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
-
February 12, 2026
Don’t Miss It! Celebrate the Long Weekend with 50% Off at The Florida Aquarium
With many students off Friday for Florida State Fair Day and most schools closed Monday for Presidents Day, families across the Tampa Bay area are enjoying a long holiday weekend, and The Florida Aquarium is inviting guests to make the most of it and even save 50% on admission up to four general admission tickets…
Read More -
February 12, 2026
First Turtles of the Cold-Stun Season Arrive at The Florida Aquarium
Facing water temperatures that plunged into the 50s following the recent Arctic blast, hundreds of green sea turtles have stranded off the Gulf coast along Florida’s Panhandle. In just the past ten days, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has rescued more than 600 cold-stunned sea turtles. FWC determined two of those turtles…
Read More -
February 12, 2026
Fifth Graders Become Field Scientists at The Florida Aquarium’s Conservation Campus
With clipboards and test tubes in hand, fifth graders from Yates Elementary School traded their desks for mangrove trails, pond banks, and the Tampa Bay shoreline as they became field scientists for the day at The Florida Aquarium’s Conservation Campus in Apollo Beach. As part of the Aquarium’s decade-long Watershed Investigations program, students rotated through…
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.