Florida Aquariums and Marine Studies

Florida Aquarium Accreditation

Aquariums in Florida are regulated by the State of Florida. Major aquariums are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) AZA accreditation recognizes institutions that meet the highest professional standards for animal welfare, scientific education, and staff training. A visit to a Florida aquarium will introduce your children to sea and fresh water life and how marine life benefits us all.

Regulation by The Federal Animal Welfare Act

Animal and aquarium exhibits open to the public must be licensed whether they are owned by states, counties, or other local governments; corporations; foundations; or private individuals. Furthermore, petting zoos with regulated animals must be licensed and are subject to regulations within the Animal Welfare Act that protect animals and the public.

Aquariums in Florida

The Miami Seaquarium, Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, Key West Aquarium, Discovery Cove and Sea World in Orlando, Tampa's ZooQuarium in Tampa, Tarpon Springs Aquarium, St. Augustine Aquarium, Gulf World Marine Park at Panama City Beach, FL and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Destin, FL.

The Miami Seaquarium

The Miami Seaquarium is a renowned oceanarium located on Virginia Key in Miami, Florida. Since its opening in 1955, it has been a popular destination for visitors of all ages. The Seaquarium is home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and various fish species. It offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and captivating presentations, such as the Dolphin Odyssey and animal encounters. The facility is dedicated to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation, particularly focusing on manatees and sea turtles.

Sea World Orlando

Sea World Orlando offers an unforgettable blend of marine life encounters, thrilling rides, and world-class entertainment. Visitors can explore immersive exhibits featuring dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and penguins, while enjoying interactive experiences like feeding stingrays or viewing its captive orcas and learning about a wild orcas life in the sea. Families will love the kid-friendly Sesame Street Land, complete with themed rides and character meet-and-greets. SeaWorld emphasizes conservation and education, showcasing rescue and rehabilitation efforts that inspire visitors to protect ocean wildlife. Seasonal events like Electric Ocean and Christmas Celebration add even more magic to the experience.

Sea Life Florida at Legoland in Winter Haven, FL (new)

Did you know that SEA LIFE Florida is home to 150 different species and more than 3,000 incredible marine creatures? This exciting, family-friendly Florida aquarium offers a chance to see a variety of aquatic life, making it a must-visit destination. The interactive exhibits and close-up views allow little ones to marvel at the wonders of the ocean while learning about its fascinating inhabitants.

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium provides an immersive underwater experience with its 360-degree ocean tunnel, where visitors can walk through and be surrounded by sharks, rays, and other sea creatures. The aquarium emphasizes marine conservation and offers interactive exhibits for children.

Florida Zooquarium in Tampa

At the Zooquarium in Tampa you will meet Florida marine life in natural habitats including a coral reef inhabited by tropical fish and a wetlands trail featuring playful otters and wading alligators.

The aquarium is renowned for its interactive exhibits, including a touch tank with stingrays and horseshoe crabs, and a unique "Journey to Madagascar" exhibit featuring lemurs and chameleons.

Or take a dolphin cruise to see these entertaining mammals playing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Marineland Dolphin Adventure (St. Augustine, FL)

Marineland Dolphin Adventure, located in St. Augustine, is one of the oldest marine parks in the world. It offers unique dolphin encounters and educational programs, allowing visitors to learn about these intelligent creatures up close.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (Fort Walton Beach, FL)

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park features daily dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as exhibits showcasing a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, alligators, and tropical fish. The park is dedicated to marine animal rescue and rehabilitation.

Gulf World Marine Park (Panama City Beach, FL)

Gulf World Marine Park offers a variety of interactive programs and educational shows, including swimming with dolphins, sea lion encounters, and stingray feeding experiences. Gulf World is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals and sea turtles through its non-profit organization, the Gulf World Marine Institute.

Port Canaveral (Brevard County, FL) (Future plans)

A new aquarium featuring native Florida aquatic life such as manatees, dolphins, and native fish is planned for Port Canaveral on the Space Coast of Florida. The outdoor areas will include water walkways and even water play areas for youngsters. The new aquarium will emphasize marine rescue and rehabilitation.