Mote SEA transition FAQ | Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

July 6, 2025, was our final day of general-admission ticket sales at Mote Aquarium on City Island, Sarasota. Now, our Aquarium team is focused on preparing for the opening of Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park.

Mote SEA will allow us to share science education with far more people of all ages. On City Island, Mote Marine Laboratory will expand its groundbreaking research and continue its renowned education programs. Here are frequently asked questions about this exciting milestone!

FAQ

When will Mote SEA open?

Please check back regularly for updates on the opening date of Mote SEA. The date depends greatly on two key factors: Ensuring that Mote SEA habitats have appropriate water chemistry and microbial communities, and ensuring that our animals are safely transferred and acclimated to their new homes at Mote SEA.

How will you transport animals to Mote SEA?

Transporting animals is routine for Mote, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and follows best practices in the field. Mote is well equipped and experienced in moving a wide variety of species. The health and safety of our animals is always our top priority.
First, Mote staff ensure that all habitats at Mote SEA have the appropriate water chemistry and microbial dynamics to support our animals. Some of the themed habitats at Mote SEA include “shotcrete” and paint, whose soluble components must be removed through a process called leaching. The timing of this process is variable, but once water chemistry stabilizes, we will inoculate our exhibits with microbial communities that are critical for supporting our animals.
Next, we’ll undertake several steps to transfer our animals. Before transport, we monitor all our animals for a period of time. This period is called “quarantine,” but it doesn’t mean they’re sick—it’s about ensuring they’re healthy. The next step is to transfer our animals, following best practices in our field. Some animals need more time to acclimate before other animals arrive. All newly arrived animals will be monitored closely. Mote SEA will not open for general admission until all animals have fully acclimated to their new habitats.

Will there be a grand opening event for Mote SEA?

Yes! Please check back frequently for details and keep in touch.

When can I buy tickets to visit Mote SEA? How much will they cost?

When the grand opening date is announced, tickets will be available at mote.org/tickets. Ticket prices will also be announced at that time.

Mote SEA will offer plan-ahead ticket pricing. You’ll enjoy the best value when you plan your visit in advance! Purchasing tickets at least one month in advance of your visit typically offers the best value for any day of the week. Plan-ahead pricing allows guests to visit on the date that best accommodates their budget and schedule. Tickets are available for purchase up to three months in advance. Visiting on a weekday, Monday to Wednesday, may offer the best value. Tickets for a weekend visit (Saturday or Sunday) are typically offered at a premium rate.

I'm a Mote Member. Will my membership be honored at Mote SEA?

All active memberships at the time of Mote SEA’s opening will automatically include access to Mote SEA.

MEMBERSHIP FAQS

I'm thinking about starting a Mote Membership. Should I do that before or after Mote SEA opens?

We highly recommend purchasing a membership now, so you won’t miss your chance for an exclusive preview of Mote SEA. Mote members will have the opportunity for a first look at all the exciting new exhibits featured at Mote SEA. Join today to secure your invitation.

LEARN MORE AND JOIN TODAY
Use promo code OBS25 for an extra free month.

Will I be able to host events such as weddings, meetings, or other gatherings at Mote SEA?

Yes! Mote SEA offers several versatile venue rental options perfect for weddings, meetings, celebrations, and more. Whatever the occasion, we have a space to make it memorable.

MOTE SEA VENUES

Can I bring my own caterer to my event at Mote SEA?

Outside catering is not permitted. Mote SEA features its own dedicated in-house caterer, Deep Blue Hospitality, offering exceptional menus and service tailored to your event.

Will there still be venue rentals available on City Island, Sarasota?

Yes! Even as Mote SEA opens, venue rentals will continue on City Island. The New Pass Room and Chickee Hut will remain available for weddings, celebrations, meetings, and other special events.

CITY ISLAND VENUES

Will you continue to offer eco-boat tours of Sarasota Bay?

Yes! Our partners at Sarasota Bay Explorers (SBE) will continue to offer eco-boat tours from our campus at City Island, Sarasota, during and after our transition to Mote SEA. Please sign up for tours on the SBE website:

Boat tours

Will you continue to offer education programs?

Yes! Mote summer camps will continue through end of July, 2025, and our public programs will continue to be offered outside our facility on City Island as usual. Programs must be booked in advance.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

And of course, we will significantly expand our educational programs for the public and for schools at Mote SEA. Please check back often for details.

What is happening to the engraved bricks at Mote’s City Island campus?

While our commemorative brick program was retired on Sept. 1, 2018, we have proudly maintained the display of bricks purchased prior to that point. Bricks will remain available for visitation prior to July 7, when our City Island campus will no longer feature ticketed entry as we prepare to transition operations to our highly anticipated Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park.

The City Island campus will continue to be used in its current state by our research, rehabilitation, and education programs, and bricks still located there will remain for the foreseeable future. As we look to redevelop our City Island campus into an International Marine Science, Technology & Innovation Park, further details will be provided.

What parking and transportation will be available near Mote SEA?

Free parking will be available to Mote SEA visitors. A Sarasota County bus station is adjacent to the main Mote SEA parking lot.

How can I support Mote SEA?

Check out moteoceansforall.org for opportunities to donate and to join us as a corporate partner.
We are also planning an exciting season of events—please keep in touch!

How can I apply to work with you at Mote SEA?

Please check our jobs page for new positions:

JOB OPENINGS

How did you select the location for Mote SEA?

We chose to locate Mote SEA at Nathan Benderson Park near Interstate 75 because it allows us to serve many more residents and visitors and achieve the greatest impact for our community, region and state. We examined multiple sites in southwest Florida, and we are confident that this site provides the greatest accessibility and visibility for Mote SEA.
More than three million Florida residents will be able to access Mote SEA by driving 60 minutes or less, and the conservative projected visitor number for opening year is nearly 700,000—double our latest annual attendance figures for Mote Aquarium on City Island.

What will happen at Mote’s City Island campus after you transition to Mote SEA at Nathan Benderson Park?

City Island, Sarasota, will continue to be the home base for the global marine research enterprise of Mote Marine Laboratory.

Our transition of the Aquarium to Mote SEA will make way for critical expansions of our marine science and conservation mission at the City Island campus, which will ultimately transform into Mote’s International Marine Science & Technology Innovation Park.

Keep in touch

Please continue to check this page for the latest updates.

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