The Florida Aquarium adds Wild Dolphin Cruises and Aqua Nights

The Florida Aquarium is an absolute dream. It’s the air-conditioned, family-friendly space that will educate you, enchant you, and introduce you to some of the most fantastic creatures on the planet. Sit beneath large sea turtles and sharks. Become mesmerized by the resplendent dives of river otters. See spoonbills fluff their feathers, enjoy a hissing cockroach melody, feel the smooth backs of stingray, and sidle up to penguins. We haven’t even mentioned the splash pad yet, or the always captivating addition of Wild Dolphin Cruises to its experiences package, but more on that later.

The Florida Aquarium itself features multiple habitats for kids and adults alike to immerse themselves in. These habitats include Stingray Beach, the Wetlands, the Coral Reef, and Moon Bay. In total, the aquarium has 200,000-square-feet of discovery space, with a full splash pad and 4-D Theatre for kids.

The Florida Aquarium launches extended hours

New this summer at The Florida Aquarium is “Aqua Nights.” Visitors can groove to live entertainment and take part in far-out family-friendly festivities. Here’s the official event description from The FloridaAquarium:

“Enjoy remembrances of the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s as you navigate through our wondrous galleries. All Aqua Nights events will be held between 4pm and 8pm and are included with general admission.”

Aqua Nights will run through August 5. The event includes a silent disco, live painting, a chance to view the disco divers, and visiting vendors as well.

It pays to become a member at the aquarium. Those who participate enjoy unlimited visits for the duration of their membership plus free parking. As a member, you can also take advantage of an ocean of benefits. These benefits include Invitations to exclusive member-only events, including sneak previews of new habitats and exhibits, discounts on Aquarium experiences, and more. You can learn more by visiting the official membership page.

Get up-close with the Wild Dolphin Cruise

By the way, one of the newest experiences at The Florida Aquarium is the Dolphin Cruise. Get out on the waters of Tampa Bay where an experienced naturalist will serve as your guide to the natural beauty of the bay. Keep your eyes out for a variety of wildlife that calls Tampa Bay home – including bottlenose dolphins, countless native bird species and more. The Wild Dolphin Cruise is fun for the whole family. You can reserve your spot in advance here.

This space for discovery is about so much more than teaching. The Florida Aquarium is actively working on coral reef and sea turtle conservation efforts. The aquarium’s Coral Conservation Program is effectively addressing the coral crisis by focusing its efforts on several interconnected strategies designed to protect species that are approaching or are at risk of extinction in the wild, increase coral reproduction rates, advance coral health and restore the Florida Reef Tract.

Explore what’s in the water at The Florida Aquarium and learn more on their website here.