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Planning a Day Trip to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Posted by Best Western Siesta Key onOctober 6, 2021 in Aquarium, Dolphin Sightings, Downtown Sarasota, Marine Wildlife, Sarasota Museums, Things To Do.

Rain or shine, a day trip to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is sure to be an exciting, interesting, and eye-opening experience. From reef animals and sea turtles to manatees, sharks, stingrays, and more, there is no shortage of marine wildlife here, making it the perfect spot to spy your favorite underwater creatures. Nestled in City Island, just minutes from downtown Sarasota, scientists, researchers, rehabilitation specialists, and ocean lovers aim to convey their meaningful mission while offering fun, enjoyment, and entertainment to visitors. With so much to do and see, your friends here at Best Western Siesta Key are highlighting some key things to note as you plan your excursion to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

Tickets

If you are hoping to take a trip to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, it is important that you plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance online. General admission allows guests to explore the aquarium in addition to any exhibits located in the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center. The best part is that the aquarium is open to the public every day from 9:30 am – 5 pm, including holidays, making it easy to select the perfect day for your visit.

“From the Rivers to the Seas”

While the rivers of Florida cover over 25,000 miles and feed into bodies of water like swamps, lakes, and estuaries, freshwater species such as topminnow, killifish, newts, and mosquitofish are natural inhabitants. Visitors of this exhibit will get a chance to see and learn about these species as well as the unusual, speckled diamondback terrapin turtle, saltwater swimmers, including grouper, grunt, and green moray eel, and even the coral reefs of Florida.

Mote Aquarium Exhibits

In addition to brilliant freshwater and saltwater fish, guests can get up close to learn all about alligators, crocodiles, and caimans, otters, sea turtles, sharks, and manatees. Find out who’s swimming in Florida bays and coastal oceans. Learn how baby sea creatures grow, survive, and continue the life cycle of the seas. Sift through sand for fossilized sharks’ teeth at Fossil Creek, then visit the Exploration Gallery for more interactive, thrilling, educational, and inspiring activities and to say “hello” to Molly, a 27-foot giant squid!

Mote Boat: Eco-Tours

Hosted by Sarasota Bay Explorers who work directly with the aquarium, Mote Boat Eco-Tours are a popular attraction at the Mote Marine Aquarium. Choose between the “Sea Life Encounter Cruise” or the “Miss Explorer Private Charter” for hands-on and interactive marine adventures that will thrill the whole family and leave you with nothing but fond memories. As you sail through the water, you will hear stories and fun facts about the marine wildlife inhabiting the area and even catch a glimpse of some of your favorite Florida sea creatures.

Where to Eat

The Deep Sea Diner is a casual and different type of dining experience with a retro ‘50s theme. Only guests of Mote Aquarium have access to their family-style menu and top-notch service, so be sure to not miss out on your opportunity to enjoy their delicious food. Whether you need a lunch break to refuel before more exploring and adventures or want to finish your busy day with a nice, relaxing meal, the Deep Sea Diner is a convenient choice.

Covering all that Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has to offer is impossible to put into one blog! We hope you take advantage of all the exhibits and things to discover while you visit Siesta Key and Sarasota. There’s truly no better place to observe and learn about the creatures of the sea. After a long day of adventures, we look forward to welcoming you back to your fresh and comfortable hotel here at Best Western Siesta Key.

“At Mote, Science Is The Attraction”