A Perfect Day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Marine Life, Island Vibes & a Family Favorite Dinner Spot

If you're looking for the perfect mix of education, adventure, and family fun, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is hands down one of my favorite spots to visit on Florida’s Gulf Coast! From sea turtle & dolphin rescues to boat tours, every experience here is rooted in marine conservation and animal rehabilitation, and it’s a place that speaks to my ocean-loving heart.

Whether you’ve followed the story of Winter the dolphin or are just exploring Florida’s best coastal gems, CMA makes for the perfect day trip or weekend add-on, especially if you’re traveling with kids!

💙 The Mission Behind the Magic at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

CMA isn’t just an aquarium. It’s a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a working marine life hospital focused on rescue, rehab, and release. Their mission is to protect and preserve marine life and the environment while educating the public through immersive, hands-on experiences.

What I love is that every ticket, tour, snack, and gift shop purchase directly supports their mission. When you visit CMA, you're not just having a fun day; you’re actively helping save marine animals.

Talia and I with a rough-tooth dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

They’re also currently the only aquarium in the U.S. caring for rough-toothed dolphins, and every dolphin in their care has been deemed non-releasable due to injury, age, or inability to survive in the wild. These rescued animals now serve as powerful ambassadors for their species.

🐢 Witnessing Real-Life Rescue in Action

One of the most special parts of CMA is that you’re not just looking through glass. You’re witnessing real-time animal care. The public can view CMA’s animal hospital, where rescued marine life is treated by veterinary staff.

If you're lucky, you might even catch a live checkup or medical procedure while you’re there.

While we were visiting, we saw sea turtle hatchlings being cared for in the turtle rehabilitation center. It was such an emotional, hope-filled moment that reminded me how much heart this place has.

🎬 Tales of Winter Exhibit – An Emotional Tribute

Winter's story has always held a special place in my heart, and walking through the Tales of Winter exhibit was incredibly emotional.

You can see real props from the Dolphin Tale films, learn about her groundbreaking prosthetic tail, and even hold one of Winter’s actual tails. The kids were in awe. I teared up. It was such a powerful reminder of how one little dolphin inspired millions around the world.

And even though Winter is no longer with us, her best friend Hope is still there, the real-life dolphin who starred in Dolphin Tale 2. Seeing her swimming gracefully in the same habitat Winter once called home was incredibly moving.

We also got to visit Rufus the pelican, yes, that Rufus! He’s still waddling around CMA being his quirky, and lovable self.

This section of the aquarium beautifully honors Winter’s legacy while celebrating the animals who continue to carry the message forward.

🌊 Our Sea Life Safari Tour Experience

One of the highlights of our visit was the Sea Life Safari Tour, a 90-minute eco-cruise that’s equal parts relaxing and educational. It departs right from CMA and takes you out on Clearwater Bay for a hands-on look at the local marine ecosystem.

We learned all about the marine life that calls the region home, from fish and birds to the delicate invertebrates that often go unnoticed. The guides were so knowledgeable, engaging, and great with kids.

The best part? Our stop at a small island where we got to search for shells and even hold a sea urchin. That moment alone was worth the trip.

Please note: The island stop may be canceled due to weather or inaccessibility, and boat routes may be adjusted by the captain at any time. Wildlife sightings (like dolphins, manatees, or seabirds) are never guaranteed, which is part of what makes each tour so unique and special!

You can purchase a ticket just for the Sea Life Safari Tour, or for the best experience, get the combo ticket that includes full aquarium admission too. That way, you can enjoy everything CMA has to offer before or after your cruise.

🐠 So Many Animals to Discover

Beyond dolphins and sea turtles, CMA is home to a diverse range of rescued marine and coastal wildlife:

• Otters like Walle and Boomer

• Pelicans, many with wing injuries, who now live full lives at CMA

• Rays, seahorses, and tropical fish

• Nurse sharks, eels, and more in naturalistic tanks

• Horseshoe crabs, urchins, sea stars, and hermit crabs in the touch pools

• Birds of prey and other permanent residents who were deemed non-releasable

  

  

  

  

  

Every animal has a story, and CMA gives each one a second chance and a voice.

🍽️ Dinner at Frenchy’s Saltwater Café

After a full day of marine magic, we headed over to Frenchy’s Saltwater Café, just minutes away in Clearwater Beach. This iconic local spot is known for its seafood, but don’t worry if seafood isn’t your thing, I’m right there with you!

Here’s what I ordered and loved:

Onion Straws – Thinly sliced, breaded, and fried to

golden perfection, served with their housemade Bahamian sauce. So addicting.

Monterey Chicken Sandwich – Grilled chicken topped with BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, cheddar jack cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and red onion. YES. So good.

They also have great kid-friendly options, which made it an easy and relaxing spot to wrap up our day.

💬 Final Thoughts

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is more than just an attraction. It’s a place with heart, purpose, and impact. From learning about sea turtle rescue to holding a sea urchin on a boat tour, every moment here brings you closer to the ocean and its incredible creatures.

Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or making a full day of it like we did, CMA is one of those places that leaves you inspired long after you leave.

Have you visited CMA? If you could be any sea creature for a day, what would you be? Drop your answer in the comments. I think I’d be a shark.

🎟️ Ready to plan your visit and support marine conservation? Click here to view tickets and experiences.

Thank you for having us!

Our admission & boat tour was hosted by CMA but all the opinions are mine