The Florida Aquarium Returns Iconic Exhibits to TPA Ahead of Holiday Travel
December 23, 2025
Share Story
As one of the top attractions in Tampa Bay, The Florida Aquarium has returned its iconic aquatic exhibits to both the Red and Blue Baggage Claim areas just in time for the busy holiday travel season.
The exhibits were removed in summer 2024 to protect the fish during nearby construction. With work in the Red and Blue Baggage Claim areas now complete, The Florida Aquarium’s animal care team has safely returned the fish to their longtime homes, restoring colorful and calming welcomes for travelers arriving in Tampa.
***CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY
VIDEO & PHOTOS***
Courtesy: The Florida Aquarium
Since 1998, The Florida Aquarium has maintained 2,000-gallon aquatic exhibits at TPA’s Red and Blue Baggage Claim areas. Each habitat features several species of fish, including blue striped grunts, porkfish, sharp nose puffers, barred hamlets, royal gramma, a French angelfish, and several tangs, to the airport.
“The return of both exhibits restores a familiar and relaxing experience for travelers coming through Tampa,” said Tim Binder, Senior Vice President of Animal Care & Health at The Florida Aquarium. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Tampa International Airport, as these exhibits reflect our shared commitment to exceptional animal care, conservation, and creating meaningful moments for our community and visitors.”
As a leading Tampa Bay attraction since 1995, The Florida Aquarium is proud to welcome millions of visitors each year—many of whom begin their journey the moment they arrive at TPA. As holiday travelers pass through TPA, the Red and Blue Baggage Claim aquariums once again offer a vibrant, uniquely Florida welcome. For more information about The Florida Aquarium, click here.
The Latest from The Florida Aquarium
-
January 9, 2026
The Florida Aquarium Honored as Lightning Community Hero for Sea Turtle Conservation Program
The Florida Aquarium was named a Lightning Community Hero during this week’s Tampa Bay Lightning home game, recognizing the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program and its decades-long commitment to marine conservation, rescue, and public education. The honor, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, includes a $50,000 grant designated to support the Aquarium’s sea turtle…
Read More -
January 8, 2026
Major Coral Restoration Milestone as 9,000 Coral Babies are Transferred to Reef Restoration Partners Across Florida
Florida’s investment in coral reef restoration reached a major milestone as The Florida Aquarium successfully transferred 9,000 juvenile corals to restoration partners Reef Renewal USA and The Reef Institute. This marks one of the largest statewide deployments of land-grown coral babies under the Florida’s Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery (FCR3) Initiative. The corals—born and raised…
Read More -
January 5, 2026
Santa’s Post-Christmas Getaway Returns to The Florida Aquarium
Santa Claus is once again making The Florida Aquarium his post-Christmas destination, offering families a relaxed and uniquely Florida way to extend the holiday season. From December 26 through January 1, guests can visit Santa’s Wharf daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for photos with Santa in his tropical attire. **CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD…
Read More
Stay Up to Date
Want to know what’s happening below the surface? Sign up to receive our email newsletter, “The Current”, and dive into the latest news, events, and exhibit updates happening here at the Aquarium.