General admission includes access to Mote Aquarium and its exhibits in the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.
To guarantee entry, tickets MUST be purchased online. On busier days we have sold out, and we cannot guarantee walk-up tickets will be available. Members are also encouraged to reserve their tickets online in advance. Each ticket is sold at a 15-minute window during each hour. Once it is your entry time, you can enjoy the Aquarium for as long as you would like until 5 p.m. The last arrival window will be at 3:45 p.m. daily. Tickets must be purchased on site and in person for two admission specials: Active Duty Military personnel only (free admission with current ID) and 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.
- Adults (13 & older): $29
- Youth (ages 3-12): $21
- Children (ages 0-2): Free
Mote Members: Free. Become a Member! Current members must reserve their free tickets online before visiting. Go to mote.org/membership to register your membership so you can reserve your free tickets.
Veterans Day: Mote Aquarium extends complimentary admission to all United States veterans and their military dependents, with valid IDs for both veterans and military dependents, on Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) each year. Must purchase tickets in person to receive the discount.
Group rate
Parties of 10 or more paying guests are invited to take advantage of our group rates. Reservations are required and must be made at least 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 941-388-4441, ext. 216 or email guestservices@mote.org.
- Adults (ages 13 & older): $23
- Youth (ages 3-12): $19
For school and camp groups looking to plan a visit to Mote, please visit mote.org/education/schools-groups/field-trips.
Parking Information
Parking is free for all visitors and can be found right outside of the aquarium entrance.
Deep Sea Diner
Mancini Diners, Inc. has cast fine food and superior service into Mote Aquarium waters at the Deep Sea Diner! This casual, retro, ’50s style diner exclusively serves visitors and members of Mote Aquarium with a fun, affordable, family-style menu. Call: 941-388-3415.
DINER MENU ICE CREAM MENU
Mote Boat: Eco-tours
Sarasota Bay Explorers, working with Mote Aquarium, offers interactive, hands-on eco-adventures on the Sea Life Encounter Cruise and private charters aboard the Miss Explorer. Reserve your spot by visiting the Sarasota Bay Explorers website.
Wheelchair availability
Several manual wheelchairs are available for free at Mote Aquarium on a first come, first served basis.
Service dogs
Mote will allow entry to service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
Resources for guests with sensory differences
Mote has been designated an Autism Friendly Business by CARD at University of South Florida, and our Aquarium offers a free, downloadable Sensory Guide to help you prepare for your visit. Also, a limited number of sensory-friendly backpacks are available for check-out (with ID exchange) at the front desk.
The following items are not permitted in Mote Aquarium areas for the safety of our animals and guests:
- Weapons or firearms
- Hazardous items or materials
- Outside food and beverages (water and baby food/formula is allowed)
- Smoking/vaping
- Any other items deemed to be a safety hazard or that may be used to engage in prohibited activities.
