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Education Programs

Seashore Safari: Guided Shoreline Tours

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Mote Education is excited to offer Seashore SEAfaris at three locations!

Join Mote’s professional educators on one of three different family-friendly guided tours to explore the unique flora and fauna of City Island, Lido Beach and/or Anna Maria Island. Families will put on their adventure hats and use science tools to identify plants and animals, test water quality and complete a seashore scavenger hunt while learning about the breakthrough research happening at Mote.

Who: All ages (ALL participants, adults or children, must register)
Fee: $15.00 per person
When: See dates & locations below

Note: This is an outdoor program (not water-based) that involves walking on sidewalks, boardwalks, and/or sand. Pre-registration is required. At least one paying adult chaperone is required for every 4 youth participants. All adults/guardians in attendance must be registered. Please review the location before registering for your adventure!

Questions? Email educate@mote.org

Seashore Seafari: City Island

Explore a Florida mangrove forest lining beautiful Sarasota Bay! Participants will learn all about mangroves including how to identify them, the animals that call them home and why they are important. We will stroll through the mangroves and make our way to the bay to enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Sarasota.

Note: This Seashore SEAfari takes place at our main campus (Mote Aquarium) on City Island. Aquarium admission is NOT included.

Location: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, Florida 34236
When: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

December 26
December 30
March 17
April 21
May 19

Sea-fari at city island

Seashore Seafari: Lido Beach

Discover one of Florida’s most iconic and pristine beaches, Lido Beach. Participants will join us for some beachcombing and bird watching as we explore the seasonal migrations of animals and natural history of this important barrier island.
Note: This Seashore SEAfari takes place at Lido Beach (approximately 2.5 miles from Mote Aquarium). Aquarium admission is NOT included.

Location: Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach, 2201 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34234
When: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

2024 dates coming soon!

Sea-fari at lido beach

Seashore Seafari: Anna Maria Island

Get the insider scoop on Mote research at Mote Marine Laboratory’s newest satellite campus at the Anna Maria Island City Pier. After a guided tour of Mote’s Marine Science Education and Outreach Center, participants will take a stroll down the pier and the beach to learn about the local flora and fauna and be introduced to the rich history of Anna Maria Island.
Note: This Seashore SEAfari takes place on Anna Maria Island (approximately 18 miles from Mote Aquarium). Aquarium admission is NOT included however admission to the Mote Marine Science Education and Outreach Center is free.

Location: Anna Maria City Pier, 100 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria 34216, FL
When: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

March 20
May 15

SEA-fari at Anna Maria

Please Note: Pre-registration is required. Mote Aquarium admission is NOT included. Please visit mote.org/visitfor information and to reserve tickets.

Mote reserves the right to update or modify any program elements as necessary. Modification of a program element by Mote does not constitute grounds for a refund.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

To ensure the safety of our participants, programs may be canceled in cases of inclement weather, including rain or adverse marine conditions such as high winds, or other environmental factors (i.e. Red Tide). For water-based programs (Dip Netting), if air temperatures fall below 60 degrees, we will cancel the program. In the event of a weather-related or other cancellation, you will be notified via email the evening before. Be sure to check the email you registered with prior to your program. A copy of our complete Cancellation Policy is available here and is also linked in your registration confirmation email.

Prohibited Items/Activities

The following items are not permitted on Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium grounds for the safety of our animals and guests: weapons or firearms per Florida Statutes Section 790.06(12) {firearms are not allowed at events with alcohol provisions}, or any hazardous items or materials, balloons, plastic straws, food and beverages not provided by approved vendors (water and baby food/formula is allowed), or any other items deemed to be a safety hazard or that may be used to engage in prohibited activities. Smoking and vaping is also prohibited.

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