Come be inspired and learn about the ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation, and release at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The marine life rescue center is home to Marine Life featured, in the Dolphin Tale movies, filmed on location in Clearwater, Florida — just 90 minutes from Orlando. Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff and volunteers work each day to rescue marine life and provide the most advanced and effective care to maximize the opportunity to return sick or injured animals to their homes.
Welcoming a New Rescued Rough-Toothed Dolphin
Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be the forever home to the rescued rough-toothed dolphin currently rehabilitating and receiving care at our Fred Howard Park facility.
CMA has been caring for this animal since February following her stranding off Longboat Key. She has received treatment for a mild infection, and a hearing test determined that she is hearing impaired. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) determined the dolphin to be non-releasable, as dolphins with severe hearing loss cannot echolocate, which is essential for finding food and avoiding predators.
NMFS selected Clearwater Marine Aquarium because of its extensive expertise with the species and companionship of another rough-toothed dolphin. CMA is one of only two facilities with expertise in caring for rough-toothed dolphins in North America! The newest resident will be paired with Rudy, as socialization plays a crucial role in promoting optimal social development and reducing stress.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Releases 10 Sea Turtles
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) released 10 critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles Tuesday, March 7, at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach. Each turtle received a clean bill of health from CMA’s veterinary team prior to release into Atlantic waters.
The sea turtles were transferred to CMA for care from the New England Aquarium and National Marine Life Center. They received nearly three months of critical care at CMA following a cold-stun event in Cape Cod that resulted in hundreds of stranded sea turtles. CMA routinely accepts marine animals from other rehabilitation centers to help ease the burden of care during mass strandings. Cold-stun events happen when water temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. At these low temperatures, sea turtles experience decreased circulation and lethargy, leading to an inability to eat or metabolize food. CMA has rescued more than 1,600 sea turtles since 2010.
Protect a Nest
Protect a Nest in honor of yourself or a loved one! The plaque with your personalized message will be placed at one of the nests for the duration of the 2023 season. In addition to photos of your plaque, you will also receive monthly updates on the nesting season from CMA’s nesting team, and, at the end of the season, you will receive an update on your nest as well as your personalized plaque to keep!
Furry Photo Session
Bring your favorite furry friend on May 13th from 9 am-10 am for a unique photo opportunity you will cherish forever!
Introducing a limited-time photo opportunity just for your pet dog or cat. This professional pet photo session will focus on your furry friend as they meet the rescued dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium through our new underwater windows. Space is limited, so don’t miss this special opportunity! Each package includes a digital gallery with 5 expertly edited images.
Photo session time may vary by animal. Two guests may accompany each pet but will not be included in photos. One additional pet may be included in each photo session for an additional fee. Price, dates, and other details are subject to change.
Summer Camps
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers educational programs for all ages throughout the year. Campers can join all summer long. They will enjoy creative classroom activities and have fun learning about marine life in the aquarium and out on the water. Learn about all seasonal camps and register online.
Each summer camp program is a one-week session and runs Monday through Friday. The 2023 Summer Camp season begins on June 5 and ends on August 18, 2023.
Spots are filling up fast so be sure to check out the available camps. You can also make it a vacation and stay at the branded hotel Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club!
Check Out the NEW Audio Tour!
CMA has launched a new audio tour! Now guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in marine life conservation efforts and learn more about the rescued marine animals in its care.
The self-guided tour is offered free for guests and has 26 curated stops which are marked throughout the facility. Guests also have the option to select a kid or adult version, sponsored by BayCare, while braille devices and headsets for individuals with hearing impairments are also available.