We know that vacations should be all about relaxation, adventure, and making memories; that’s why Anna Maria Island is the perfect vacation destination for everyone in the family. With many things to do in Anna Maria Island, your trip is guaranteed to be memorable. Relax and soak up the sun on the beach, spend time swimming in the water, enjoying watersports, or peruse through the various local shops – whatever your fancy, Anna Maria Island has something for everyone.
If you’re seeking to learn more about marine life on your Anna Maria Island vacation, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium offers a thrilling and educational experience for everyone. Whether you’re looking to experience the 135,000-gallon shark habitat or learn more about aquatic habitats, find a bit of adventure on your next Anna Maria Island vacation when you book with Mello on the Beach!
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
The Mote Aquarium is home to hundreds of marine creatures who call the ocean around Anna Maria Island home. This aquarium also helps to provide a window into the research at the Mote Marine Laboratory.
The Mote Marine Laboratory conducts scientific research about the marine creatures who have found their home at the Mote Aquarium, as well as research about the surrounding aquatic areas in an attempt to learn more about the natural homes of the aquatic creatures.
The aquarium is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is important that you buy your tickets to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium online in order to gain entry into the building. Once you are inside the aquarium, you will be able to walk around to see the various marine exhibits within the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Inside the aquarium, you can find a 135,000-gallon shark habitat as well as the Shark Zone which explores and explains the history of Mote’s extensive shark research. You can also visit exhibits dedicated to manatees and sea turtles, as well as other marine creatures. The aquarium also has an exhibit that explores the importance of coral reefs, educating visitors about other ocean biomes and ecosystems.
There is a lot to see when you visit the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. You can have fun watching these marine creatures interact with each other in exhibits built to replicate their exact ecosystems, as well as learn more about the ocean biomes and ecosystems in which they can be found in the wild.
Science Education & Outreach Center at the Anna Maria City Pier
In May of 2023, the Mote Marine Laboratory opened its Marine Science Education and Outreach Center at the Anna Maria City Pier.
The Science Education and Outreach Center is meant to provide a great education as well as entertainment experience for everyone on Anna Maria Island, both locals and visitors alike.
The center provides a way for guests of Anna Maria Island to learn more about the marine environment of the area as well as learn more about the research that is conducted by the Mote Marine Laboratory on the marine environment and the marine life that lives there.
The idea for the center came from the deep roots of the Mote Marine Laboratory in Anna Maria Island. The area was loved by the namesake behind Mote’s, Mr. Bill Mote. The center itself is meant to help fulfill part of the key mission behind the Mote Marine Laboratory, which is to translate and transfer marine science as a public service to increase ocean literacy.
The Science Education and Outreach Center is open every day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is completely free to visit the center, allowing everyone to easily learn all about what the Mote Marine Laboratory is doing with their research of the marine environment around Anna Maria Island.
The Science Education and Outreach Center can be fun and educational for those of all ages, making it a great opportunity to stop by and learn something while you are staying around Anna Maria Island.
Plan Your Visit
Planning your next island adventure? Find the perfect place to stay in Anna Maria Island with Mello on the Beach, and book your stay today!
Mote SEA
In addition to the Science Education and Outreach Center, construction has begun on the Mote Science Education Aquarium. This aquarium is set to open in 2024, and it is designed to help bridge the gap that separates accessible science and technology education, environmental awareness, and complex marine research.
Much like the current Mote Marine Aquarium, the Science Education Aquarium will help to encourage environmental stewardship through exposure and hands-on experiences.
While you will be able to walk around the aquarium to view the different aquatic creatures that will be there, you can also take some time to learn how these creatures typically live as well as get the opportunity to have more hands-on experiences when it comes to marine research and understanding. With the addition of the SEA, there will be even more to explore at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, allowing you to experience all of the different opportunities to learn about marine creatures and environments, further focusing on Mote’s mission to work towards a better understanding of how the creatures and environments thrive as well as how we can work to protect these environments.
The Science Education Aquarium will also add a new exhibit in the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. This exhibit will focus on the creatures and marine environment of the Gulf of Mexico, with a special emphasis on sharks, allowing guests to better understand Mote’s extensive shark research.
The new aquarium will have three floors that consist of different marine animal habitats and will help provide a truly immersive experience for visitors. It can be a great place to visit while staying around Anna Maria Island.
The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is a wonderfully exciting and educational opportunity for the whole family to enjoy on Anna Maria Island. At Mote Marine, find an experience where you can dive into learning about both the local marine life and other marine environments from around the world.
Where to Stay
A vacation in Anna Maria Island can be a great way to spend time resting and relaxing. You can spend some time traveling around the area visiting different shops and attractions as well as relaxing on the beach or going for a swim.
When planning your stay in Anna Maria Island, you can book your stay with Mello on the Beach. Mello on the Beach is the premier choice for Anna Maria Island inns when seeking comfort, style, and proximity to all that Anna Maria Island has to offer. Find some of the best Anna Maria Island accommodations when you book your stay with Mello on the Beach.
With so many things to do on Anna Maria Island, you want to make sure you have somewhere to rest after a long day of exploring or have a nice place to return to after having some fun in the sun. Mello on the Beach can help you find one of the perfect places to stay in Anna Maria Island.
After you book your stay with Mello on the Beach, you can start planning all the fun things to do on Anna Maria Island. When planning your activities, consider taking a visit to the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Everyone will have a lot of fun, and you’ll learn something too.
