Mote Marine

Mote Marine in Sarasota offers visitors a glimpse of life under the sea. After living close enough to Baltimore to visit the National Aquarium several times, I wondered how this facility might compare. Mote Marine is smaller but offers some unique experiences tailored to Florida's Gulf coast.

For $24 per adult, visitors will explore 2 buildings with a short walk (or drive) between them. Although it was hot and sunny on our walk, there was a nice breeze from the bay. We did our visit "backwards" by starting with the walk to the manatees and sea turtles. This was not a problem! You can go either way.

Manatees are my very favorite sea creature. I was so thrilled by them, I forgot to take a photo! The 2 manatees were eating romaine lettuce while swimming lazily in circles, spiraling onto their backs as they munched. I have never seen anything as adorable! If you love manatees as much as I do, Mote Marine is a great place to see them up close.

There are also many types of sea turtles in both large aquariums and shallow enclosures. You will see Loggerheads, Kemp Ridleys, and Greens. 

The Lionfish are stunningly beautiful and highly unusual, but they are an invasive species that decimates the other fish native to the Keys. 

Jellyfish are not so fun to swim with in the Gulf, but they are mesmerizing to watch in a tank. There are several different kinds at Mote Marine, as well as a lab where they breed and hatch babies.

If you are staying in or near Sarasota, I recommend a trip to Mote Marine. Children and adults will love it!