Clearwater MarineAquarium
Home of Winter and Hope, the famous dolphins from Dolphin Tale movies. Experience marine rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation up close.
Visitor Information
Hours
9 AM - 5 PM daily
(Last entry 4 PM)
Admission
From $24.95
(Online discounts)
Location
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
Visit Duration
2-4 hours
Self-paced tour
Admission Prices
| Ticket Type | Online | At Door |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | $34.95 | $39.95 |
| Child (3-12) | $24.95 | $29.95 |
| Child (2 & under) | Free | Free |
| Senior (65+) | $29.95 | $34.95 |
| Military/Veterans | $29.95 | $34.95 |
| Annual Pass Adult | $69.95 | $79.95 |
| Annual Pass Child | $49.95 | $59.95 |
Save $5: Purchase tickets online in advance. Annual passes include free parking and gift shop discounts.
Must-See Exhibits
Winter & Hope Dolphin Pool
Watch Winter and Hope, the stars of the Dolphin Tale movies, in their spacious pool
Highlights
- •Meet Winter, the dolphin with a prosthetic tail
- •See Hope, rescued as a baby and raised at CMA
- •Interactive feeding demonstrations
- •Educational presentations about dolphin rescue
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Learn about sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts
Highlights
- •See rescued sea turtles recovering
- •Learn about different turtle species
- •Understanding threats to sea turtles
- •Turtle release preparation process
Otter & Small Mammal Habitat
Playful otters and other rescued marine mammals
Highlights
- •River otter family interactions
- •Feeding demonstrations
- •Animal enrichment activities
- •Conservation success stories
Touch Tanks & Interactive Exhibits
Hands-on learning experiences for all ages
Highlights
- •Touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs
- •Interactive marine life displays
- •Educational games and activities
- •Microscope stations
Special Experiences
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
60-90 minutes
+$15 per person
Exclusive access to animal care areas, food preparation, and medical facilities
Includes
- • Animal kitchen tour
- • Meet animal care staff
- • Q&A session
- • Photo opportunities
8+ recommended
Limited daily spots
Trainer for a Day
4 hours
+$149 per person
Work alongside marine mammal trainers and learn about animal care
Includes
- • Hands-on training
- • Animal preparation
- • Educational presentations
- • Lunch included
12+ required
Weekends only, advance booking required
VIP Experience
2-3 hours
+$45 per person
Skip-the-line access plus exclusive presentations
Includes
- • Priority admission
- • Private presentations
- • VIP viewing areas
- • Gift shop discount
All ages
Daily, subject to capacity
The Dolphin Tale Connection
Hollywood Fame
Winter's inspiring story of resilience was featured in two major Hollywood films, bringing worldwide attention to marine conservation.
Dolphin Tale (2011)
Winter's rescue story and prosthetic tail development
Impact: Put CMA on international map
Dolphin Tale 2 (2014)
Hope's rescue and Winter's continued journey
Impact: Continued conservation awareness
Conservation Programs
CMA is more than an aquarium - it's an active rescue center making a real difference for marine life
Marine Mammal Rescue
Emergency response team for stranded or injured marine mammals
Impact: 50+ rescues annually
Sea Turtle Protection
Rehabilitation and release program for injured sea turtles
Impact: 200+ turtles helped yearly
Research & Education
Scientific research and educational outreach programs
Impact: 100,000+ students reached
Habitat Restoration
Local ecosystem restoration and protection initiatives
Impact: 500+ acres protected
Planning Your Visit
Best Times to Visit
- •Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for smallest crowds
- •First hour after opening for most active animals
- •Avoid 12-2 PM during peak season
- •Late afternoon for fewer school groups
What to Bring
- •Comfortable walking shoes
- •Sunscreen and hat for outdoor areas
- •Camera (flash photography not allowed)
- •Light jacket for air-conditioned areas
Money-Saving Tips
- •Buy tickets online for $5 discount
- •Annual passes pay for themselves in 2 visits
- •Military and senior discounts available
- •Free admission for children 2 and under
Accessibility
- •Fully wheelchair accessible facility
- •Free wheelchair rentals available
- •Assistive listening devices
- •Service animals welcome
Important Visitor Information
Animal Welfare First
- • Animals may not be visible during medical care
- • Flash photography is prohibited
- • Feeding schedules subject to animal needs
- • Some areas may close for animal welfare
Visitor Guidelines
- • No outside food or drinks allowed
- • Small coolers permitted (12" x 12" max)
- • Strollers and wheelchairs available
- • Service animals welcome
Ready to Meet Winter & Hope?
Purchase tickets online to save money and support marine conservation. Every visit helps fund rescue and rehabilitation efforts.