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Hours |
Daily 10am-5pm. Nature cruises daily 11am, 1:30pm, and 4pm |
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Address |
1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy |
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Location |
On City Island |
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Transportation |
From St. Armands Circle, head north toward Longboat Key; turn right just before the Lido-Longboat bridge |
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Phone |
800/691-MOTE, 941/388-4441 |
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Web site |
www.mote.org |
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Prices |
Admission $17 adults, $16 seniors, $12 children 4-12, free for children under 4. Nature cruises $24 adults, $20 children 4-12, free for kids under 4. Combination aquarium-cruise tickets $36 adults, $29 children |
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Frommer's Review
Kids get to touch cool stuff like stingrays (minus the stinger, of course) and watch sharks in the shark tank at this excellent aquarium. Part of the noted Mote Marine Laboratory complex, it is more broad based than Tampa's Florida Aquarium, which concentrates primarily on local sea life. See manatees in the Marine Mammal Center, a block's walk from the aquarium, as well as many research-in-progress exhibits. Start by watching the aquarium's 12-minute film on the feeding habits of sharks; then allow at least 90 minutes to take in everything on land. Add another 2 hours for a narrated sea-life encounter cruise with the Sarasota Bay Explorers (tel. 727/388-4200; www.sarasotabayexplorers.com). These fun and informative cruises visit a deserted island, and the guides throw out nets and bring up sea life for inspection. It's a good idea to make reservations a day in advance. This company has unusual kayaking adventures, too.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
