Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Not the biggest aquarium I've been to but all the workers there were very informed about the displays they were in charge of and took the time to explain to us about the different sealife and their habitats. Go early as we went in the afternoon and missed the Dolphin show.

Cost per adult: $17. For a child (4 to 12 yrs of age): $12. For an adult, I can if I really struggle, somewhat justify the cost, but for a 4 year old...oh, come on! The highlights for us were watching the dolphins and sharks swimming around and the two ‘petting’ tanks. The ‘petting’ tanks were much more fun as it offered some form of interaction with the marine life. In one tank you have sting rays and in the other a whole bunch of small marine stuff…sea cucumber, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, sea shells, and a few more other living organisms. You could not pet or feed the dolphins and the shark tank did not contain the great white – just in case you were wondering. However, the sharks they had were still pretty impressive. However, there is only so much of watching you can do of sharks swimming around & around & around! Find out before you go when they feed the sharks - because I'm sure that could be pretty impressive to watch!

This was a wonderful aquaruim. They had a lot of exhibits and it felt like a family atmosphere. You are able to learn about work being done in the lab and the guides were friendly and knowledgable.

Nice place, however it was very small and was not worth the $15 admission. I've been to other aquarium's and zoo's that didn't cost near as much and saw much more than I did at the Mote.

I went to Mote Lab & Aquarium with a business partner and his family since we had time before our afternoon meetings at Lido Beach Resort. I had no expectations but heard great things. And it was excellent. Since it was in the morning there were several school groups with plenty kids running around. This was not a bad thing since there are so many things for kids to see and do. My favorite things included the shark tank (during feeding time!), petting the stingrays, and the manatees. The volunteers were great and really take the time to explain and showcase the creatures. Highly recommended for families.

My family and I love to go to aquariums and we were seacrching on the internet for one to go to and we found on e it was the Mote. When we got there we were amazed it was so nice all of the people were great and my family loved the animals we didn't get to go on the boat but it still was very fun!! My famliy loved it and I bet yours will too! My advice is to go bring your kids lety them invite friends and go to the Mote i'm positive youll like it I mean LOVE it. Its the best place to be if you are visiting near Sarosata or just feel like you really need too go and you aren't even close to the area and you justhave the need and plesure to go get off your butt and go to the Mote it is the BEST IN THE WORLD!!! (not kidding) (no seriosly get off your lazy butt and go) Positive you'll absolutly love it!!! FYI we go every time were in the Sarosota area!!!

This attraction is our son's favorite stop. Not only is it super kid friendly, it is also educational. The rescue center is informative and lends age appropriate awareness. A must for any SW Florida trip.

Don't miss out on the boat trip... A biologist narrates the trip through the surrounding bay waters... even stops at a small island. Great views of all the beautiful homes on Siesta Key and other keys. Well worth it.

it had alot of kool fish. it was by the water and it made it seam home for the fish. it was a really nice place.

Nice diversion for an hour or two. But have been to many other aquariums that are far better. The manatees are the big attraction. The dolphin show was uninspiring. Staff was friendly but uninformed.