What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 5pm Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm Thursday 9:30am - 5pm Friday 9:30am - 5pm Saturday 9:30am - 5pm Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

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Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Explore the secrets of the sea through exhibits that showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory. Become a Mote Member today!
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Visit Mote Science Education Aquarium at Nathan Benderson Park! To guarantee entry, purchase general & member tickets online in advance. Visit Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota County, Florida to learn about marine life from around the world, visit Florida’s iconic coastal species, and be wowed as sharks swim over your head. Discover why Scien

ce is the Attraction by viewing our Workforce Development Labs and STEM Teaching Labs! Members support marine research, the animals that live in Mote SEA and public outreach programs about the marine world.

06/17/2026

Dive into Father’s Day fun at Mote Science Education Aquarium —📍225 University Town Center Drive — this weekend! 🦈✨

On Sunday, June 21, dads receive FREE admission with code DAD26.

🎟️ Here’s How to Redeem:
Add tickets for June 21 to your cart, then enter the promo code at checkout to receive one free adult ticket for dad with the purchase of one regularly priced ticket.

And, in celebration of Father's Day, we're partnering with the Florida Studio Theatre
improv troupe to bring guests a day filled with laughs, dad jokes and interactive comedy performances to honor all the amazing father figures who help keep our families afloat.

During our Father’s Day festivities, enjoy:
🎭 Themed improv shows throughout the day
⛳️Yard game stations
🍻Beer and additional beverages for purchase

🌟Terms and conditions apply for code DAD26. Visit our website for full details, mote.org/event/fathers-day

06/12/2026

On Saturday, July 11, Mote Science Education Aquarium — 📍225 University Town Center Drive — will open its doors an hour early exclusively for individuals with sensory processing differences or autism spectrum disorders at Sensory SEA.

During Sensory SEA, Mote will create a welcoming, calm and inclusive environment with sensory-friendly modifications including:

✨Softer lighting
✨Reduced noise levels
✨Minimized visual stimulation whenever possible

Sensory backpacks are available free of charge for checkout in exchange for an ID during Sensory SEA events, as well as during regular operating hours.

🎟️💫 Reserve tickets at: https://mote.org/event/sensory-sea/2026-07-11/

06/10/2026

Come with Mote as we release approximately 22,000 juvenile snook this summer as part of our long-standing, research-driven marine stock enhancement program. 🐟🌟

For nearly 3 decades, Mote scientists have worked to develop, refine, and evaluate responsible marine stock enhancement strategies for snook and other native sportfish species.

The 2026 releases represent another step forward in Mote’s science-based efforts to support Florida’s recreational fisheries and enhance understanding of stock enhancement best practices.

✨ Learn more at mote.org/news!

06/05/2026

Dive into one of the best date nights of the summer at Mote’s SEA & Savor Wine Dinner. 💫🐟🍷

On June 19, experience Mote Science Education Aquarium — 📍225 University Town Center Drive — after hours with an intimate evening of chef-crafted cuisine, curated wines and unforgettable aquarium views.

🦈🍝 Dine beneath the sweeping window of Florida’s Gulf Coast exhibit as sharks and rays glide overhead. This communal-style dining experience pairs coastal flavors with expertly selected wines.

The experience features a curated menu by Deep Blue Hospitality, with opportunities to meet the chef and sommelier behind the evening’s flavors.

Reserve your ticket at mote.org/seaandsavor 🎟️✨

05/21/2026

Planning a day out on the water during the holiday weekend?

Go slow for those below this Memorial Day! Remember these tips to keep wildlife safe while you’re out on the water:

📢 Follow safe boating laws, regulations and guidelines set by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

📢 Obey posted signs for slow-speed zones, as required by law. Additionally, we encourage boaters in Sarasota County to go as slow as safely possible in the voluntary Sea Turtle Protection Zone, as mapped by Mote, to help address boat-strike hotspots in local waters.

📢 Stay vigilant to avoid striking marine animals. Designate a wildlife spotter from your passengers and wear polarized sunglasses to better spot marine life in your path.

📢 Never touch or feed marine wildlife.

Their safety is in our hands. Together, we can help create a safer environment for the animals that inhabit our waters. 🩵

To report a stranded, distressed, or deceased dolphin, whale, manatee or sea turtle within coastal Southwest Florida, please call the Mote Stranding Investigations Program’s 24-hour hotline: 888-345-2335

05/15/2026

Did you know about Mote’s Beginning Farmer Education Program, created in partnership with UF IFAS Extension Sarasota County?

This program provides the next generation of farmers with hands-on work experience and practical education under the mentorship of Mote scientists, successful entrepreneurs and local producers.

Since the start of the program, over 1,000 pounds of fresh, local produce have been donated to Sarasota and Manatee County residents for free! 🥬✨

🤝This work is a collective effort and builds on our partnerships, both locally and nationally!

Because of Mote’s participation in the American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program and our Beginning Farmer Education Program, two Chevy BrightDrop electric vehicles were donated by General Motors and the American Red Cross. This will help us continue our food distribution to southwest Florida communities! 🚐

🩵Mote is incredibly grateful to General Motors for their generosity and for supporting the disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross.

Here’s to working together to teach the next generation of sustainable farmers and providing nutritious, locally grown food for our community to enjoy! 🌟

📸: UF IFAS Extension Sarasota County and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

05/08/2026

A peek into our spring here at Mote! 💫

05/06/2026

Celebrate Mom at Mote this Mother’s Day! 🩵✨

On Sunday, May 10, moms receive FREE admission with code MOM26! Just add tickets for May 10 to your cart, then enter the promo code at checkout to receive one free adult ticket for mom with the purchase of one regularly priced ticket.

From 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM, we’ll be celebrating moms with special activities and experiences, including:

🖍️ Mother’s Day Card-Making Station
💆‍♀️ Complimentary 5-minute Mini Massages for Moms starting at 12:00 PM
💐 “Make Mom a Bouquet” Craft Station (while supplies last)
💅 Mini Manicures for Mom from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
🐢 Animal Encounters Happening Throughout the Event
🥂 Free Mimosas for Moms
🍻 Beer and Additional Beverages for Purchase
📖 Storytime Led by a Mote Volunteer at 1:00 PM
🎨Face Painting Throughout the Event

🌟 Terms and conditions apply for code MOM26. Please see website for full details.

🔗 mote.org/event/mothers-day/

05/04/2026

Remembering the scientist who started it all on her 104th birthday. 💙

Today marks the 104th birthday of Dr. Eugenie (“Genie”) Clark, the “Shark Lady” who founded Mote Marine Laboratory in 1955. While Genie passed away in 2015, her legacy and passion for groundbreaking marine research lives on.

Genie was a scientist ahead of her time and her trailblazing mindset has led to many of Mote’s greatest impacts today and inspires our progress toward an even brighter tomorrow.

Here's to our beloved Shark Lady and the remarkable contributions she made to the world around her!🦈✨

04/27/2026

✨ Mote is excited to announce that its Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) documented the first local sea turtle nest of the 2026 season!

Earlier this morning, STCRP’s Sea Turtle Patrol reported a loggerhead sea turtle nest on Venice beach! These early nests mark the start of an important and exciting time for sea turtle conservation along local beaches. 🐢🥹

💡Now that sea turtle nesting season has officially started, here are some important tips to help protect nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings:

✅ Do:
- If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings, remain quiet and observe from a distance.
- Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May – October and close drapes after dark.
- Stack beach furniture at the dune line or, ideally, remove it from the beach.
- Fill in holes and pat down sand sculptures that may entrap or block hatchlings on their way to the water.

🚨Do Not:
- Approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.
- Use flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach.
- Encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water.
- Use fireworks on the beach.

🌟The winner of our Guess the Nest contest has been identified and contacted by our Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program. We’re so grateful for everyone’s submissions! Still want to adopt a sea turtle nest and support the STCRP? Visit mote.org/turtlenestadoption!

Mote’s sea turtle activities are conducted under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Turtle Permits 027, 054, 048, 028, 216 and 226.

Address

225 University Town Center Drive
Sarasota, FL
34243

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 5pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5pm
Friday	9:30am - 5pm
Saturday	9:30am - 5pm
Sunday	9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+19413884441

Website

http://www.mote.org/

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