Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Mote Laboratory & Aquarium Overview

Mote Laboratory & Aquarium is a fascinating blend of research center and aquarium. It showcases a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits, with a special focus on Floridian wildlife, interactive science stations, and a massive 135,000-gallon shark tank. The facility is home to over 100 species of marine animals, including sea turtles, otters, and manatees.

Visitor Experience

Recent visitors have praised the aquarium for its diverse range of animals and the easy-to-navigate layout. However, visitors should be prepared for potential congestion during the winter months. To ensure entry, it’s advisable to purchase tickets online in advance. Additionally, some visitors feel the entrance fee is quite high compared to the relatively small size of the property. Despite this, both animal enthusiasts and families with children are likely to enjoy their visit.

Location

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is situated about 5 miles west of downtown Sarasota, on the northern tip of Lido Key. There is free parking available in the on-site lot, and visitors can either drive or walk between the attraction’s two buildings.

Operating Hours

The aquarium operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., year-round.

Admission and Tickets

Admission fees for the aquarium are $29 for adults and $21 for children aged 3 to 12. Children under 3 and military personnel can enter for free. Tickets can be purchased both in-person and online. The ticket price includes access to restrooms, animal talks with the facility's researchers, and all exhibits, including those in the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.

Additional Costs

While general admission grants access to most exhibits, there are additional charges for special lectures, behind-the-scenes tours, sand-sifting equipment for the interactive Fossil Creek exhibit, and purchases made in the restaurant and gift shop.