Make a Difference Today

Love the sea? Then go overboard by becoming a Mote Member today. Membership fees directly support our operations and help us us educate the public about the sea through Mote Aquarium, through programs designed especially for school kids and even help support the research performed by Mote scientists.

After more than 50 years of ocean research, education and outreach, Mote stands as one of the largest independent nonprofit marine research organizations in the nation. As a Mote Member, you'll get an insider's view of our research, have unlimited access to our visitor-friendly Aquarium, receive special educational opportunities and get regular updates about Mote science.

Mote Membership Benefits

Admission with your guests to Mote Aquarium for one year.* Please note: One of the members named on the membership card must be present for the membership to be valid.
Reciprocal benefits granting Mote members free or discounted admission to more than 100 zoos, aquariums and gardens across the country and in Canada and Mexico. Learn about our Reciprocal Benefits Partners and how to use these benefits.
Discounts on most purchases at Mote Aquarium gift shops, on education programs (including summer camps and family programs), on children's Birthday Parities and Breakfast at Mote for adults and on the Sarasota Bay Explorer boat cruise.
Special benefits for the annual Special Lecture Series (formerly Monday@Mote). The Special Lecture Series is an evening lecture series featuring renowned scientists and experts speaking on many fascinating marine-related topics. Lectures are normally scheduled between January and March.
Subscription to Mote publications: Mote E-News (a monthly e-mail newsletter of Mote happenings), Mote News (a print newsletter from Mote mailed to your home three times a year) and Mote Magazine, an annual publication covering the stories of Mote's sea science research.
Behind-the-Scenes Research Laboratory Tours for Sustaining Members and above. Please call (941) 388-4441, ext. 300, for reservations. Please note: Two week advance reservations are required. Tours are not recommended for children younger than 16.
Frequently Asked Questions

*Please note: We hope you enjoy sharing Mote Aquarium with your friends and families, but please remember that one of the named adult members on your membership card must be present for a membership to be valid. Photo IDs may be requested with your current membership card upon admission to Mote Aquarium.

Mote Membership Levels

DUO ~ $50
Unlimited free visits for you and one guest to the Aquarium for one year. (total of two*)

FRIEND ~ $90-One Year; $160-Two Years (10% discount)
Unlimited free visits for you and three guests to the Aquarium for one year. (total of four*)

SPONSOR ~ $125-One Year; $220-Two Years (10% discount)
Unlimited free visits for you and five guests to the Aquarium for one year. (total of six*)

SUSTAINING ~ $300
Unlimited free visits for you and seven guests to the Aquarium for one year. (total of eight*)

PATRON ~ $500
Unlimited free visits for you and nine guests to the Aquarium for one year. (total of ten*)

BENEFACTOR ~ $1,000
Unlimited free visits for you and 11 guests to the Aquarium for one year. (total of 12*)

*Including named adult member/members

A named adult member must be present for the membership to be valid. Please be prepared to show photo ID.

About Us

Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.

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