A big aquarium in downtown Tampa with distract packs to borrow, a social narrative to read ahead, the Aquatic Lounge as its usually quietest spot, and Day of Discovery sessions with lights and sounds adapted.
“There are a limited number of ‘distract packs’ available at the Guest Services desk for individuals who have sensory differences to borrow throughout their visit.”
“The lounge is usually the most quiet area in the Aquarium. It is a good place to stop and visit the bathroom, or take a break if I need some quiet time.”
“We currently offer complimentary general admission to an interpreter accompanying an individual with a sensory difference.” flaquarium.org
The aquarium's social narrative warns that any location could have triggering smells, sounds and sights, and that you may see a sign on a habitat that is being cleaned or renovated.
Darker spots: the Coral Cave is one of the darkest parts of the aquarium, and the Waves of Wonder gallery is kept darker, with lights that look like moving water. The Undersea Explorer virtual reality seats, an add-on, have lights and movement.
Touch habitats are Stingray Beach, The Tide Pool and Moon Bay. Touching is optional and done with two fingers; stingrays sometimes take a Time Out from touching. The Moon Bay line may mean a wait.
Staff wear a shirt with The Florida Aquarium logo. Guest Services is just inside the main entrance; the exit signs are on the left side of the Guest Services desk.
There are no paper maps; QR codes around the building open the digital map, in English or Spanish. The splash pad and playground are closed while the area becomes new habitats.
Wetlands of Florida (running water, people's voices echoing and birds chirping)not stated
The Tide Pool (running water, a wave crashing, people's voices and information over a speaker; the lighting slowly changes)not stated
MORPH'D (running water, voices echoing and animal sounds over the speaker)not stated
Shorelines (wave sounds and images projected onto the walls)not stated
The restrooms (toilets that flush loudly by themselves and noisy hand dryers)not stated
Quieter, in the aquarium's words
The Aquatic Lounge, an art galleryquiet zone
Tickets are priced by the day of your visit. Buying online at least 24 hours ahead gives the lowest price for that date, and prices are higher at the ticket office. Child tickets are for ages 3 to 11; children 2 and under are free but should be included in online orders. There are no senior tickets. Military: 10% off your entire order with a valid active or retired military ID, in person at the ticket windows. AZA reciprocal discounts are in person only, with proof of membership and a matching photo ID. CityPASS is accepted. There is no Florida resident, EBT, teacher, AAA or AARP discount, and no Museums on Us.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. General admission tickets may be rescheduled for up to one year from the original date if they were never scanned; you pay any price difference. Call (813) 273-4000 or email to reschedule.
Re-entry: check in with Guest Services before you leave, or show your admission ticket to a Guest Services representative when you come back in.
Food: guests may not bring food for individual consumption, except food needed for medical purposes, food allergies or infants, and water in bottles; exceptions must be pre-arranged by calling guest services at (813) 273-4000. Café Seventy One is inside. All bags are subject to a search.
Children 14 and under must be with an adult, parent or guardian at all times, at no less than a 10:1 ratio. Costumes are not allowed unless authorized by management.
Parking nearby can fill up quickly; pre-paid parking details come in your ticket confirmation email. Garages: Channelside Parking Garage (369 S 12th St), the City of Tampa lot next to the aquarium (864 Channelside Dr) and Cumberland Garage (1045 E Cumberland Ave). Valet at the main entrance is $20 up to 3 hours and $40 over 3 hours, subject to availability and not offered on days a cruise is in port at Terminal 2. Accessible parking is first come, first served in the City of Tampa lot a short distance from the entrance; drop-off is at 701 Channelside Drive at the circle.
Rentals at Guest Services, limited and first come, first served: wheelchairs $8, scooters $15, single strollers $6, double strollers $8. Doors have automatic push plates, and elevators reach all upper levels. Luggage storage comes with a general admission ticket; pick up your things at least 15 minutes before closing.
Christmas Tidings runs November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027 and is included in general admission, with photos with Santa, costumed divers and holiday crafts.
Service animals are welcome and must be harnessed and under control; emotional support animals and pets are not allowed inside. Questions: (813) 273-4000 or moreinfo@flaquarium.org.
