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Mote Science Education Aquarium

Photo: Hayley Rutger, Mote Marine Laboratory / Courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium · source

Attractions

Mote Science Education Aquarium

Sarasota, FL · Tampa Bay$$Priced by date; cheaper 30 or more days ahead

About

Two Florida manatees named Buffett and Lou live on the top floor of Mote Science Education Aquarium at University Town Center in Sarasota. The aquarium opened in 2025, and Mote's old site on City Island is closed to the public. On the first floor you can touch cownose rays and yellow stingrays with two fingers (their barbs are clipped) and buy food for them at a cart.

Highlights

Manatees, a giant Pacific octopus, and Humboldt penguinsRay Encounter touch poolBlacktip reef and sandbar sharksFounded by Dr. Eugenie Clark, the Shark LadyOpened 2025 at University Town Center

Getting there

225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243

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