We met Winter, Hope, and Rufus the stars of Dolphin Tale! The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA)is an amazing facility that dedicates itself to rescuing, rehabilitating and 
releasing marine life. We heard Winter and Hope’s story and how CMA helped to save both of their lives. Ajax now is trying to talk dolphin so he can say “I love dolphins” to Winter.
While there, we met Ricky, one of the pelicans that played the role of “Rufus” in the movie, Dolphin Tale. Buttercup loved the large sea turtles in the aquarium next to Winter, and the otters seemed to be having fun in their environment. A few sharks and fish added to the experience, and the kids really enjoyed the stingray experience. We also headed to the top of the aquarium to visit with Nicholas, the other resident bottlenose dolphin.
Throughout the aquarium, we learned about the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s commitment to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life in Florida and their collaboration with Moat Marine and Sea World to save the life of these amazing animals. The animals stories are displayed near their environments, and guests can take some time to learn their experiences that brought them to the aquarium.
We also took the trolley (free to CMA patrons) to downtown Clearwater and CMA’s second facility that showcases the making of Dolphin Tale and includes a variety of props from the movie. Patrons can also take a boat ride to the downtown facility; we chose the trolley since it was sprinkling when we were heading there. We learned how the movie added another tank on the second floor where both Winter and Hope live today. Both facilities were amazing and our kids still talk about their experiences at the aquarium.
Aquarium Tips ~ Don’t Miss It!
- Behind the sea otter habitat and photo sales booth is a Turtle Excluder Device (TED). These are used by fishermen to prevent catching sea turtles in their catch. The kids enjoyed learning about saving the sea turtles, and crawling through the net to see what the turtles experience.
- The Sea Cabin is home to nurse sharks, fish, and one of Ajax’s favorite parts of the aquarium, the touch tank. The kids can touch marine animals and talk with an aquarium educational specialists. During our trip, Ajax was able to touch a sea urchin, and the aquarium team member happily answered his about why it was spiky and what it ate.
- Nicholas the Dolphin is short jaunt upstairs. A quick check of the map will help get you there.
- When you enter the aquarium, don’t miss the medical area. Follow the long hallway just off the gift shop to take a behind-the-scenes look at their medical treatment area, rehabbing animals and daily diet breakouts.
- Follow Rufus’ footprints around the aquarium to discover sites from the movie, Dolphin Tale.
To Think About:
- Some of the doors and staircases are narrow. There is a small elevator near the Dolphin Exhibit; however, families with larger strollers may find it a big challenging to fit the stroller inside.
- There is a small snack area at the entrance to the CMA that serves salad, wraps, pizza and a variety of other light items and snacks.
Bathroom Friendliness:
Between the ticket queue exit and the snack bar is a set of luxury portable restrooms. Not the normal blue ones that are frequently sitting at construction site, but an elevated pair with individual stalls and sinks. The best part – ickiness was not a factor as the restrooms were extremely clean and well maintained.