Dive into the Wonders of the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Explore the wonders of marine life at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium - a captivating experience in Sarasota, Florida.
The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, is a captivating destination for tourists, showcasing marine life and conservation efforts. Explore interactive exhibits, encounter diverse aquatic species, and engage with marine research. A must-visit for families and ocean enthusiasts alike!
A brief summary to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
- 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, City Island, Florida, 34236, US
- +1941-388-4441
- Visit website
- Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
- Check the schedule for animal feeding times and educational talks for a more engaging visit.
- Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and possibly money.
- Don't miss the chance to visit the outdoor areas for a lovely view of the surrounding environment.
- Bring a reusable water bottle; there are refill stations throughout the aquarium.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From downtown St. Petersburg, head to the nearest bus stop at 1st Ave S and 1st St S. Take the PSTA Route 100X (Express Bus) towards Sarasota. Stay on the bus for about 1 hour until you reach the 'Sarasota Bayfront' stop. Once you disembark, transfer to Route 7 or Route 14 at the same stop. Continue on the bus for about 15 minutes, and get off at 'Ken Thompson Parkway'. Walk east for about 10 minutes, and you will arrive at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
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Bicycle Rental
Begin by renting a bicycle from one of the local rental shops in downtown St. Petersburg. Head west towards the Pinellas Trail and follow it south. Continue along the trail until you reach the end at the intersection with 10th St S. Turn right onto 10th St S and follow the signs towards Sarasota. After approximately 20 miles, you will arrive in Sarasota. Continue to Ken Thompson Parkway, and the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium will be on your right.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Open your rideshare app (like Uber or Lyft) and request a ride to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236. The estimated travel time from downtown St. Petersburg is about 1 hour depending on traffic. Simply follow the driver’s directions and enjoy the ride!
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Walking
If you're feeling adventurous and are already in Sarasota, you can take a walking route. Start at the Sarasota Bayfront Park, located downtown. From there, walk east along the bay until you reach the Ringling Bridge. Cross the bridge and continue straight until you reach Ken Thompson Parkway. Turn left and walk for about 15 minutes, and you will arrive at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.
Discover more about Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
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