Update: After suffering significant damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota re-opened on November 22, 2024 – and debuted the arrival of a newly rescued manatee.
If you are visiting Sarasota or Siesta Key for vacation, you’ll find that there are countless places to visit and discover. One of Sarasota’s most popular attractions is Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)3 research institution founded in 1955. Mote has grown from a small one-room laboratory into a world-class research facility, studying global oceans with a focus on conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Mote’s mission is to positively impact public policy through science-based outreach and education, and the organization now includes over 20 marine research programs.
While the original focus of Mote research was sharks, their current research includes coral reef research & restoration, the health of wild fisheries, the effects of natural toxic substances on the marine environment, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies.
“We are marine scientists & educators making an ocean of difference. We advance groundbreaking marine research worldwide, and we translate and transfer our discoveries to people of all ages—because everyone has a stake in the ocean’s future.” (Source)
What You Can Expect at Your Mote Marine Visit
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium showcases over 100 species of marine life and presents visitors with exhibits such as sting ray touch pools and a massive 135,000-gallon shark habitat. Mote’s residents include manatees, sea turtles, river otters, sharks, spoonbills, axolotls, and more! Mote Aquarium is also home to a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital that has accepted approximately 650 sick or injured sea turtles over the past three decades. Exhibits include:
- Florida Watershed: This exhibit displays the uniquely beautiful local ecosystem and features Huck, Jane, and Pippi, three fun-loving North American River Otters: Pepito the gopher tortoise, and Mote’s famous American alligator, Rose.
- Shark Zone: A 135,000-gallon shark habitat, home to the three species of sharks and other popular Florida game fish.
- Mystery Reef: A captivating exhibit exploring Florida’s coral reefs and the threats they face. Hands-on activities such as a scavenger hunt and an air maze provide visitors with an understanding of coral reef risk and mitigation strategies. The Reef includes a variety of interactive exhibits to help volunteer “sleuths” determine what is damaging the reef.
- Animal Encounters: A behind-the-scenes look at animal care, feeding and enrichment, with experts available to answer any questions you may have.
Mote Educational Experiences and Excursions
- Mote offers educational programs, internships, and volunteer opportunities, each designed to cultivate and grow participant’s passion for marine conservation and animal husbandry.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium also offers SEA Trek virtual field trips, which are live, two-way, interactive experiences. Mote connects students to STEM subject matter experts and engages their imagination with science demonstrations and energetic animal encounters.
Before You Go to Mote Marine
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is located on beautiful City Island, just north of St. Armand’s Circle. Tickets must be purchased online in advance to guarantee admission. Each ticket will be timed to a 15-minute window when the guest should arrive, and the last arrival window will be at 4 p.m. daily.
The Deep Sea Diner Restaurant is onsite and offers casual, 50s-style dining and ice cream.
Ride and Paddle: Your Vacation Planning Partner
Ride and Paddle rent everything you need for an amazing Siesta Key vacation – from beach chairs and umbrellas to kayaks, bicycles, and paddle boards. From guided tours to snorkeling gear, we’ve got you covered. Call us before you arrive, and we’ll deliver everything to you. Click here to view all of the beach gear and equipment we have available.
