Looking for Something to Do in Sarasota? Check out the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Are you searching for a fun activity in Sarasota? The Mote Marine Aquarium provides visitors with the opportunity to see aquatic creatures at play and scientific researchers at work. From its 135,000-gallon shark habitat to its two touch tanks, the Mote Aquarium is educational, fun, and like nothing else in the area.

Research Focused

The Mote Marine Aquarium is committed to the idea that education, research, and knowledge are the primary factors in conservation of marine life. Mote Marine is independently operated and employs world-class researchers, whom you will be able to watch at work during your visit. Though Mote Marine began as a modest effort many years ago (in Placida, Florida, 1955), it has expanded outstandingly to include campuses in Sarasota, Key West, Summerland Key, and more.

Though Mote Marine was originally focused on shark research (hence the enormous shark tank), its researchers now study cancer, the relationship between toxins and the environment, the sustainability of wild fisheries, the development of sustainable food production technologies, and much more, all of it with the goal of bettering our understanding of and respect for aquatic life.

Things to do at the Aquarium

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Mote Marine Aquarium features many famous fish, including the sea turtles Caleb, Hang Tough, Harry, Shelly, and Montego. You’ll also get to meet the fabulous pair of manatees, Hugh and Buffet. All in all, you’ll find over 100 incredible species at the Mote Marine Aquarium.

At Mote Marine Aquarium, you’ll have the opportunity to go on eco-boat tours, a fun learning experience for the whole family-. You can sign up for Breakfast at Mote to see what the aquarium is like before it is open to the public; this includes a continental breakfast as you observe your favorite sea creatures! You can also learn about sharks—their diet, habitat, behavior, and more—with the Shark Encounter experience. The Shark Encounter allows you to join Mote staff as they prepare a meal for the sharks.

You’ll also have the opportunity to join Mote’s marine biologists on their morning rounds. All this, plus your favorite marine animals on display! You can’t go wrong with the Mote Marine Aquarium! It’s fun for you and the whole family!

Visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium

You’ll find the Mote Marine Aquarium at 1600 Ken Thompson Plaza in Sarasota. It’s open 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. seven days per week. You can purchase tickets online and children three and under are admitted at no cost!