The Clearwater Marine Aquarium located in Clearwater offers a variety of exhibits and live shows all related to marine life.  Animals include dolphins, otters, sharks, sea turtles, and many others.  Their most “famous” dolphin is Winter, the tailless dolphin.  Additionally, this park offers Eco-tours that go into the intercoastal waters near Clearwater to view wildlife.

Hours: Mon-Thurs (9:00-5:00), Fri-Sat (9:00-7:00), Sunday (10:00-5:00).  Closed New Years Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas eve and day.

Tickets: Adults ($12.95), Seniors ($9.00), Children ($7.50)

Extras: Eco-Tour ($13.75-$21.35), Dolphin Encounter ($85), Dolphin Photo Op ($20), Guided Kayak Tour ($50)

Website:  www.cmaquarium.org

High/Low:

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a fully operational marine animal hospital. They rescue, rehabilitate, and release any animal that come into their facility. Since the staff does not want these animals to become conditioned to humans these animals are off exhibit. The animals that are unable to be released become ambassadors to their wild counterparts. These are animals that have had some sort of trauma in their lives in which would not survive in the wild if released. This can range from orphaned at a young age, paralyzation of a portion of their body, or an amputation of an extremity. This was the case for the aquarium’s star resident - Winter.

Winter, the dolphin was found by a fisherman entangled in a net and was brought to the facility to be rehabilitated. Her tail was so compromised that she lost it and three vertebrates. Staff continue to work with her, but she has become a source of inspiration for amputee’s around the world.

The facility is slowly getting upgraded as funds become available. The staff was very friendly and willing to answer any questions. The animals appear well taken of and their mission of rescuing and releasing the local Florida marine wildlife is a noble one.