Mote's Marine Science Education & Outreach Center
Visitor information
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day on the Anna Maria City Pier. Free to visit. Fun and educational for all ages!
Details
Mote's Marine Science Education & Outreach Center brings the wonders beneath the waves to visitors of all ages on the historic Anna Maria City Pier. Visitors will learn about the local marine environment and the research conducted by Mote Marine Laboratory scientists every day.
The concept for the Center grew from Mote’s deep roots in the Anna Maria community, which was a location beloved by Mote’s namesake, Mr. Bill Mote. The Center opened in May 2023 and is one of many expansions to fulfill a key part of Mote’s mission: Translate and transfer marine science as a public service to increase ocean literacy.
Visitors to Mote's new Center will overlook Tampa Bay, have an underwater view of everything happening below the pier and engage with Mote educators and volunteers to learn about this critical coastal habitat.The focal point of the Center will be an interactive touch pool exhibit where guests can literally reach into the water and get in touch with local marine life. A “Draw Alive” station will bring guests’ drawings to life, and a multi-station microscope will bring out their inner scientists. Guests will leave with a new appreciation of mangroves, seagrass beds and the living world directly beneath the City Pier.
Programs & Experiences at the Anna Maria City Pier
Mote's Education team is excited to offer programs at the Center. Check back regularly as additional programs will be added soon!
- Sign up the whole family for a Seashore SEAfari, a guided walking tour to explore the unique beach ecosystem of Anna Maria Island and to learn about the rich history of the City Pier.
- Offered select Wednesdays 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.: August 9, September 6, October 11, November 8, and December 6
- Preschoolers and their favorite adult can join us for Shark Pups & Grownups, an early childhood STEM program that encourages families to learn about the ocean together through a combination of movement, sign language, story time, science tool exploration, role play, games, and a take-home craft.
- Offered select Thursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.:
- August 24 - Freshwater Florida: You Otter Know
- September 28 - A-B-Seas, 1-2-3s: W is for Whale
- October 26 - Sea of Costumes: Rock On Like A Guitarfish
- November 16 - Aquatic Appetites: Mote Munchies
- December 14 - Mote Around the World: Keys for Corals
- Offered select Thursdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.:
Pre-registration is required. Click the button below for current availability and details.
Note: 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). In the event of a 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 policies are available here and will be linked in your registration confirmation email.