Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an Entertaining and Educational Facility

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a marine animal educational facility located in Clearwater, Florida. The facility is located in a former water treatment plant, which was donated to the non-profit Clearwater Marine Science Center in 1978. After numerous modifications, the new facility was opened to the public in 1981 and included two 65,000 gallon tanks designated for the rehabilitation of dolphins, whales and sea turtles, as well as various exhibit rooms that included fish from the city's original Sea-Orama exhibit. A name change occurred in the 1990s and the facility continued to grow and eventually became a home to many rescued marine animals.

Today's Clearwater Marine Aquarium continues to be involved in rescue and rehabilitation and also provides animal shows, a variety of exhibits, and opportunities to interact with the animals that make their home at the aquarium.

The aquarium's Rescue, Rehab, and Release program responds to marine animal emergencies in the area, rehabilitates the creatures, and either releases them into the wild if appropriate or allows the animal to remain at the facility. Similarly, the Sea Turtle Nesting Program protects hatchings on Pinellas County's coastline and also rehabs and releases injured and sick turtles back into the environment. Visitors can learn more about the aquarium's rehabilitation efforts via a film offered at the facility's Atlantis Theater.

In addition, the aquarium's education department also offers hands-on opportunities for the whole family including kids' camps, behind-the-scenes tours with rescue staff and animal trainers, and off-site presentations.

Animal shows and exhibits are quite diverse at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Dolphin presentations feature the facility's Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and include an opportunity to view tricks and other dolphin behaviors. Three turtle tanks house a variety of different kinds of turtles. Another huge fish tank highlights many species including sharks, and Stingray Beach lets visitors experience these unique creatures in a hands-on way, attempting to dispel the bad reputation they've been dealt. Otter Land is a separate area for the facility's North American River Otters, where visitors of all ages enjoy watching their antics.

Outside, a waterside deck extends the length of the aquarium and provides a place for visitors to view the beauty of the Intercoastal Waterway and the dolphin and turtle pools. The deck is also available for lease for corporate or private parties or other events.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium also offers Sea Life Safari Eco-Tours, which take patrons on a two-hour cruise of the intracoastal waters, where they can look for dolphins and seabirds and enjoy hands-on experiences with sea critters. The cruise can be purchased on its own or as a combination package with aquarium admission. In addition, the aquarium sponsors kayaking trips on local waterways. Paddling and safety instructions are included and all trips depart by van from the aquarium.