Have you seen the movie Dolphin Tale? This 2011 hit is the inspiring true story of a dolphin named Winter who washed up injured on a Florida beach and eventually lost her tail. She was rescued and fitted with a prosthetic tail by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and the technology that went into it helps human amputees today.
Our family recently visited the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida. Here’s what you need to know to decide if a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is right for you.
1. See Dolphin Tale before you go
If you haven’t seen the movie, it’ll be hard to fully appreciate the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure. References to the movie are everywhere: “This is where ____ scene was filmed…” Without Dolphin Tale, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium wouldn’t be the tourist attraction it is now.
2. What you’ll find at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you’ll find many of the typical aquarium exhibits such as a stingray touch pond, a small shark aquarium, and educational displays.
Shows and presentations are offered throughout the day. When you hear “show,” don’t think SeaWorld. The presentations at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are small-scale demonstrations, where most of the patrons stand around a small pool. Nevertheless, on a crowded Saturday afternoon in June, our family had no problem getting a good view of the popular dolphin presentation by taking our places just 10 minutes before the show.
We saw Winter swim with and without her prosthetic tail and were interested to learn that she only wears it for a few hours each day. The other dolphins from the movie were part of the show too and trainers talked about dolphin rescue and rehabilitation while the dolphins performed.
For those willing to pay extra, up-close photo ops, backstage tours and animal encounters are also available. In the gift shop, my kids were dying to get their hands on the tail-free dolphin plush toys.
3. What you’ll find at Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure
Your admission also gets you into Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, which is located in downtown Clearwater. You can reach the Adventure by boat or air-conditioned trolley. We rode the boat one way and the trolley the other. You can also visit the Adventure first and the Aquarium second.
Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure is all about the movie. There are no animals. The exhibits are filled with props and behind-the-scenes information. There is an area where kids can play, and my son especially enjoyed playing with the carnival games from the fundraiser scene here.
The showiest exhibit at Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure is the Hurricane Experience. Here, you’ll step into the hurricane scene from Dolphin Tale and get an idea of what a hurricane is like.
The Bottom Line
Our family enjoyed visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and we recommend it. Families who love Dolphin Tale or love supporting a facility that rescues and rehabilitates marine animals will probably enjoy the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
For all others, keep in mind that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a rescue hospital first and a tourist attraction second. It is neither large nor showy, but with the support of visitors now, the CMA is expanding both its exhibits and its rescue facilities.
Good to Know
Where: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is just a couple blocks from the causeway between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.
When: Open every day from 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
How Much: Price includes same-day admission to both the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, and transportation between the two.
Adults: $19.95
Children (ages 3-12): $14.95
Seniors: $17.95
Residents of Pinellas and Hillsborough pay $9.95 this summer
How Long: 3-4 hours
Amenities: bathrooms, snack bar, gift shops, free parking