amandaconkel
Spend the day with me at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Discover a world of cutting-edge marine research at Mote Marina Laboratory in Sarasota. Immerse yourself in groundbreaking studies, where scientists delve into the secrets of the ocean to advance our understanding of marine life and ecosystems. Join us on a journey of exploration and scientific discovery.
amandaconkel
First, let's check out the sea turtles!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Explore the wonders of sea turtle conservation at Mote Marina Laboratory in Sarasota, a sanctuary for diverse species such as loggerheads, greens, and leatherbacks. Our dedicated researchers study nesting behaviors, migration patterns, and contribute to global scientific knowledge through publications. With advanced tracking technology, we monitor and protect nesting sites, while also rehabilitating injured turtles. Engage with our community-focused initiatives, workshops, and events, fostering awareness and support for sea turtle protection. Join us in advancing marine stewardship through research, education, and collaboration with local and international conservation organizations. Discover the heart of sea turtle conservation at Mote Marina Laboratory.
amandaconkel
Next up, my favorite animal! The Florida manatee!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Dive into Florida manatee conservation with Mote Marina Laboratory. Our cutting-edge research and tracking technology guide effective conservation strategies, ensuring the well-being of these gentle giants. As a rehabilitation hub, we provide compassionate care for injured manatees. Engage with our community initiatives, educational programs, and global collaborations, supporting our mission to preserve and protect Florida's beloved manatees.
amandaconkel
I LOVED the otter exhibit!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The exhibit features North American river otters and provides an otter’s-eye view of their watershed homes. Watersheds — lands that drain water toward rivers, estuaries and the sea — are important to people and myriad wildlife, including river otters, their prey and many animals from land to the coastal oceans where Mote Marine Laboratory scientists carry out their research. Visitors will see otters that were orphaned too young to survive alone and were raised by wildlife rehabilitators. “Otters & Their Waters” is open during normal hours, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week, at Mote Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota, Fla. The exhibit will be located at Mote’s Ann and Alfred Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center
amandaconkel
Onto the next building of fish, jellyfish...and did you see that lobster?!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Embark on a captivating journey beyond our Sarasota Bay docks at Mote Marina's immersive exhibit! Discover the enchanting world of seahorses, masters of camouflage, and learn what sets this unique fish group apart. Explore Florida's coastal mangrove trees and meet their fishy inhabitants, including young tarpon and snook that contribute to the thriving saltwater sport fisheries. Uncover the hidden life under human-made docks, spotting diverse species like pigfish, mojarra, and trunkfish. Dive into Mote Marine Laboratory's deep research on Florida red tide algae, a decades-long study revealing the impact of these toxins on marine life and beachgoers. Plus, witness the collaborative efforts in community-powered shellfish restoration showcased in our display.
amandaconkel
I could watch jellyfish all day. So magical!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Discover what hides in west-central Florida’s seagrass beds—including animals found near Mote’s home base on Sarasota Bay! See seahorses, urchins, crabs, cowries with glossy shells, tulip snails, whelks, sea cucumbers and more. Find out which sea jellies drift through Sarasota waters, why they have stinging cells, how they make babies, why some jellies live upside-down, and how sea jellies differ from the non-stinging comb jellies.
amandaconkel
Can you spot the Toadfish?!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Mote's toadfish exhibit provides a glimpse into the diverse habitats these fascinating creatures call home. Learn about their preferred environments, from coastal shallows to submerged structures, and understand the vital role they play in maintaining ecosystem balance.
amandaconkel
One of several touch tanks!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Discover the thrill of touching and interacting with graceful stingrays at Mote Marine Laboratory's Sting Ray Touch Tanks! Immerse yourself in a unique marine encounter as you feel the velvety texture of their wings and witness these majestic creatures up close. Encounter different types of rays like the Cownose, different stingrays, and other rays native to the coastal waters. The touch tanks provide a safe and educational experience, allowing visitors to connect with stingrays while learning about their biology and conservation.
amandaconkel
Mote Aquarium is the perfect family friendly activity for all ages!
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy
Sarasota, FL
Monday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Come discover our wondrous oceans and meet the scientists working to save them at Mote Aquarium, which is located at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway., Sarasota, FL 34236, just a few minutes from downtown Sarasota. From downtown, take the Ringling Causeway to St. Armands Circle and head about one mile north to Mote's address, which is on City Island.