Clearwater Marine Aquarium: a wet and wild adventure
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been working to preserve ocean life and the marine environment since its beginning in the 1970s. Today, the aquarium is a popular destination for tourists and locals who love the sea and its creatures.
The aquarium has numerous exhibits featuring dolphins, sharks, stingrays, turtles, otters and more. You can see a video in Atlantis Theatre explaining how the organization rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine animals back into the wild.
Get help planning your visit by viewing the presentation schedule. Daily two hour Sea Life Safari Boat Tours leave at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Passengers can view marine life from the boat while observing birds, fish, dolphin, and other critters in their natural habitats. Reservations recommended for boat tours.
Kids can go to day camp in the summer at Clearwater Marine Aquarium for a slew of different activities. Camps include Animal Care, Otter Camp, Critter Camp, 3 or 4 hour Kayak, Eco Explorers, Discover Scuba, Trainer Camp, Jr. Scientist, Dolphin Camp, Indoor Activity and more.
Ever painted with a dolphin? You can paint with Winter at the aquarium and express your creative side.
Get your adventurous friends together for a guided kayak adventure. Contact the aquarium for more details.
Instead of paying for a babysitter on Saturday night, take your children to Kids Night Out at the aquarium. From 6 to 9 p.m. children will be entertained by sharks, otters, dolphins, sea turtles, marine life videos, fun crafts, pizza and soda. It's open to kids ages 6 to 12, and it's $25 a child, with discounts for bringing multiple children.
Visit the aquarium store to purchase clothing, tickets, books, DVDs, hats, stationary, jewelry, toys and more.
If you live near CMA, it may benefit you to become a member. Individual memberships are $40 and family memberships are $85. Perks include free admission to the aquarium, free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art and Mote Marine Laboratory, half off admissions prices to the Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Bok Tower Gardens and Weeki Wachee Springs, invitations to members-only events, discounts on parties, cruises and gift shop purchases, and more.
- by Jessica Bates, Clearwater Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jessica BatesJessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.
