A marine life rescue aquarium in Clearwater, certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity, with sensory bags (headphones and fidget tools) to borrow at no cost at Guest Services on Level 3 when you leave an ID, Quiet Zones and Headphone Zones marked on its map, and a social story in the KultureCity app.
Sensory supports. Sensory bags at no cost, Quiet Zones on the map.
Hours
Regular hours 10 am to 5 pm; last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Holiday hours: closed on Thanksgiving and on Christmas; open 9 am to 3 pm on Christmas Eve and on New Year's Eve. Hours are subject to change.
“KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs) are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services Desk located in the Visitor Center on level 3.” cmaquarium.org
“With all the fascinating animals and hands on exhibits to experience, it may get loud in the aquarium. If so, I can wear my headphones to feel more comfortable.”
“As I walk through the aquarium, I might also see a sign that says Quiet Area. This sign tells me that this area is quiet and I can come here to relax if I need a break.”
The aquarium partners with KultureCity and gives its staff annual training on sensory processing needs. Its social story lives in the KultureCity app and on KultureCity's page for the aquarium, both linked from the aquarium's visit page.
The map marks Quiet Zones and Headphone Zones with small KultureCity signs. Building A, Level 2 has no public access, and Building B, Level 2 has no elevator access.
In the Manatee Rehabilitation Center, a working marine life hospital, the aquarium asks guests to keep a quiet atmosphere and not use flash photography. Manatees may not always be in view.
Animal talks and the Stingray Beach feedings run through the day; times can change, so check the digital signs when you arrive. Turtle Odyssey and Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker films are included with admission.
Underwater Viewing (Building B, Level 1) (marked “Headphone Zone” on the aquarium's map)not stated
Mangrove Key Kids Zone (Building B, Level 1) (marked “Headphone Zone” on the aquarium's map)not stated
By Sea Cavern (Building A, Level 1) (marked “Headphone Zone” on the aquarium's map)not stated
Quieter, in the aquarium's words
Quiet Zone by the Cantina at the R.O. Jacobson Dolphin Complex (Level 3)quiet zone
Quiet Zone at the Harborview Deck (Building B, Level 2)quiet zone
Quiet Zone by the gift shop near Animal Connections Village (Building B, Level 1)quiet zone
Daily admission: adults (12+) $41.95, kids 3 to 11 $32.95, seniors 65+ $39.95, children 2 and under free. Prices are subject to change and seasonal rates may apply. Tickets are for the date you pick, and no refunds are given; to change an order, call 727-441-1790 ext. 0. Daily admission is not valid for special events.
Discounts: members visit free. Free admission on your birthday with valid proof, one ticket per person, only at Ticketing on site. Active-duty U.S. military and K-12 teachers with valid ID get 20% off one ticket each; their guests don't get the discount. Active duty and retired military can buy additional discounted tickets through MacDill Air Force Base, and retired or disabled veterans can buy special discounted tickets at the MacDill Air Force Base ticket office. Tampa Bay CityPASS includes the aquarium.
Parking is in the CMA garage, connected to the Level 3 entrance; seasonal rates apply, you pay at the exit, and members get a discount. Accessible spaces (state permit required) are first-come, first-served.
Kids under 13 must be with an adult. Bags, backpacks, purses and packages may be screened. Not allowed: backpacks, coolers or suitcases larger than 24 by 15 by 18 inches, strollers larger than 36 by 52 inches, wagons, balloons, and glass containers (small containers such as baby food jars are fine).
Food: Shark Bites Cafe is on Level 3, with seating inside and on the Dolphin Terrace. No food or drinks are allowed on the 2nd floor, and the aquarium asks guests to eat on the first floor only, away from the animal exhibits.
The aquarium has no strollers to borrow; you can bring your own. Wheelchairs rent at Guest Services for $5 plus a refundable $50 deposit (credit card, not a driver's license), first come, first served, so the aquarium strongly recommends bringing your own. Eco-boat tours are not wheelchair accessible.
The BayCare Nursing Pod is in Building B, Level 1. Sign language interpreting is at no charge with 14 days' notice: call Reservations at 727-441-1790 ext. 0 or email visitorsinfo@cmaquarium.org.
Only service dogs are allowed, on a leash or in a harness. Questions: 727-441-1790 ext. 0 (open 10 am to 5:30 pm, 7 days a week) or visitorsinfo@cmaquarium.org.
