Florida Aquarium in Tampa has over 10,000 plants and animals, and 200,000 square feet of aquatic habitats. There are many opportunities to get up close to sharks and fish — and see alligators and a giant octopus. There are many exhibits and displays that feature the animals and plants around Florida's bays and beaches including spiny lobsters, the goliath grouper and stingrays. In the Dragons Down Under exhibit visitors can see the rare sea dragons from Australia and Florida's dwarf seahorses. The huge glass dome houses free-flying birds and swamp and mangrove habitats where you might catch a glimpse of river otters.
Explore the Shore is an aquatic zone for children between the ages of 3 to 13 where they can have lots of fun in the water jet sprays, and climb on aquatic animals. There are one hour behind-the -scenes tours where visitors find out about the feeding routines of the animals and meet some of them up-close. Alternatively try the shark feeding tour and get an 'I fed the sharks' apron.
The Aquarium offers ecotours on its 64-foot catamaran in the Bay where visitors can get the chance to see some of the 400-strong bottlenose dolphin population that live in the Bay area. Experience an underwater reef experience where you can swim with fishes and sharks without being a certified diver, and see the beautiful aquatic environments.
The aquarium gift shops has t-shirts, toys, books and games and a variety of gifts. Cafe Ray serves sandwiches, pizza and fresh salads, and a selection of snacks and beverages.
