New ZooTampa experience will let you get in the water with stingrays

Multiple major new attractions are opening this year at ZooTampa, Busch Gardens Tampa, and Florida Aquarium in 2024. One of the biggest debuts on our radar is Stingray Shores at ZooTampa (a perfect complement to the new limited Prehistoric Predators Experience).

The new interactive habitat opening this winter offers the opportunity for guests to touch and feed graceful stingrays. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to get into the water and be immersed in the aquatic world of stingrays during an unforgettable Signature Encounter experience that connects guests with these amazing species like never before.

This new addition officially opens on March 15. Guests must be 48 inches or taller to participate, and guests under 18 need to attend with a paid, participating adult.

You should bring an appropriate personal swimsuit; it is required to be worn under your wetsuit. Wetsuit, water shoes, and towels are provided to all participants. A small swimsuit dryer is available for guest use. The zoo asks that you do not apply sunscreen before the encounter.

The entire in-water experience with the Stingrays runs for 15-20 minutes. The whole program, including changing time, is approximately 90 minutes. 

ZooTampa admission is required to participate in Signature Encounters and is not included with the purchase of the Stingray In-Water experience. Purchase admission tickets here. 

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