All You Need to Know About the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

You’re going to find plenty of fun things to do near Anna Maria Island during your vacation; lounging on the beach, relaxing in the pool, and trying fresh seafood at local restaurants are probably already on your itinerary. Add the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to your list to have an exciting and educational experience where you can learn about the local environment and wildlife during your stay in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals.

Here is some information and some of our favorite things about the aquarium to help you plan for your day of fun!

About The Mote Marine Laboratory & Museum

If you are on the hunt for family-friendly activities near Anna Maria Island, why not take a stroll down to an attraction that is as educational as it is entertaining? The Mote Marine Laboratory and Museum is an independent, nonprofit research facility that specializes in the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans. There, a team of world-class marine scientists works together to try and discover how to utilize research and education to create a better world for themselves and their children.

Though it has bloomed into an institution that includes over twenty marine research programs, it came from humble beginnings as a tiny laboratory hidden in a small town. Back then, the facility mainly focused on shark research, but it has since grown to include many more studies, like investigating the impact of human-caused and natural toxins on human health and the environment through the use of marine models for studying cancer, evaluating the well-being of wild fish populations, advancing sustainable methods for replenishing fish stocks and improving food production methods, and utilizing oceanic technology to gain a deeper understanding of the state of the planet’s ecosystems. Frankly, that’s only naming a few!

If you’re passionate about marine life, whether it’s aesthetic admiration or a desire to learn more, put this on the top of your list of things to do near Anna Maria Island.

River otter at aquarium.
Photo from Shutterstock

Exhibits

Mote Aquarium has a variety of beautiful animals. Luckily, through their many exhibits, you can have the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitats and maybe even get up close and personal.

You can stop by Mote’s Watershed Exhibit, which features a group of playful river otters, dazzling pink roseate spoonbill birds, a gentle tortoise, and even their resident alligator, Rose! This charming team, as well as the name of the exhibit, reflects the animals that are supported by Florida’s natural rainfall. A pair of creatures you’ll love to meet are Hugh and Buffett, the aquarium’s resident manatees. You can even visit their website to watch a live stream of the big beautiful babies.

But, the exhibit you should be certain not to miss is none other than the Shark Zone. Initially, Mote was founded for shark research in particular. In fact, Mote Aquarium is the only Center for Shark Research that has been approved by U.S. Congress. Why do they get that recognition? Well, because their research investigates why sharks, skates, and rays rarely ever get cancer and whether we can use what they learn to develop treatments for humans.

Experiences

Something that truly makes Mote a memorable family adventure is their exclusive experiences. They have a variety of family programs that take place throughout the year, including dip netting and guided seashore safari tours!

Wanna be a little daring? For a small fee, you can start your morning with a breakfast that includes some special guests. Mote’s sharks will be presented to you by the researchers, and while you chow down, you can hear about the aquarium’s shark research! Once you’re done eating, the fun isn’t over, as you’ll get to watch the sharks devour their breakfast! Afterward, you get to finish off the morning festivities with a guided tour of the aquarium.

There’s more where that came from! If you won’t rest until you get up close and personal with the animals, you can register for a private, behind-the-scenes animal encounter. You have the option to pick between a “morning rounds” walking tour or a “turtle time” experience. If you get tired of the indoors, you can also opt for one of Mote’s kayak or boat tours.

Plan Your Visit

Are you ready for a fun and educational Anna Maria Island vacation? Contact the Mike Norman team to book your vacation rental to start your beach getaway!

Dining

After a long day of strolling around the aquarium, you’re going to grow a little famished. Luckily, there’s no need to leave the center if you want a tasty bite to eat. The Deep Sea Diner is a retro-themed restaurant that serves up some of the best family-style cuisines around. Inside the aquarium, you can sink your teeth into a classic burger with all the fixings, a plate of fresh french fries, or a mouth-watering salad. The menu is affordable and caters to all taste buds. The restaurant offers a casual 1950s diner atmosphere that is perfect for a laid-back lunch or dinner.

The restaurant features a full seating area, making it the perfect place to rest and refuel before setting off to explore the aquarium. The retro decor creates a fun and nostalgic ambiance that is sure to make your dining experience even more enjoyable. So, if you’re looking for a great meal at a great price while enjoying the marine life and the educational aspect of the Mote Aquarium, the Deep Sea Diner is the place to go.

Directions

Now that you’re hooked on going to this aquarium, you’re probably wondering how to get there from your Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. Luckily, the directions are quite simple when boiled down a bit. Mote is located in Sarasota, which is roughly 30 miles away from Anna Maria Island. This means that, depending on traffic, you’ll get to the center in about 45 minutes. 

Though that might seem far at first glance, the amount of interesting things you can discover in Sarasota makes it a worthy day trip. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a vacation within your vacation! Though the airport in Sarasota is more northern than the downtown area, chances are that when you fly into Anna Maria Island, that airport is where you are dropped off. So, if you can remember where that is, it won’t be too difficult to figure out how to get back to the center of the city!

Shark in an aquarium.
Photo from Shutterstock

Why Choose Mike Norman For Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals?

For an all-encompassing trip that will hold even more fun than just this wonderful aquarium, be sure to plan your Anna Maria Island visit. If you’re hesitant about where to stay, rest assured that our waterfront rentals are all you could ever want and more out of a vacation home. Aside from the benefit of seclusion and privacy, avoiding the noise and crowded nature of a hotel, you can also wake up every morning to a breathtaking view of the bright blue ocean.

Our rentals have accommodations for four to ten people, so there’s no reason not to bring the whole family! With desirable locations just steps away from the beach, luxury meets accessibility during your stay with us.

Planning a family trip but don’t want to leave your furry friends at home? You can always check out our pet-friendly Anna Maria Island rentals. There’s no reason to let your best buddy sit out on the trip of a lifetime. No matter your group size or price point, you can find a rental that is more than welcome to have your pet tag along.

For those excited to visit this aquarium near Anna Maria Island, you can make that experience one of many great memories of your greater vacation journey. With our Anna Maria Island rental homes, every day is a stay in paradise. Book today for a memorable and relaxing trip!