The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay

I have never been to an aquarium that impressed me, until this one.  I have been to the Dallas aquarium, Camden aquarium and the Montreal aquarium and they were exactly what you would expect from an aquarium.  Lots of fish, some birds, sometimes other random animals that have no relation to anything aquatic, but basically nothing spectacular.  I think it is difficult to make fish exciting for adults.   But this aquarium is an experience, one that will give me a different perspective on sea-life!

The spectacular Florida aquarium is situated near downtown Tampa.  Not too far from the convention center, and actually right near where the vacation cruise liners dock.  There are a lot of things to do in this area, the American Victory ship is docked nearby, as well as other short sight seeing boat tours that you can do.  This is an area with several wholesome family attractions.  I presumed that because these attractions are right near where the cruise liners dock, that they would not put any effort into impressing the clientele, since they have a constant stream of tourists passing through.  But perhaps, that is why I was all the more surprised when it turned out to be so wonderful. This aquarium is a unique experience that I almost, *almost* do not want to write about because then it wouldn't be such a hidden gem.

Florida Aquarium Webpage

A Dolphin Cruise near the aquarium

The first display you will see, are the local wetland wildlife in Florida.  Better then see, just try to stop your kids from touching it!  NO really watch your kids closely:

This is a tank with several local fish and ducks.  The ducks are very friendly and do not shy away from guests approaching the tank.  You can see the ducks dive and swim.  I know my daughter was fascinated by all the commotion, but I was captivated seeing a duck swim under water too.

I am not sure if it is something they are feeding the animals, but all of the fish and fowl and reptiles appear to be just as interested in the guests as we are of them.  Check out this snake looking at my daughter:

Towards the end of the exhibit in the first area, there is a shallow tank area with a plethora of huge fish in it including Snooks and catfish.  They are swimming in a mangrove forest and are so fascinated by people approaching their tank.

 

Of course they have more tropical fish as well.  Here in a gorgeous colorful display they have yellow and blue fish in a  cylindrical vertical tank.  There are two clown (Nemo) fish in the tank.  When you go, be sure to ask your kids to find them.

Everything is not all about the big and colorful.  Here they have a huge tank with a school of fish.  Never in my life had I seen something like this.  It was so interesting to me.  Is this why sea divers love to swim with the fishes? 

They have many opportunities for the children to be wowed.  There is the typical shark tank, but they also have a special seahorse exhibit, goliath groupers (which are HUGE), deep sea lobsters, king crabs (which look like an alien creature) and penguins.  They also have a touch tank for kids to pet sting rays and small sharks (I think they are bonnet head sharks but I am not sure) and they have a touch tank for star fish and other sea creatures.

Finally, they have an outdoor water park for kids to play in and a sand box and small sprinkler for toddlers.  They have a Cantina for the parents to relax in while watching their children.  Clearly people here in Tampa know how to put on a good show and how to unwind. 

I was not able to describe everything they have there to do, but if you are even in the area (for a cruise maybe?) I do not think this is something that should be passed up.

More info on the water fun zone (mini water park)