The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is celebrating its 50th year in 2022, offering special admission prices and free admission to guests on their birthday.
The aquarium’s Guest Experience Team also will randomly select guests each day to participate in a variety of experiences throughout the aquarium property at no additional charge.
CMA plans to offer special programs throughout 2022 to celebrate its milestone.
“Clearwater Marine Aquarium has celebrations planned all year long to celebrate our monumental 50th anniversary,” said Lisa Oliver, Clearwater Marine Aquarium COO. “We are announcing monthly admission specials for guests to enjoy, including free admission on their birthday, a U.S. Veteran discount, a six-month membership bonus, and even more to come throughout the year.”
Anyone who purchases an annual membership this year gets an extra six months of access to the aquarium.
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“Our team has also had a great time surprising one lucky family each day with a complimentary special experience or gift. Stay tuned for more programs and specials as we ring in 50 years of marine conservation.”
The aquarium’s regular presentations sprinkled throughout the day include:
- Stingray presentation
- Turtle Talk
- Terrapin Time
- Otter Talk
- Resident Dolphin Talk
- Story time with Franklin
- Turtle Bayou Talk
One favorite for visitors to CMA is getting to meet its resident animals, those that have been injured and now make their home at the aquarium. They include dolphins, sea turtles, otters and pelicans.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium speciality tours
The aquarium also offers boat tours, including the Sea Life Safari Tour and the Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour. It even offers a Guided Kayak Tour, all for an extra charge. The tours are highly recommended by those visiting the CMA Facebook page.
Inside, there is a Behind the Scenes Tour and From Farm to Turtle, a tour of the aquarium’s own farm, where it grows hydroponic plants to feed its sea turtles. That tour allows visitors to measure food and help feed the fish, harvest the fresh greens and watch as staff shows how it enriches the food for the turtles.
Winter the Dolphin
Remembering Winter pays homage to Winter the Dolphin, who lived at the aquarium from 2005 until her death in 2021. Winter had millions of followers, watching her swim with her prosthetic tail, bringing inspiration to her human fans.
The Remembering Winter exhibit tells the story of her rescue and the legacy she left behind.
The aquarium expanded last year and that included a major expansion of its dolphin exhibit. Winter’s Rescue Walk is the new dolphin habitat, an oblong circle with nine viewing windows.
Along the walk, there are various exhibits to help visitors get to know the dolphins on display. Guests learn about CMA’s rescue efforts and some real-life stories, including one of Mandy and Troy. Two dolphins that were stranded, then rehabilitated before being successfully released back into Tampa Bay.
The Ultimate Virtual Reality Experience, Remembering Winter, includes discussions of the encouragement the disabled dolphin brought to millions around the world through her story.
“We want to honor her spirit and legacy by continuing to share her story,” the CMA website states. “Whether you have visited CMA before and met Winter or always wanted to meet Winter, you now have the opportunity to experience our tribute to her. The VR musical experience will feature her song ‘In Our Hearts, You’ll Be’ by Stephen Page. CMA’s Virtual Reality Theater is an immersive experience that features state-of-the-art, motion platform VR technology that transports guests into a unique experience. This VR Experience is free with your VR purchase.”
Programs for kids
CMA offers online learning, works with homeschool programs, and has several summer programs for all ages, including its Marine Science Camp from June 6 to August 19. It includes snorkeling, boating, and kayaking, and lessons about marine life and marine biology, taught by the aquarium’s professional staff.
And for the little ones, there are PJ’s Playdates. These are educational morning programs where children learn about what the resident animals eat, where they live, and their characteristics.
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The aquarium offers lessons about ocean wildlife from the professional animal care experts who work in the marine animal hospital. This is through the Marine Academy, which offers courses throughout the year.
The resident animals that live at the aquarium are also accessible to visitors. The animals each have conditions that require them to remain in the aquarium’s care.
Daily admission to the aquarium is $35.95 for adults and $26.95 for kids three to 12. Individual membership is $65 and includes free admission for one year, along with other member benefits.