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We can't wait to SEA you! Click the button to reserve tickets. Mote Members can also click the button to log in and reserve your free tickets.
Welcome to Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota County, Florida! Here is everything you need to plan an amazing visit.
Get ready to dive into the wonders of the ocean and discover why Science is the Attraction!
Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily
Address: 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243
Contact: guestservices@mote.org, 941-388-6683 (941-388-MOTE)
Reserve your general admission tickets by clicking the button below. For pricing and other details, scroll down.
Mote Members can also click this button to log in and reserve your free member passes.
To guarantee entry at the date and time of your choosing, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance as we only allow a set amount of guests to enter in 30 minute increments. You can purchase tickets on-site but we can not guarantee immediate entry when doing so. Due to the nature of timed-ticketing, the Aquarium frequently sells out on weekends, holidays, and during spring months.
We offer a plan-ahead pricing model, which allows guests to visit on the date that best accommodates their budget and schedule. Guests who purchase tickets at least 30 days before their visit date receive a discounted rate. It saves to plan ahead!
Tickets must be purchased on-site and in-person for two admission specials: Active Duty Military Service Members and Reciprocal Members. Mote offers free admission for the active duty service member with a current active duty military ID (discount is not extended to spouses and dependents.) Aquarium guests applying reciprocal partner discounts must show current reciprocal partnership membership card and ID. For these special offers, limited walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No other special offers are accepted at this time.
Please note: Availability for walk-up purchases is not guaranteed. If you arrive without pre-booking and your desired time or day is sold out, we will offer you the opportunity to purchase a ticket for another available time or day.
Tickets are available for purchase up to 3 months in advance.
Please bring your Mote Aquarium tickets either in printed form or digitally. You can locate your tickets in an email from ticketing@mote.org, with the subject line “Thank you for your ticket purchase! Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.” For convenient access upon arrival, we recommend adding your tickets to your Google or Apple Wallet. If you cannot locate your ticket, please see the associate at the ticketing window and they will assist in locating your reservation.
Note to members: Please also have your ID with your Aquarium tickets to verify that a named member is in attendance.
Enjoy the best value when you plan your visit in advance! Guests who purchase tickets at least 30 days before their visit date receive our lowest rates. This Plan Ahead Pricing allows guests to visit on the date that best accommodates their budget and schedule. Learn more here [details are coming soon].
Lowest available pricing when purchased 30 days in advance:
Adults (13 & older): $32
Youth (ages 3-12): $24
Children (ages 0-2): Free
Mote Members: Free
Active Duty Military Service Members (excludes spouses and dependents): Free
Group Rate: 10% off for parties of 10 or more (and must be booked 24 hours in advance)
*Prices vary by date and time of visit, time of booking and other variables.
Active Duty Service Members: Mote offers free admission for the active duty service member with a current active duty military ID (discount is not extended to the entire party.) *Discount only valid when purchased on-site and in-person.
Member Reciprocal: Visiting with another zoo or aquarium membership? Aquarium guests applying reciprocal partner discounts must show their current reciprocal partnership membership card and ID. *Discount only valid when purchased on-site and in-person.
Veteran’s Day (November 11th): Mote Aquarium extends complimentary admission to all United States veterans and their military dependents, with valid IDs for both veterans and military dependents, on November 11 (Veteran’s Day). *Discount only valid when purchased on-site and in-person.
Group Rate: Parties of 10 or more paying guests are invited to take advantage of our group rates. Group rates may be booked online, and 24 hours in advance. Once you have 10 paid tickets in your cart, a pop up will prompt you to the Group Rate page.
We participate in AZA’s Reciprocity Admission Program. Check with your facility to see if you are eligible. *Discount only valid when purchased on-site and in-person. Please email guesterservices@mote.org for any other AZA reciprocal questions.
Cash and credit card payments are accepted. No checks.
Tickets are non-refundable. Rescheduling your visit is easy. Follow these steps to adjust your ticket date and time:
Please note: You can reschedule your tickets on your own up to one hour before your scheduled visit. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Mote’s Guest Services department for support at 941-388-6683 (941-388-MOTE) or guestservices@mote.org.
The guest capacity for each time slot is limited. We ask that all guests make every effort to arrive on time. We strongly encourage you to arrive up to 10 minutes before your assigned time slot. If you are less than 1 hour late to your scheduled time slot, your ticket is still valid. If you are later than 1 hour, please let guestservices@mote.org know or call us [Phone number coming soon!] to move your ticket to the next available time slot.
Planning to visit more than once this year? Mote Members save money on their second visit and membership is a rewarding way to support our mission. Mote Membership includes a year of unlimited visits, free and discounted entry to partner attractions, exclusive events, discounts and endless family fun. Want to visit first and test it out? We can apply the cost of your tickets to a membership within 30 days of your visit with your original receipt. Learn more about membership: mote.org/membership
Yes! You can give the gift of science and adventure. Mote gift cards can be redeemed towards admission tickets, memberships, add-on experiences, or educational programs. Gift cards are sent electronically immediately upon purchase making them quick and convenient!
Here’s everything you need to know before you go, including details about accessibility, guest accommodations, safety and more.
We recommend planning to spend 1.5 to 3 hours with us during your visit.
Re-entry is not permitted.
Guests may enter the Aquarium any time up to our closing at 5:00pm. However, we recommend arriving by 3:30pm to allow at least 1.5 hours for a full visit. All guests are asked to exit promptly at 5:00pm.
Outside food and beverages are prohibited, but water and baby food/formula are allowed. Water refill stations are available throughout your visit. Mote Science Education Aquarium also offers an on-site dining option, Bite Cafe, which features a vibrant atmosphere and deliciously modern food made with quality ingredients. Perfect for a casual bite, a relaxed lunch, or an afternoon recharge. Guests may also enjoy coffee and a gelato, located at mobile stations.
There are no restrictions on bag size or style, but please keep in mind that there are no on-site storage options for personal items.
For the safety of all guests, electronic security screening is in place at the entry/admissions area. Weapons and firearms of any kind are prohibited at Mote Science Education Aquarium. Please plan accordingly before your visit.
We do not offer luggage storage at Mote Science Education Aquarium. All items are to be kept on the guest at all times. Staff and volunteers are not permitted to hold guest luggage at any point of your visit.
Yes! In the event that you have lost an item on your visit, please visit Guest Services on the 1st Floor.
There are no restrictions on stroller size or style. We ask to please be considerate of other guests’ safety by refraining from using a pull wagon or any other overly wide strollers. We do not offer a stroller rental program. Guests must bring their own.
Yes. We offer complimentary manual wheel chairs for guests on a first come first serve basis. Guests that may require a wheel chair should request it with the outside Guest Services associates upon arrival.
Mote Science Education Aquarium is proud to be designated an Autism Friendly Business by CARD at the University of South Florida. We have a limited number of sensory-friendly backpacks available for check-out at Guest Services (free with ID exchange).
Yes. Please contact any Guest Services associate for access to a private space to nurse.
Pets are strictly prohibited, but Service Dogs are welcome (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.) Please click here to review the ADA guidelines prior to your visit.
Mote SEA is located at 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243.
The entrance to Mote Science Education Aquarium is accessible from University Town Center Drive.
Aquarium guests can enjoy free parking in several parking lots located on the west side of our property. Guests can also be dropped off at the Aquarium Entrance by utilizing the Guest Drop Off loop. Vehicles at the drop off loop may not be parked longer than 5 minutes. Please give buses and emergency services the right of way.
View individual maps by floor:
