What to Do at the Mote Marine Aquarium

Siesta Key, Florida, is an ideal destination for your family vacation. Thanks to the beautiful beaches, family-friendly restaurants, unique shops, and fun attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Perhaps one of the best parts about staying in our Siesta Key beachfront vacation rentals is the close proximity to fun day trips, like the Mote Marine Aquarium in nearby Sarasota. Of all the museums and aquariums in the area, Mote is a local favorite, and once you visit, it isn’t hard to see why!

About the Aquarium

Mote Marine Aquarium has long been heralded among one of the best zoos and aquariums in Sarasota. It has been operating since 1955 and has long been researching marine life and making efforts to sustain and improve our environment. The aquarium is a favorite among tourists and locals alike, as there are constantly new activities happening. You can visit again and again and always learn something new! The Mote Marine Aquarium provides a perfect space for the whole family to learn about the wonders of nature and what we can do to protect it.

Exhibits

This site tops many other Sarasota aquariums in the sheer number of exhibits and activities. Visit the alligators and crocodiles at The Teeth Beneath, or get up close to the sharks in Shark Zone. Creatures like manatees, otters, sea turtles, and more also have their own spaces for you to observe. The Mote Marine laboratory exhibits provide the best combination of learning and fun, helping out visitors in awe of the animals with whom we share our planet.

Experiences

In addition to the permanent exhibits, the aquarium has rotating events and special experiences you can partake in during your visit. Bay Walk and Talks will have you exploring the mangroves with a knowledgeable guide, or you can get in the water by Kayaking With Mote. Eco-boat tours and research charters are also fun ways to get up close and personal with nature. If you’re celebrating a birthday, you can plan your party right at the aquarium!

Mote has several fun activities for the early birds in your group. Breakfast with the Sharks lets you learn about the majestic beasts of the ocean as you gear up for the day. You may also enjoy Morning Rounds, where your family can work with a biologist to help feed some animals their morning meal and learn more about the research happening at Mote. The aquarium also hosts tons of fun events throughout the year, so be sure to check out the calendar on their website to discover what’s happening during your stay.

General Information

Visit Mote Aquarium at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, about a 30-minute drive from our best beachfront condos in Siesta Key. The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Adults (13 and over) pay $24 for Mote Aquarium tickets, while children ages 3 to 12 pay $18. Kids 0 to 2 are free. If you are planning a long-term Florida vacation, you may be interested in a Mote Aquarium membership. Visit their website for more information and exact pricing based on your party size.

Of all the things to do in Siesta Key, Mote Marine Aquarium is one of the most special. We encourage you to enjoy Florida’s nature in aquariums, zoos, and botanical gardens around the area but make sure Mote is on your list of stops. Our two-bedroom condos and other rental properties put you right near the most breathtaking nature, giving you an incredible view of each and every day.