Mote Marine Laboratory is one of America's foremost independent marine research institutions, its public aquarium offering encounters with sharks, giant Pacific octopus, manatees, and sea turtles. A behind-the-scenes research tour elevates this far beyond a typical aquarium visit.
What to expect
Enter Mote's aquarium on City Island, where a 135,000-gallon shark tank anchors an extraordinary collection of Gulf of Mexico marine life. The behind-the-scenes tour moves into working research areas — coral propagation labs, sea turtle rehabilitation pools, and shark biology facilities — accompanied by a research scientist who explains active projects. Touch tanks, manatee encounters, and a rare view of rehabilitation animals round out an experience that is equal parts wonder and substance.
Good to know
Located on City Island, a 15-minute rideshare from downtown Sarasota. Behind-the-Scenes Tours must be pre-booked directly via Mote's website and have limited availability — reserve well in advance. Allow 2–3 hours minimum. Mote is closed on select days; confirm your port date aligns.