiner.

Groups are invited to call ahead to reserve tables and place your food order at the Diner. Indoor seating is available within the retro '50s-style diner for groups up to 12 people, and larger parties can be accommodated in the Aquarium courtyard while guests enjoy dining al-fresco. Please call 941-388-3415 to place your group's order at least 24 hours in advance. Click here for a Deep Sea Diner menu.

For educational classroom and special laboratory programs
Go to www.mote.org/education or e-mail educate@mote.org.  

Parking
Free

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis free of charge. Strollers are not available.

Eco Boat Tours

The Sarasota Bay Explorers offer a variety of eco boat tours which depart from Mote Aquarium. Click here for details about combo tickets and boat tour and rental options.

Guest Comments

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