Explore, Learn & Be Amazed: A Day at Mote SEA

Sarasota has turned a big corner in marine science education. After decades on Lido Key's City Island, Mote Marine Laboratory’s public aquarium is reborn as Mote SEA (Science Education Aquarium)—bringing immersive habitats, interactive galleries and cutting-edge STEM labs into one visionary 146,000-square-foot facility. 

Here's what to expect, how to make the most of your visit and the highlights you won’t want to miss!

Ticketing, Planning & Arrival

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

It's best to book tickets in advance to Mote SEA due to high demand and capacity. You can purchase tickets on-site, but immediate entry is not guaranteed (they allow a set amount of guests to enter in 30 minute-increments). The Plan Ahead Pricing allows you to pick the date and time of your choosing in advance at a discounted price. 

Secured your tickets? Time to explore! Make your way to Mote's brand-new location at Nathan Benderson Park, where there is free guest parking in several parking lots on property. You can also plan to be dropped off at the aquarium's entrance via the Guest Drop-Off loop.

In the lobby, be sure to pick up a map (there are three floors!) and check the day’s featured programs before planning your route. Anywhere from 1.5-3 hours is recommended to fully explore the galleries, attend demos or lab shows and take breaks. As you journey through each gallery, you can also opt to hear the exhibits read aloud with the Mote SEA Audio Tour.

Themed Gallery Exhibits

Explore freshwater ecosystems, coral reef microcosms and global aquatic biomes. Mote SEA's main exhibits tie local waters to the broader story of Earth’s waterways and connectivity.

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Florida's Gulf Coast

Explore local marine ecosystems in the Florida’s Gulf Coast Gallery, where a sweeping 400,000-gallon habitat places visitors beneath the waves. Sharks, rays, moon jellies and sea turtles glide overhead in this immersive experience, while touch stations let guests connect with stingrays and explore interactive displays. An overhead observation deck tells the story of Mote’s founder, aka the “Shark Lady,” anchoring this gallery in both natural wonder and local history.

Florida Waters 

The Florida Waters Gallery highlights the freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems that feed the Gulf. Iconic species like manatees, river otters, an alligator snapping turtle, gopher tortoise and other iconic Florida species make up this exhibit. Nearby, find Tech in the Depths, featuring cutting-edge ocean tech used by Mote scientists to explore aquatic environments at all depths.

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Indo-Pacific 

Venture into more tropical waters in the Indo-Pacific Gallery, a vibrant coral reef environment teeming with life. Here, you'll encounter reef sharks, colorful corals, sea stars and anemones—including species never before displayed at Mote. Some favorites of this exhibit include the charismatic Humboldt penguins and a fascinating Giant Pacific octopus.

Interactive Demos & Events

Mote SEA isn’t just about what’s behind glass—it's also a stage for science in action. 

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Throughout the day, visitors can catch animal care demonstrations, feeding presentations and narrated training sessions where staff explain behavior, conservation and species biology. In addition to the daily demos, you and the family can catch special events and themed experiences all year long. Check the event calendar before visiting, as there may be limited seating or require advance registration.

STEM Teaching Labs

For those particularly intrigued and passionate about marine science, Mote SEA includes dedicated STEM teaching labs for students and visitors looking to deepen their knowledge and education in marine sciences. This is your chance to see real research in motion! Fields of study include: Biomedical & Immunology, Marine Ecology and Ocean Technology. (Labs are currently only available to be booked for school field trips, birthday parties or as add-ons to venue rentals.)

Dining & Shopping

All that walking will work up an appetite! Plan to go out to eat after your day of exploration at one of the dozens of surrounding restaurants of University Town Center—ranging from fast-casual and family-friendly to fine dining. 

Restaurants and shops surrounding Mote SEA at University Town Center

Should you want to stay onsite for refreshments, there is Bite Café on the top floor of the aquarium—featuring a vibrant setting and coastal-inspired bites. Afterwards, take a break and enjoy the open-air view on the Quarterdeck Terrace. 

Don't leave the third floor without browsing the Gift Shop, where a huge selection of marine-themed gifts and souvenirs are available to take home with you. (Your purchases support Mote's marine science and conservation efforts.)

Stay Nearby Mote SEA

Almost directly across from the aquarium is the convenient and comfortable Homewood Suites by Hilton Sarasota Lakewood Ranch hotel, with no shortage of shops and restaurants within walking distance. 

Under three miles and a quick drive away, you and the family can also check into the beautiful Even Hotel Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch or Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakewood Ranch.