Explore the world beneath the water during a field trip like no other!
On a Mote SEA field trip, students will not only explore the stunning Mote Science Education Aquarium but also participate in the science firsthand through educator-led learning experiences inside our state of the art Teaching Labs. With curriculum aligned to Florida State Science Standards, and developed by Mote’s scientists and educators, youth will explore new ideas, test possibilities, and see themselves as the next generation of researchers, innovators, and conservationists.
Please read the information below to learn about our new reservation process and policies. You may view field trip options in the 2025 Mote SEA Field Trip Planning Guide.
Program Options
In order to supply the best learning experience possible, Mote SEA features three themed Teaching Labs, each with it’s own age-specific lessons. We currently offer 6 reservations per weekday (2 reservations per Teaching Lab).
Reservation Sizes
Reservations require a minimum of 15 student/youth participants, and we can accommodate a maximum of 216 student/youths. One program reservation is for up to 36 students. You may book as many reservations as available to reach your group numbers.
The suggested group size is up to 72 students (2 reservations). This number will allow all your students to participate in the same program (if booked in the same Lab space). Groups over 216 students will need to contact educate@mote.org before placing a reservation.
Pricing
At this time, field trips may only be booked as a combined experience of Aquarium admission and a classroom program (no self-guided tours).
Please note: Thanks to generous support from the Sarasota and Manatee Counties for Mote SEA, public schools in these two districts will receive priority scheduling and reduced cost.
| School Type | Aquarium Admission | Teaching Lab Program | Total Cost Per Student |
| Manatee/Sarasota County School | $19/student | $10 $0/student | $19/student |
| FL Public School | $19/student | $10 $0/student | $19/student |
| Other School | $19/student | $10/student | $29/student |
Mote has a limited amount of needs-based financial assistance available for local schools. If you are interested in applying for financial assistance, please click here for more information.
Chaperones: Regardless of school/organization type, you will receive 1 free chaperone ticket for every 10 students booked (one chaperone for every 10 students is required). This discount will be automatically applied at invoicing. Additional chaperones will be added to your invoice at the rate of $25/chaperone. Our teaching labs cannot accommodate large numbers of chaperones. To ensure the best experience for your students, please limit chaperones to as close to the 1:10 ratio as possible. Group reservations may be denied if too many chaperones are included. Chaperones are defined as any non-student attendee: teachers, assistants, parents, etc. Exceptions may be made for caregivers/direct support professionals. Please contact educate@mote.org for more information.
Please Note: School and community groups are not permitted to participate in either the virtual reality (VR) cinema experience or ray food activities during their visit. Neither are included in the admission price nor are they equipped to serve groups.
Questions
Billing & Reservations contact: educate@mote.org | 941-388-4441, ext.348.
Day-of contact: bradtanner@mote.org | 941-388-4441, ext.351
Reservation Process
Once you have decided on the program you would like your students to participate in, click the button below to proceed to make your field trip reservation.
To complete the reservation process:
1. The teacher must fill out the provided Google Form so we can provide your billing department with an invoice. Teacher should use their email address when filling out this form.
2. The teacher should then select the desired dates, times, and programs from our list of available dates, then proceed to checkout (reservation requests are free). Teachers should use their email address when completing checkout.
3. Your billing department will be sent an invoice within 20 business days of the reservation request. Your reservation is not confirmed until your invoice is paid in full.
Highlights
- All Mote Explorations are aligned with Florida State Science Standards to help students meet requirements on state assessment tests.
- Experienced Mote Educators lead your field trip program, giving your students access to Mote’s world-class marine research and helping them learn science concepts while inspiring wonder about the world around us.
- Programs are two hours in length (1 hour for the Teaching Labs program, and 1 hour for a guided Mote SEA tour). We recommend groups plan to spend 3 hours at Mote for their program, guided Mote SEA tour and picnic lunch.
- Discounted admission to Mote SEA is included in your invoice.
- Short on time and looking to book a teaching lab only visit? Contact educate@mote.org
- Book an outreach or virtual program before or after your visit to enhance your field trip experience. Click here for more info!
Please review the 2025 Mote SEA Field Trip Planning Guide to help you plan and prep for your trip.
Ready to make your Mote SEA field trip reservation? Click below to begin the process.
Want Mote to come to you?
Check out our Mote in the Classroom options including classroom programs, auditorium programs and more! Interested in a virtual focus trip instead? With over 20 programs to choose from, we have something exciting for every age group.
Please reach out to educate@mote.org or phone 941-388-4441 ext. 351 with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at SEA!
