Clearwater Aquarium, also known as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, is a non-profit aquarium and marine life rescue center located in Clearwater, Florida, United States. The aquarium is famous for being the home of Winter, the dolphin who starred in the movie “Dolphin Tale.” The aquarium is a popular tourist destination and a hub for marine life education and conservation. In this article, we will explore the location of Clearwater Aquarium and what makes it a unique and fascinating place to visit.
Location and History of Clearwater Aquarium
Clearwater Aquarium is situated in Clearwater, Florida, a city located on the Gulf Coast of the United States. The aquarium is located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The aquarium has a rich history dating back to 1970, when it was founded as a small marine life rescue center. Over the years, the aquarium has grown and expanded to become one of the largest and most respected marine life rescue centers in the world.
The aquarium’s location on the Gulf Coast of Florida makes it an ideal place for marine life rescue and conservation. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide a habitat for a wide variety of marine species, including dolphins, sea turtles, and fish. The aquarium’s proximity to the ocean also allows it to respond quickly to marine life emergencies and rescue stranded animals.
Key Features of Clearwater Aquarium
Clearwater Aquarium is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive experiences for visitors. Some of the key features of the aquarium include:
- Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure: This exhibit is dedicated to the story of Winter, the dolphin who starred in the movie “Dolphin Tale.” Visitors can learn about Winter’s journey and see her up close in a large tank.
- Sea Life Rescue: This exhibit showcases the aquarium’s marine life rescue efforts and provides a glimpse into the work of the aquarium’s rescue team.
- Shark and Ray Touch Tank: This interactive exhibit allows visitors to touch and learn about sharks and rays in a safe and controlled environment.
- Sea Turtle Exhibit: This exhibit features a large tank with a variety of sea turtles, including loggerheads and green sea turtles.
- Marine Life Theater: This theater features live animal shows and educational programs that teach visitors about marine life and conservation.
Marine Life Rescue and Conservation Efforts
Clearwater Aquarium is a leader in marine life rescue and conservation efforts. The aquarium’s rescue team responds to marine life emergencies throughout the Gulf Coast region and provides care and rehabilitation for stranded animals. The aquarium’s conservation efforts include:
Marine Life Rescue: The aquarium’s rescue team responds to marine life emergencies, including strandings, entanglements, and other injuries. The team provides care and rehabilitation for stranded animals and works to release them back into the wild.
Conservation Programs: The aquarium offers a variety of conservation programs, including sea turtle conservation, shark conservation, and marine life education. These programs aim to educate visitors about the importance of marine life conservation and provide opportunities for visitors to get involved in conservation efforts.
Research and Education: The aquarium is involved in a variety of research and education projects, including studies on marine life behavior, habitat restoration, and conservation efforts. The aquarium also offers educational programs for schools and community groups, providing opportunities for visitors to learn about marine life and conservation.
How to Get to Clearwater Aquarium (See Also: How Much Is Mystic Aquarium? A Complete Price Guide)
Getting to Clearwater Aquarium
Clearwater Aquarium is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Here are some options for getting to the aquarium:
Driving to Clearwater Aquarium
If you are driving to Clearwater Aquarium, you can use the following directions:
- From I-275, take the exit for US-19 North towards Clearwater
- Continue on US-19 North for approximately 5 miles
- Turn left onto Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
- Continue on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard for approximately 2 miles
- Turn right onto Windward Passage
- Continue on Windward Passage for approximately 1 mile
- Arrive at Clearwater Aquarium
Parking at Clearwater Aquarium
Clearwater Aquarium offers parking for visitors. The parking lot is located adjacent to the aquarium and offers a variety of parking options, including:
- General Parking: This parking area is available for visitors and offers a variety of parking spaces.
- Handicap Parking: This parking area is designated for visitors with disabilities and offers a variety of parking spaces.
- Preferred Parking: This parking area is available for visitors who prefer a closer parking spot.
Public Transportation to Clearwater Aquarium
Public Transportation to Clearwater Aquarium
Clearwater Aquarium is accessible by public transportation. Here are some options for getting to the aquarium using public transportation:
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) offers bus service to Clearwater Aquarium. You can take the following bus routes to get to the aquarium:
- Route 300: This bus route runs from downtown Clearwater to the aquarium.
- Route 310: This bus route runs from downtown St. Petersburg to the aquarium.
Bus Schedule and Fares
The bus schedule and fares for PSTA are as follows:
| Route | Frequency | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Route 300 | Every 30 minutes | $2.00 |
| Route 310 | Every 60 minutes | $2.00 |
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services
Clearwater Aquarium is also accessible by taxi and ride-sharing services. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from the following locations: (See Also: Where Is Odysea Aquarium? Located In Bournemouth)
- Downtown Clearwater: You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from downtown Clearwater to the aquarium.
- Downtown St. Petersburg: You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service from downtown St. Petersburg to the aquarium.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Fares
The fares for taxi and ride-sharing services are as follows:
| Service | Fare |
|---|---|
| Taxi | $10.00-$15.00 |
| Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft) | $8.00-$12.00 |
Accommodations near Clearwater Aquarium
There are many accommodations near Clearwater Aquarium that offer a range of options for visitors. Here are some options to consider:
Hotels near Clearwater Aquarium
Here are some hotels near Clearwater Aquarium:
- Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach: This hotel is located on the beach and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa: This hotel is located on the beach and offers a range of amenities, including a spa and fitness center.
- Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa: This hotel is located on the beach and offers a range of amenities, including a spa and fitness center.
Bed and Breakfasts near Clearwater Aquarium
Here are some bed and breakfasts near Clearwater Aquarium:
- Clearwater Beach Bed and Breakfast: This bed and breakfast is located in a historic home and offers a range of amenities, including a hot tub and free breakfast.
- Beach House Bed and Breakfast: This bed and breakfast is located in a beachfront home and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Recap
In this article, we have explored the location of Clearwater Aquarium and provided information on how to get to the aquarium. We have also discussed the aquarium’s exhibits, marine life rescue and conservation efforts, and accommodations near the aquarium. We hope that this information has been helpful in planning your visit to Clearwater Aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Clearwater Aquarium:
Q: What are the hours of operation for Clearwater Aquarium?
A: Clearwater Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (See Also: How to Remove White Algae from Aquarium? A Simple Guide)
Q: What is the cost of admission to Clearwater Aquarium?
A: The cost of admission to Clearwater Aquarium is $25.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-12.
Q: Can I bring my pet to Clearwater Aquarium?
A: No, pets are not allowed in Clearwater Aquarium, except for service animals.
Q: Can I take food and drinks into Clearwater Aquarium?
A: No, food and drinks are not allowed in Clearwater Aquarium, except for bottled water and snacks purchased from the aquarium’s gift shop.
Q: Can I take photos and videos at Clearwater Aquarium?
A: Yes, photos and videos are allowed at Clearwater Aquarium, but please do not use flash or tripods.
Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel my visit to Clearwater Aquarium?
A: No, refunds are not available for cancelled visits to Clearwater Aquarium.