Tarpon Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is an awesome place. Not only educational, but also very hands on. You can not only feed the animals (for a nominal fee), but also touch and hold. I went on...
Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
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About the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
The Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is a unique attraction located at 1722 N Pinellas Ave in Tarpon Springs, FL. It is a combination of an aquarium and animal sanctuary, offering visitors the opportunity to both view marine life and interact with various animals. The facility is dedicated to education, conservation, and rehabilitation of animals, making it a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
How to get to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
Getting to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is quite convenient. If you are coming from within Tarpon Springs, you can easily drive to the facility as it is located on N Pinellas Ave, one of the main roads in the area. There is ample parking available on-site. If you are visiting from outside of the area, you can reach Tarpon Springs by taking US Highway 19 or State Route 595. Public transportation options such as buses and taxis are also available.
Best and worst time to go to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is during weekdays when the facility is less crowded. This allows visitors to have a more intimate and enjoyable experience. The worst time to go would be on weekends or during peak tourist seasons when there might be larger crowds. It is always advisable to check the facility's website or call in advance to get information on any specific events or peak times to plan your visit accordingly.
Admission to Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
Admission fees to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary are quite reasonable. Adults can enter for $12, while children (ages 3-17) and seniors (age 65 and above) can enter for $8. Children under the age of 3 are admitted free of charge. The facility also offers various package deals and discounts for families, groups, and students. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online on their website.
Must see/do at Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
While at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary, make sure to visit the main aquarium where you can observe an array of colorful fish and fascinating marine life. The animal sanctuary section provides opportunities to interact with animals like kangaroos, sloths, pigs, and more. Don't miss the daily educational shows and demonstrations featuring dolphins and sea lions, which are both entertaining and informative. The facility also offers hands-on experiences like feeding and swimming with certain animals, which can be arranged in advance at an additional cost.
Other places to visit near the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
If you have some extra time after visiting the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary, there are several other places worth checking out in the vicinity. The Historic Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs offer a unique blend of Greek culture, shops, and waterfront dining. The Fred Howard Park is a beautiful spot for nature lovers, with its sandy beaches and nature trails. Additionally, the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is another animal-focused attraction in the area that is definitely worth a visit.
Insider tips for visitors to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary
Here are a couple of insider tips for visitors to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary. First, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking involved. Additionally, it is worth noting that some of the animal encounters and activities may have limited availability, so it is best to book those in advance to ensure you can participate. Lastly, don't forget to bring a camera to capture the memorable moments with the animals and marine life at the facility.
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Reviews
When you drive up, it looks very unassuming but it's a great time inside! It's a small location but you can get really up close to the animals! There are turtles walking around and you can pet...
This was a wonderful activity to do with children. You get to pet and feed various aquatic animals and also farm animals like a petting zoo. The animals look well cared for. The staff is friendly....
Great small spot to get hands on with some animals , feed the rays, turtles, gators, feed the "Big Tank" fish fun spot, they offer some shows during different times of the day. Good inexpensive...
Small but a lot to see. We took my grandson and he had a great time . Great family place. Have been back ,always have a good time here.




