I went with elderly parents. They conveniently provided a wheelchair (first come first served) but the young people who worked there twice made them walk or stand much longer than needed (probably because management tells them to enforce the rules strictly), yelled to each other while they were napping in a quiet corner, etc. Management might want to give workers more discretion/training for serving the disabled public because if you don’t have experience with the elderly you it’s not intuitive. Otherwise a nice excursion, though expensive. The VIP dolphins was up close and personal, really cool even from a wheelchair and made the visit quite special, but it was hard to hear (again, elderly issue) and super pricey. Food was excellent - menu looks like kids fare but the non-fried food was delicious and fresh and cheaper ordered in advance. Two days before Christmas was not a madhouse and we found a couple of quiet outdoor spaces to sit and relax in shade and sun. Signage is not perfect and layout is confusing but you get a good paper map that works ok with the signs. The boat tour we ended up skipping, but just note it’s like 25 people. The boat is covered from the sun.

We visited this aquarium 11 years ago and had an enjoyable experience. We remember seeing Winter, had our pic taken with Panama and our son was able to hold one of Winter’s prosthetic tails. We were in the area and decided to visit again. At $41.95 per adult plus $15 to park it was definitely a let down. We saw several turtles, otters, some fish and other misc sea life. They don’t allow access to the dolphin area unless you pay extra for a photo op with the dolphin. I have no idea what that cost. You can only view the dolphins underwater on the lower level. They take pics which are pricey also. Four 5x7s were $40 plus tax. I realize Winter and Panama are now gone but don’t count on seeing the other dolphins except thru thick glass if they decide to swim by you. Needless to say this was probably our last visit here. The only reason I’m giving them three stars is for the work they do to help the animals.

My deepest love is for the ocean. I grew up beside it. I’ve been diving since the early 90s. I now spend a considerable amount of time volunteering with ocean conservation programs. I happened to be between dive trips when I saw an ad in Facebook for Aqua Lanterns at the aquarium. Typically, I have a love-hate relationship with them. I love that people can learn about the ocean and the creatures that live within it. I hate that we keep those animals in aquariums and created tanks. Once I realized the mission of this particular aquarium, “to preserve our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.” I could not not go. Booked a mother/son date. It was fantastic and we both - grown adults - loved it so much. It wasn’t crowded. The lights are beautiful. The evening was unrushed and relaxing. Thank you so much for everything you do. Reading Winter’s story, seeing pictures of others who had been saved and rehabbed here made me so happy. Seeing the result of your work was way better than the lanterns and they are awesome!

The aquarium's commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating injured sea life as a non-profit organization is truly commendable. Negative reviews often stem from visitors who anticipate a large, for-profit commercial aquarium focused solely on entertainment. I encourage everyone to support this vital mission and contribute to the well-being of the animals.

Our family of five enjoyed spending a few hours out of the sun at the aquarium. The other reviews were accurate that it’s a smaller aquarium and some may not agree with the overly value. I would say it was a mid-size aquarium with some impressive exhibits and great overall message. We enjoyed our partial day at the aquarium. I would say between 4-5 stars is fair and well deserved.

I think for the price and online website I think I believed it was a lot more than it was. So the biggest attraction was the dolphins. Other than that there are couple otters, stingrays, 4 pelicans, a few smaller sharks, some turtles and other sea creatures. We got to the aquarium at about 1015, it was very difficult after about 1 1/2 hours to keep my 3 children entertained. We had a boat tour at 230 and that was a big hit. We went on the 60 minute wildlife tour. Saw a few dolphin pods. The manatee rescue center was still under construction , opens in late May. The also have a sea lion rescue under way. All the staff we did encounter were extremely helpful and kind. So based on the admission price as of now I would say it’s not worth it. Once the manatee center opens I’m sure it will be much better.

Had an amazing experience when at the clear water marina aquarium. Was so interesting and interactive learning about the different sea creatures and what the marina is doing to protect them. We mainly want to give a massive shout out to Fernando. Who was so enthusiastic about what the marina is doing for the animals and as well as giving us some amazing unique facts and best timings to go see the animals at their most interactive state. A true asset to the team and hope Fernando makes others laugh just as hard he made us laugh

Enjoyed touring the aquarium, very educational. Staff helpful. Layout is a bit confusing, some additional signage would help. Howeverthey charge over $30 per person, then hit you with $15 more for parking. At those prices I'd doubt we'd return

We had a fantastic 3 1/2 hour trip to the aquarium this morning . We almost didn’t come after reading some of the reviews but my family our huge fans of the film A dolphin tale and we decided we wanted to visit Hope the dolphin and Rufus the pelican! We arrived at opening time 10am and the first hour was really quiet but it never got too busy even later on in the morning The talks were all fantastic we went to all of them and learnt so much , the dolphins were amazing to watch , but we also loved the turtles , otters , sting rays ( which you could touch carefully ) and the new manatees ( limited views as they are still new and settling in ) We even got to hold one of Winters prosthetic tails and hear more about Winters life there. Would 100% recommend and so nice to know the money all goes back into the rescue centre and most of the animals are able to get released back into the wild. Definitely a highlight to our trip in Clearwater and if you are considering going I would definitely recommend it.

We have visited three prior times and loved the aquarium. We even bought hundreds of dollars of merchandise but that was all before the new aquarium. This was our first visit since the new addition opened and We were so disappointed. I know they have bigger better tanks for the rehab but for the paying public it has lost its charm. You didn’t go to Clearwater for the tons of fish but because of their mission. Somehow in the new building that got lost and it just feels like a waste of time and money now. I know winter is gone but the old facility felt like a place of hope and purpose. Now it’s just a big corporation. Even the merchandise was lacking and everything requires an extra fee and throw in the $40 cost which is more than any other that I’ve been to and I can’t request that people go see the aquarium now. If you want to look at it as a donation great but don’t go expecting lots. I wish winter’s legacy had been better used.