Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Florida’s Premier Marine Science Destination

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its storied history, relocating from its iconic City Island location to a brand-new state-of-the-art facility at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. The new Mote Science Education Aquarium, known as Mote SEA, officially opened its doors to the public on October 8, 2025, marking a new era for marine science education and public engagement on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This exciting transition has generated significant interest from families, marine biology enthusiasts, and tourists planning Florida vacations who want to experience what many are calling one of the most impressive aquarium installations in the southeastern United States.

If you’re wondering whether Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is open, where exactly it’s located, how much tickets cost, and what you can expect during your visit, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for planning your 2026 visit to Florida’s newest and most scientifically-focused aquarium. The transition to the new facility represents years of planning, significant investment in marine science education infrastructure, and a commitment to providing visitors with immersive experiences that connect people with ocean ecosystems while supporting Mote’s world-renowned research programs.

The new location offers several advantages over the previous City Island facility, including significantly more exhibit space, modern aquarium technology, enhanced accessibility features, and a central location within Sarasota’s growing University Town Center district. However, the move has also brought changes to pricing structures, visiting procedures, and the overall visitor experience that are important to understand before planning your trip. Whether you’re a longtime Mote supporter visiting for the first time at the new location, or a first-time visitor curious about what makes this marine science institution so special, this guide will help you make the most of your aquarium experience.

Where Is Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Located in 2026?

The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium has relocated to a brand-new facility at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Florida. The new address is 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL 34243, situated in the heart of Sarasota’s rapidly developing University Town Center area. This location represents a significant shift from the historic City Island campus that served as Mote’s home for decades and will be familiar to returning visitors who remember the original facility along Sarasota Bay.

The new Nathan Benderson Park location offers several practical advantages for visitors. The facility sits adjacent to the University Town Center mall area, providing convenient access to parking, dining options, and other amenities that weren’t available at the more secluded City Island location. The address places the aquarium within easy driving distance of major Sarasota-area attractions, hotels, and vacation rental communities, making it an accessible destination for both local residents and tourists staying throughout the Sarasota area.

For GPS navigation and mapping applications, searching for “Mote SEA” or “Mote Science Education Aquarium” will typically provide the most accurate directions to the new facility. The aquarium is clearly marked within the Nathan Benderson Park complex, with signage directing visitors to the dedicated parking area. Visitors traveling from out of town will find the location approximately 45 minutes south of Tampa International Airport and roughly two hours southwest of Orlando, making it a convenient destination for travelers combining their aquarium visit with other Central Florida attractions.

Is Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Open? Current Operating Status

Yes, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is open and welcoming visitors at its new Mote SEA location. The facility has been operating since the grand opening on October 8, 2025, and has quickly established itself as one of Florida’s most popular aquarium destinations. However, visitors should note that Mote SEA has experienced significant demand since opening, with tickets frequently selling out, particularly for weekend visits and holiday periods.

The aquarium operates with timed entry tickets to manage visitor capacity and ensure quality experiences for all guests. This means that simply showing up at the facility may not guarantee entry, especially during peak visiting hours or busy holiday periods. The strong ticket demand reflects both the popularity of the new facility and the excitement surrounding Mote’s expanded exhibits and educational programming. Visitors are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets well in advance, with reservations available up to three months before planned visit dates.

The transition from the City Island location to Mote SEA was designed to expand rather than reduce public access to Mote’s marine science programming. The old City Island facility closed to the public on July 6, 2025, marking the end of an era for the historic campus that had served generations of Sarasota-area families and school groups. The new facility was purpose-built with visitor experience and marine conservation education as primary design considerations, offering significantly more exhibit space, more comfortable viewing environments, and more interactive educational opportunities than the aging City Island buildings could provide.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Hours of Operation

Mote SEA maintains regular operating hours that accommodate a variety of visitor schedules, though specific hours can vary based on the day of the week and seasonal demand patterns. The aquarium typically operates with extended hours on weekends compared to weekday schedules, reflecting family visitation patterns and tourist season demands. Visitors should always verify current hours before their planned visit, as special events, maintenance periods, and holiday schedules can affect regular operating hours.

General admission hours generally run from morning opening times through early evening, with the last entry admission occurring approximately one hour before closing to ensure visitors have adequate time to explore the exhibits. The aquarium offers particularly popular programming during feeding times and interactive sessions, which are scheduled throughout the day at various marine mammal and fish habitats. These scheduled activities provide unique opportunities to watch divers interact with marine life, observe feeding behaviors up close, and learn from Mote’s knowledgeable staff about the animals in their care.

For visitors seeking a more exclusive experience, Mote occasionally hosts special evening events that extend beyond regular operating hours. These after-hours programs, such as the January 31, 2026 evening event scheduled from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, offer opportunities to explore the aquarium in smaller crowds while enjoying curated cocktails and specialty programming. Such events typically require separate ticket purchases and advance reservations due to limited capacity.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Ticket Prices 2026

Ticket prices at Mote SEA reflect the facility’s significantly expanded offerings compared to the original City Island aquarium, though some visitors have noted that the new pricing represents an increase over previous admission costs. Understanding the various ticket options, pricing tiers, and money-saving opportunities can help visitors plan budgets effectively and potentially save money on their aquarium visit.

General Admission Pricing: Adult ticket prices at Mote SEA range from $32 to $41 depending on several factors. Weekday general admission tickets typically cost between $32 and $37 when purchased in advance, while weekend general admission tickets range from $37 to $41. Same-day tickets or tickets purchased with minimal advance notice tend to be priced at the higher end of these ranges, creating a strong incentive for visitors to plan ahead and secure their reservations early.

Youth and Senior Pricing: Youth tickets (typically defined as ages 3-12 or 13-17 depending on current policy) range from $24 to $29, with the lower prices available for advance weekday purchases. Children under 3 years old generally receive free admission, making Mote SEA an attractive destination for families with toddlers. Senior discounts may be available for visitors meeting age requirements, though specific pricing should be confirmed at the time of ticket purchase.

Mote Membership Benefits: One of the most cost-effective options for frequent visitors or local residents is becoming a Mote Member. Members receive free general admission to Mote SEA throughout their membership year, along with discounts on special events, educational programs, and aquarium gift shop purchases. The membership option essentially pays for itself after just two or three visits, making it an excellent value for families planning multiple aquarium outings or local residents who want unlimited access to this world-class marine science facility.

Discount Opportunities: Mote offers several discount programs that can reduce admission costs for eligible visitors. Employees of certain attractions and partner organizations may receive free or discounted admission, and advance purchase discounts reward visitors who plan ahead. Additionally, Mote occasionally partners with local hotels, tourism organizations, and community groups to offer promotional pricing for specific visitor segments.

What Makes Mote SEA Different from the Original Facility?

The transition from the historic City Island facility to the new Mote SEA represents far more than a simple relocation. The new aquarium was designed from the ground up with modern aquarium science, visitor experience optimization, and marine conservation education as core principles. This purpose-built facility offers significant advantages over the converted buildings that housed the original aquarium, creating a fundamentally different visitor experience that reflects decades of evolution in public aquarium design.

The new Nathan Benderson Park location provides substantially more exhibit space than the City Island facility, allowing Mote to display more marine species in larger, more naturalistic environments. The aquarium incorporates advanced life support systems, sophisticated water filtration technology, and climate control capabilities that enable the facility to maintain species from diverse marine environments—from local Gulf of Mexico ecosystems to tropical coral reef systems. This expanded capability means visitors can experience a wider variety of marine life than ever before in a single facility.

Accessibility was a major consideration in Mote SEA’s design, with the new facility featuring wheelchair-accessible pathways, elevator access to all levels, and inclusive design elements that ensure visitors of all abilities can fully participate in the aquarium experience. The old City Island facility, while beloved, presented significant accessibility challenges due to its multi-story layout and limited elevator access. The new single-level primary exhibit floor eliminates many of these barriers while providing more comfortable viewing experiences for all visitors.

What Can Visitors See and Do at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium?

Mote SEA offers diverse exhibits and interactive experiences designed to connect visitors with marine ecosystems while supporting the laboratory’s world-renowned research programs. The aquarium combines traditional exhibit viewing with hands-on educational programming, creating multiple pathways for visitors to engage with marine science regardless of their age or prior knowledge level.

Marine Mammal Exhibits: The aquarium features displays showcasing marine mammals including sea otters, harbor seals, and northern fur seals, with scheduled feeding presentations that provide both entertainment and educational value. These exhibits allow visitors to observe these charismatic animals up close while learning about their natural histories, conservation challenges, and the research Mote conducts to protect marine mammal populations in the wild.

Native Florida Species: Reflecting Mote’s focus on Gulf of Mexico and Florida marine ecosystems, the aquarium highlights native species including local fish populations, sea turtles, and shore birds. The facility’s location on the Gulf Coast provides opportunities to showcase species that visitors might encounter during their own beach outings or boating activities, creating connections between aquarium experiences and everyday coastal life.

Interactive Learning Areas: Beyond passive viewing, Mote SEA offers interactive exhibits and educational programming that engage visitors in active learning. Touch tanks, when available, allow visitors to handle certain marine invertebrates under staff supervision, providing tactile experiences that create lasting memories and deepen appreciation for marine life diversity.

Planning Your Visit to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Successful visits to Mote SEA require some advance planning, particularly during peak seasons and holiday periods when tickets may sell out well in advance. Understanding the reservation system, parking arrangements, and facility logistics will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable aquarium experience for the whole family.

Reserve Tickets in Advance: Given the strong demand for aquarium visits and the timed-entry system, securing tickets well before your planned visit date is essential. The ticket reservation system opens bookings up to three months in advance, with the best selection and lowest prices available for visitors who book early. Checking for sold-out dates before finalizing travel plans can prevent disappointment and allow alternative date selection if needed.

Plan for Two to Three Hours: Most visitors spend between two and three hours exploring Mote SEA’s exhibits and participating in scheduled programming. Families with young children or particularly enthusiastic young marine biologists may want to allow additional time, while visitors primarily interested in quick overview tours might complete their visits in less time. The aquarium’s layout encourages thorough exploration, and rushing through the experience would mean missing many of the educational opportunities that make Mote unique.

Combine with Other Area Attractions:

The Nathan Benderson Park location offers convenient access to other Sarasota-area attractions, making it possible to combine aquarium visits with other vacation activities. The nearby University Town Center mall provides dining options ranging from quick snacks to full-service restaurants, while the park itself offers walking trails, recreational facilities, and special events throughout the year. Beach access to Siesta Key and other Gulf Coast beaches is just a short drive away, allowing visitors to experience both aquarium exhibits and natural coastal environments during their Sarasota-area visit.

Supporting Marine Science: Why Your Visit Matters

One of the unique aspects of visiting Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is understanding how admission purchases contribute to marine science research and conservation. Unlike purely entertainment-focused attractions, Mote’s public programming directly supports the laboratory’s scientific mission, which includes marine species research, ocean ecosystem studies, and marine animal rehabilitation programs that have been advancing marine science since 1955.

Revenue from aquarium admissions, memberships, and special events helps fund Mote’s research programs, which have produced significant contributions to understanding marine ecosystems, protecting endangered species, and addressing ocean conservation challenges. Visitors who return home after their aquarium experience can take pride in knowing that their admission fees supported ongoing scientific work that benefits marine environments far beyond the aquarium itself.

The connection between visitor experiences and scientific outcomes represents a key part of Mote’s educational mission. Interactive exhibits, educational programming, and interpretive signage help visitors understand not just what they can see at the aquarium, but why that marine life matters to ocean ecosystems and human communities. This educational approach creates informed marine stewards who are more likely to support conservation efforts and make environmentally responsible choices in their daily lives.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in 2026

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s transition to the new Mote SEA facility represents an exciting evolution for one of Florida’s most beloved marine science institutions. The combination of expanded exhibit space, modern facilities, and continued commitment to marine education and research makes Mote SEA a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life, ocean conservation, or the intersection of public education and scientific research.

Visitors planning 2026 trips to the Sarasota area should prioritize securing advance tickets, particularly for weekend visits and holiday periods. The investment of time in planning will pay dividends in the quality of the visitor experience, ensuring that families and marine enthusiasts can fully appreciate what makes this aquarium special. Whether you’re a local resident seeking a new favorite family destination or a tourist planning a Florida vacation, Mote SEA offers experiences that educate, inspire, and create lasting memories.

The story of Mote’s transition from City Island to Nathan Benderson Park reflects the organization’s adaptability and commitment to its mission of advancing marine science and conservation through research, education, and public engagement. By visiting Mote SEA, you become part of that ongoing story—supporting world-class research while enjoying one of the Gulf Coast’s most impressive marine attractions. Plan your visit today and discover why science is truly the attraction at Florida’s newest and most scientifically-focused aquarium.