The Florida Aquarium Vs Clearwater Aquarium
Florida, the sunshine state of the United States, is known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks and aquariums. The state is home to some of the best aquariums in the country, including the Florida Aquarium and Clearwater Aquarium. Both the aquariums are popular tourist attractions and offer a unique experience to visitors. In this article, we will compare The Florida Aquarium and Clearwater Aquarium.
Location
The Florida Aquarium is located in Tampa, Florida, while Clearwater Aquarium is located in Clearwater, Florida. The Florida Aquarium is situated in the Channelside district, which is near the Port of Tampa. On the other hand, Clearwater Aquarium is located on the island of Clearwater Beach, which is around 25 miles from Tampa.
Size
The Florida Aquarium is larger than Clearwater Aquarium, covering an area of 250,000 square feet. The Florida Aquarium has multiple exhibits, including a coral reef exhibit, a shark exhibit, and a wetlands exhibit. Clearwater Aquarium, on the other hand, covers an area of around 50,000 square feet and has fewer exhibits.
Exhibits
The Florida Aquarium has a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the aquatic life of Florida and beyond. Some popular exhibits include the Wetlands Trail, which features alligators, otters, and other animals, and the Coral Reef exhibit, which has a variety of colorful fish and other marine life. The aquarium also has a large shark exhibit, where visitors can see different species of sharks up close.
Clearwater Aquarium is more focused on marine life rescue and rehabilitation. Visitors can see dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine animals that have been rescued and are being treated at the aquarium. The aquarium also has a special exhibit for Winter, the famous dolphin with a prosthetic tail, who was featured in the movie Dolphin Tale.
Activities
The Florida Aquarium offers a variety of activities for visitors, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and even a sleepover with the sharks. The aquarium also has a 4-D theater, where visitors can watch short films with special effects like wind, water, and bubbles.
Clearwater Aquarium also offers behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, but the focus is more on the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals. Visitors can participate in interactive exhibits and learn about marine life conservation.
Admission
The admission fee for The Florida Aquarium is higher than Clearwater Aquarium. However, The Florida Aquarium offers discounts for Florida residents, military personnel, and seniors. Clearwater Aquarium also offers discounts for Florida residents and military personnel.
Conclusion
Both The Florida Aquarium and Clearwater Aquarium have their unique features and attractions. The Florida Aquarium is larger and has a wider variety of exhibits, while Clearwater Aquarium is more focused on marine life rescue and rehabilitation. Visitors can choose the aquarium that best suits their interests and preferences. Regardless of which aquarium you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
