Explore, Learn & Be Amazed: Your Guide to Sarasota’s New Mote SEA Aquarium

Ever wanted to swim with the sharks but never quite worked up the nerve? Get a feel for having sharks slip over your head — along with paddling sea turtles and gliding rays — at the brand-new Mote Science Education Aquarium, or SEA for short.

Sarasota’s newest must-see attraction is a next-generation aquarium, meaning it’s more than looking at fish in tanks: Mote SEA connects visitors to the ocean through state-of-the-art habitats, immersive galleries and interactive learning.

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

What You’ll See: Galleries, Animals & Other Highlights

Mote SEA's main exhibits tie local Sarasota County waters to the broader story of Earth’s waterways and connectivity. There are three floors to explore at the new aquarium, and as you journey through each gallery, you can opt to hear the exhibits read aloud with the Mote SEA Audio Tour.

Photo courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Florida's Gulf Coast

In the Florida’s Gulf Coast gallery, 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, Dr. Eugenie Clark aka the “Shark Lady,” anchoring this gallery in both natural wonder and local history.

Florida Waters 

The Florida Waters Gallery highlights the freshwater and coastal ecosystems that feed the Gulf. Local 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 tech used by Mote scientists to explore the ocean 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.

More Things to Do at Mote SEA

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 and feeding demonstrations and narrated training sessions where staff explain behavior, conservation and species biology. In addition to the daily demos, you can catch special events and themed experiences all year long. Check the events calendar before visiting — some activities require advance registration and have associated fees.

When you’re ready for a break, visit Bite Café on the aquarium’s top floor for fuel like flatbreads and chicken fingers, or hit the nearby coffee cart or grab a refreshing Italian ice. And don’t leave the aquarium without at least browsing the gift shop for marine-themed souvenirs; every purchase supports Mote's science and conservation efforts.

Plan Your Visit

Address: 225 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243

Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Tickets: Purchase date-based tickets up to 3 months in advance at ticketing.mote.org. Discounted Plan-Ahead Pricing is available if you purchase at least 30 days ahead of time; tickets may not be available at the door due to high demand.

Parking: Parking at Mote SEA is free. 

Who should visit: Mote SEA is perfect for families, couples and anyone who loves the sea.

Tips for visiting: 

• Plan to spend 1½ - 3 hours exploring the aquarium.
• If you can, visit at aquarium opening for the lowest crowd levels. Try not to visit when events are going on nearby, as traffic in the area will be heavier.
  Mote SEA has been named Autism-Friendly by CARD-USF and has a limited number of sensory-friendly backpacks with ear protection, fidget toys and other items. Check Guest Services for availability.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and always have your camera ready!

Make A Day of It: Dining & Shopping Nearby

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

Where to Stay Near 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. Or a quick drive away, you and the family can check into the Even Hotel Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch or Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakewood Ranch.