Fodor's Expert Review Florida Aquarium
Although eels, sharks, and stingrays are the headliners, this aquarium is much more than a giant fishbowl. The architectural landmark features an 83-foot-high, tiered glass dome; 250,000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibit space; and more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals—from blacktip sharks to leafy sea dragons—from Florida and elsewhere in the world. Interactive displays, behind-the-scenes tours, and in-water adventures let you get hands-on—and get your feet wet.
The 500,000-gallon Coral Reef Gallery has a 43-foot-wide panoramic opening, viewing windows, and a walk-through tunnel where you feel as if you've entered the depths. A thicket of elkhorn coral teems with tropical fish, a dark cave reveals sea life normally seen only on night dives, and South African penguins make daily appearances. Another highlight is the Indian Ocean coral reef at the Journey to Madagascar exhibit, which also features ring-tailed lemurs and hissing cockroaches.
Younger kids... READ MORE
Although eels, sharks, and stingrays are the headliners, this aquarium is much more than a giant fishbowl. The architectural landmark features an 83-foot-high, tiered glass dome; 250,000 square feet of air-conditioned exhibit space; and more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals—from blacktip sharks to leafy sea dragons—from Florida and elsewhere in the world. Interactive displays, behind-the-scenes tours, and in-water adventures let you get hands-on—and get your feet wet.
The 500,000-gallon Coral Reef Gallery has a 43-foot-wide panoramic opening, viewing windows, and a walk-through tunnel where you feel as if you've entered the depths. A thicket of elkhorn coral teems with tropical fish, a dark cave reveals sea life normally seen only on night dives, and South African penguins make daily appearances. Another highlight is the Indian Ocean coral reef at the Journey to Madagascar exhibit, which also features ring-tailed lemurs and hissing cockroaches.
Younger kids love the Explore a Shore, an aquatic playground with a waterslide, water-jet sprays, and a climbable replica pirate ship. If you have an extra 90 minutes, try the Wild Dolphin Cruise, which takes up to 130 passengers onto Tampa Bay in a 72-foot catamaran to see bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife.
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