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Mote Marine Laboratory

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
941-388-4441
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Ranked #13 of 69 attractions in Sarasota
Type: Aquariums
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Description: Located at the Mote Marine Laboratory, this is home to a 135,000 gallon outdoor shark tank and many other marine species.
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232 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    125
    72
    21
    8
    6
Date Rating
Top Contributor
75 reviews 75 reviews
49 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

A clean and well-cared for aquarium. I loved watching the fish in action. There were interesting, educational movies as well. It made for a wonderful afternoon.

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See 11 more reviews by Susan M for Sarasota
sarasota
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

seeing these gentle giants face to face, with only a glass between us. Loved the educational video, and signage through out. Well done walkway, and interactive tank for kids.

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See 5 more reviews by evayoga for Sarasota
Flint, Michigan
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

I love to go here during my visit to see all the great work they are doing saving and caring for the injured animals. I wanted to get a job here when I was younger to work with the sea turtles! Great family activity!

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See 2 more reviews by sheljowo for Sarasota
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
49 helpful votes 49 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Mote Marine is a great place to go to see all sorts of marine exhibits. You can touch stingrays and the hands-on exhibits are just plain wonderful. They also have live shows, which are great entertainment for adults as well as the entire family. If you're in the Sarasota area, this is a place not to be missed

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See 6 more reviews by ronzam for Sarasota
Lorton, Virginia
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

Mote is centrally located with ample parking. The aquariums are well spaced to allow crowds of visitors plenty of room to view and time to do so without rushing. A shark tank has viewing from above and ground level, adding to the experience of watching these amazing creatures. The gift shop area is kept to a discreet size so as... More

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See 3 more reviews by Gloria B for Sarasota
Sarasota, Florida
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

Absolutely awesome time. Let's be clear, this place is for children. If you are not with children, then I would recommend going somewhere else unless you are really, really, really into marine life. I say that because the aquarium is not big and, unless you are into the marine life there, then you will most likely rush through the space.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by Aldo F for Sarasota
Cornwall, PEI Canada
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

We went on friend's recommendation. Small but very informative aquarium, lots of interesting displays and a super shark tank. Bring the family and you'll enjoy it.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
145 reviews 145 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
53 helpful votes 53 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2013

Staff was very accommodating and explained the different species and mammals to us. A bit pricey for such a small aquarium but worth the trip.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Rjb1215 for Sarasota
Cape Coral, Florida, United States
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2013

The behind the scenes tour before hours really gave us a look at what actually goes on at this working laboratory. Much more than an aquarium, we were able to learn about feeding, research, medical car and even got to feed some fish. Our tour guides were scientists that worked at the laboratory. We purchased a membership to allow us... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Anita S for Sarasota
Orono, Canada
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

Kids loved the various exhibits and the volunteers are wonderfully helpful. A great rainy day diversion.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by OronoStewie for Sarasota

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