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Aquarium · Clearwater, Florida
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Aquarium and marine animal rescue center in Clearwater, known for the dolphin Winter, who received a prosthetic tail and inspired the film Dolphin Tale. It displays dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and manatees under rehabilitation or that cannot return to the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium began in 1972 as a marine science center founded by volunteers in an old water treatment building next to the bridge leading to Clearwater Beach. Today it is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and returning sick or injured marine animals to the sea.
The aquarium became known worldwide because of Winter, a dolphin rescued in 2005 after losing her tail trapped in a crab trap. She received a prosthetic tail and became the protagonist of the film Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel. Winter died in 2021, but her story continues to be told at the aquarium.
The animals on display include dolphins, sea turtles, otters, rays, and nurse sharks, many of them rescued and considered unfit to return to the wild. The presentations explain the rescue work and veterinary care.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays, when it is less crowded; at any time of year.
How to get there
It is on Windward Passage, between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, next to the Memorial Causeway bridge. The trolley that connects downtown to the beach stops nearby; there is parking on site.
Tip
Check the schedule of daily presentations when you arrive and plan your visit around them.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Clearwater Marine Aquarium
What is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium?
An aquarium and nonprofit marine animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Clearwater.
Is the dolphin Winter still at the aquarium?
No. Winter died in 2021; her story, which inspired the film Dolphin Tale and its sequel, continues to be told at the aquarium.
What animals can you see at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium?
Dolphins, sea turtles, otters, rays, and nurse sharks, many of them rescued.