Tampa Bay is home to more than 500 bottlenose dolphins and is one of the best places in Florida to view endangered manatees and numerous species of birds, many of which are threatened or endangered. All of this wildlife thrives in one of the busiest deepwater ports in the Southern United States. Photo Tour.
Jacques Cousteau has said, "For most of history, man has had to fight with nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it." But before you can protect something, you must learn about it. One of the main goals of the Ecotour program is to help educate our guests about the Bay in an enjoyable and fun setting!
Everywhere around Tampa, the bay plays a critical role in the lives of residents and visitors alike. Everyday activities are connected with the bay.
 Tampa Electric Company (TECO) uses bay water to cool its turbines which produce the energy used daily around the bay. In turn, this warm water is discharged into the bay creating an important winter habitat for West Indian manatees. The boating industry has a huge impact on this area, too. Whether commercial, industrial or recreational, the impact of these activities can be felt across the region. There are billions of dollars generated by the bay from trade imports and exports, tourism, seafood industry and countless other sources. Aquarium guests can now learn just how important the bay is to the city, county and entire state of Florida.
The 90-minute journey through the bay aboard our brand new 72-foot catamaran, the Bay Spirit II, allows guests to encounter the awesome animals that thrive in these local waters. The only requirement is a sense of adventure. A good pair of binoculars is optional!
Ecotours leave the Aquarium daily - weather permitting. Please purchase tickets 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
Click here to view a photo tour.
| Ecotours |
| Adults |
$21.95 |
| Seniors 60+ |
$19.95 |
| Children under 12 |
$17.95 |
| Children 2 & under |
Free |
Save $$ with a Combo Ticket!
| Aquarium/Ecotour Combo |
| Adults (save $6) |
$35.95 |
| Seniors 60+ (save $5) |
$31.95 |
| Children under 12 (save $5) |
$27.95 |
| Children 2 & under |
Free | |
- Tickets are available at the Aquarium box office the day of the tour only.
- Call ahead to verify tour times and availability: 813-273-4000.
- Aquarium members receive a $2.00 discount on Ecotours. Other discounts or coupons are non-applicable at this time.
- Please purchase tickets 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
- Boarding begins 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
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- Limited capacity - 130 passengers per tour.
- Limited access - Passenger must be able to transfer to the boat deck. (Please see below)
Wild Dolphin Ecotour (vessel accessibility)
In order for guests to experience the Wild Dolphin Ecotour, participants must be able to cross the gang plank from the wharf to the boat and back on their own or with assistance from another person in their party. Wheel chairs can be brought on board the vessel after guests have physically traversed the gang plank.
Due to changing tides, the gang plank often incorporates one or more steps to board and disembark from the vessel. Thank you for your understanding. |
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