Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater, Florida

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.”

John F. Kennedy

The main attraction - Winter

Today was a day they were predicting rain so we decided to head to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater. It was not even a half hour drive to Clearwater from Largo and we drove past many beautiful mansions on the ocean road on our way there. It was amazing seeing how some people live. The ride was beautiful getting glimpses of the ocean on the way and when we arrived in the vacation/fun van the parking lot attendants told us to park in the parking garage. We were like – do you see how tall this van is and they asked how tall. Jeannine knew the height and they said we could fit. we did fit but we were all on pins and needles worrying it wouldn’t fit since it was close. Jeannine is an expert driver of this huge van that seats 15 passengers with a high top so you can walk around.

We all piled out of the van and loaded up the little ones in the Cadillac of two seater strollers. We went over to pay and since Darren, Jeannine’s husband is active duty, they allowed her whole family into the aquarium for free. We couldn’t believe their generosity but they said they really appreciate the sacrifice and commitment of our servicemen. There are also discounts for Veterans. What a pleasant surprise for us that day.

Sharks - they were bigger than they look

When we first entered the aquarium it was very crowded. Seemed like everyone had the same idea of going to see the fish since there was rain coming. One tip is not to bring a stroller in if you can help it as there were areas where there were steps and just too crowded to push it through. We did manage with the help of kind strangers. The sharks were interesting to watch and a little scary also as they were so large.  It is hard to tell by the pictures. 

Sea Turtles 

Cupid the sea turtle

The Sea turtles were a hit with all just watching them gliding through the water as if doing some kind of synchronized swimming. The gentle giants they were gliding through the water effortlessly. They are beautiful creatures to see.

Winter

See her damaged tail

Hope

Then we went to see the Bottlenose Dolphin named Winter, who became famous from the movie Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2. She was rescued from Mosquito Lagoon near Cape Canaveral on December 10, 2005 when she was two year old. She was found tangled in a crap trap line which cut off the circulation to her tail flukes. She was brought to this facility for rehabilitation. The staff worked very hard to save her tail but it could not be saved. She is now completely healed and has adapted to a prosthetic tail. We got to watch her swim and learned about how the staff does physical therapy on her every day. She is now fourteen years old and a star.

Hope, the other dolphin, is Winter’s companion. She was found near the location where Winter was found on December 11, 2010 trying to nurse from her dead mom. When she was brought to this facility she was severely dehydrated. She unfortunately can not be released to the wild as she never learned all she needed to from her mom about taking care of herself. Hope is 9 years old now and has Winter as her best friend. We loved watching them both swim around the tank and learn how smart they are.

River Otters

Watching the river otters was a lot of fun also. They would climb up this ramp and slide down into a pool. They looked like they were having a blast. The kids loved seeing them do what otters do and listening to their sounds.

Stingray petting tank

The kids loved touching the stingrays.

Don't jump in kids. 

Another highlight of the day was the stingray tank where you can feed and pet the stingrays. If you have ever wondered what a stingray would feel like, this is your change. It is amazing watching them swim and flip around. This kept the children fascinated for a while.

Stingray

Scuba Diver quizzing the children 

This is not a large aquarium and is different than most. Their mission is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick and injured marine animals. They also want to educate and do research and conservation. It really is a fascinating place to see and learn about these animals.  The scuba diver here is holding up cards asking the kids questions.  They each had a dry erase board that they could answer and she would let them know if they got the correct answer.  

Slime Time

They had a show the children wanted to see about slime call Slime Time. It was very animated and great fun listening to the children laugh and enjoy the show. They learned how to make slime and were given recipes to take home to make it. There also was a nice gift shop to buy souvenirs and treats.

Beautiful shells

Pelicans

We really enjoyed the whole experience and encourage you to go if you are in the area. Just don’t go in expecting it to be a regular aquarium as it is not. The staff will touch you with their dedication to these injured animals. What an honor to see it in action. Check them out at: https://www.seewinter.com. You can see live web cams of what is happening right now. Take a look.

Advice from a Sea Turtle.

Swim with the current.

Be a good navigator

Stay calm under pressure.

Be well traveled.

Think Long Term.

Age Gracefully.

Spend time at the beach.

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