Aquarium
A masterpiece of living science, the three-level Aquarium carries you from the surface to the depths of South Florida's crucial aquatic ecosystems and beyond.
From huge Gulf Stream sharks to tiny coral polyps, the Aquarium is a trip through the beautiful watery worlds of South Florida. The building works on three levels, beginning on the top Vista level where you travel the vibrant surface of habitats such as the Gulf Stream, mangrove forests and the Everglades. Descend to the Dive level for stunning underwater views and interactive learning stations focused on Florida’s Coral Reef and our ReeFLorida initiative. Then, sink into the Deep to get up close with jellies and experience the wonder of our iconic Oculus. Throughout, you’ll learn about Florida’s rich marine ecosystems and the science behind them.
The Vista
The top deck of the Aquarium puts you at the surface of key South Florida ecosystems, including the Gulf Stream, brought to life in the sweeping, 100-foot wide, 500,000-gallon Gulf Stream Aquarium, where different species of fish, devil rays and hammerhead sharks travel through open water. Nearby, explore the vastly different worlds of coral reefs, mangroves, beaches and the Everglades, and even dip your hand in the Florida Bay exhibit and touch a stingray!
The Dive
Descend into underwater worlds, where sleek marine animals roam ocean currents, colorful reef fish dart through corals, and predators and prey move through mangrove forest shadows. Aquariums and interactive exhibits tell the story of Florida’s ecosystems, particularly Florida’s Coral Reef, a 360-mile barrier reef stretching from Port St. Lucie down to the Dry Tortugas. Listen as scientists share their work and observations of the ecosystems they study, and learn how you can help protect Florida’s Coral Reef and the myriad other marine ecosystems it supports.
The Deep
Head down one more level for an interactive experience about the vast depths of the Gulf Stream, the mysterious domain where drifters such as jellies ride the massive flow running along Florida’s east coast and into the North Atlantic. Interact with open-water animals like whales, sharks and ocean sunfish on the large projection wall that spans the gallery. The end of your Aquarium journey culminates with a 31-foot oculus lens forming the bottom of the Gulf Stream Aquarium, where the sharks you saw on the Vista level now cruise overhead.
