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Science Is The Attraction at Mote Aquarium!
Come discover our wondrous oceans and meet the scientists working to save them at Mote Aquarium, which is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway., Sarasota, FL 34236, just a few minutes from downtown Sarasota. From downtown, take the Ringling Causeway to St. Armands Circle and head about one mile north to Mote’s address, which is on City Island.
Admission
General admission includes access to Mote Aquarium and its exhibits in the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. Members must also reserve their tickets online in advance (mote.org/membership). Each ticket will be timed to a 15-minute window when the guest should arrive, and the last arrival window will be at 4 p.m. daily. All guests and members will start their experience at our main entrance. Tickets must be registered on site, in person for two admission specials: Active duty military guests (one free admission with current ID) and guests applying reciprocal partner discounts (show reciprocal partner membership card and ID). Limited tickets are available for these walkups each day on a first come, first served basis. No other special offers are accepted at this time.
Adults (13 & older): $26
Youth (ages 3-12): $19
Children (ages 0-2): Free
Mote Members: Free. Become a Member!  Current members must reserve their free tickets online before visiting. Go to mote.org/membership to register your membership so you can reserve your free tickets.
Veteran’s Day: Mote Aquarium extends free admission to all veterans and their military dependents, with valid IDs for both veterans and military dependents, on Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) each year. No reservation is necessary.
Hours
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, with the exeption of Thanksgiving Day on which Mote Aquarium will close at 2:00 p.m. See details about timed tickets above.
Information
Call (941) 388-4441 or email info@mote.org.
Location
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 (on City Island). Mote Aquarium has two sections separated by an approximately 4-minute walk along Ken Thompson Parkway. The walkway is outdoor and uncovered.
Directions
Take exit 210 off I-75 to head west on Fruitville Road. Turn left onto Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). At Gulfstream Avenue, turn right and proceed across the Ringling Causeway to St. Armands Circle. Exit the circle at North Boulevard of the Presidents. Proceed one mile and then turn right at the traffic signal at Ken Thompson Parkway. Main parking for Mote Aquarium will be on the right. (Parking is free.)
Group rate
Parties of 10 or more are invited to take advantage of our group rates. Reservations are required and must be made at least one week in advance. Please fill out a Group Reservations Request Form or for more information, call 941-388-4441, ext. 106, or email selfguidedtours@mote.org.
Adults (ages 13 & older): $20
Youth (ages 3-12): $17
For school and camp groups looking to plan a visit to Mote, please visit mote.org/education/schools-groups/field-trips.
Mote Boat: Eco-tours
Sarasota Bay Explorers, working with Mote Aquarium, offers interactive, hands-on eco-adventures on the Sea Life Encounter Cruise and private charters aboard the Miss Explorer. Reserve your spot by visiting the Sarasota Bay Explorers website.
Deep Sea Diner
Mancini Diners, Inc. has cast fine food and superior service into Mote Aquarium waters at the Deep Sea Diner!
This casual, retro, ’50s style diner exclusively serves visitors and members of Mote Aquarium with a fun, affordable, family-style menu. Call 941-388-3415.
Download the current menu (PDF)
Download ice cream menu (PDF)
Is a visit to Mote Aquarium weather dependent?
No. You can view all of our exhibits from undercover spaces. The main Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Center have both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The outdoor spaces in the main Aquarium building are covered, with open siding (which is temperature exposed). The Marine Mammal Center is mostly covered, with the exception of the first-floor viewing of Otters & Their Waters and The Teeth Beneath. These two habitats are also viewable from the second floor, which has an overhang that protects visitors from inclement weather.
Wheelchair availability
Several manual wheelchairs are available for free at Mote Aquarium on a first come, first served basis.
Service dogs
Mote will allow entry to service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
Prohibited Items/Activities
The following items are not permitted in Mote Aquarium areas for the safety of our animals and guests: weapons or firearms per Florida Statutes Section 790.06(12), any hazardous items or materials, outside food and beverages (water and baby food/formula is allowed), or any other items deemed to be a safety hazard or that may be used to engage in prohibited activities. Smoking and vaping is also prohibited.
Resources for guests with sensory differences
Mote has been designated an Autism Friendly Business by CARD at University of South Florida, and our Aquarium offers a free, downloadable Sensory Guide to help you prepare for your visit. Also, a limited number of sensory-friendly backpacks are available for check-out (with ID exchange) at the front desk.
