ORLANDO AQUARIUM FIELD GUIDE
From Rescue Pools to Sunlit Shore: A Day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
A full-day, roundtrip excursion from Orlando that pairs an in-depth visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium — home to Winter the dolphin and the new Ruth and J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex — with beach time and lunch.
From Rescue Pools to Sunlit Shore: A Day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Discover the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the working marine rescue center famed as the home of Winter the tail-less dolphin and the subject of the Dolphin Tale films. A recent $80 million expansion has added the Ruth and J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex and refreshed exhibits, and the center combines rehabilitation viewings of sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, sharks, pelicans and otters with signature experiences such as the Window of Wonder underwater viewing. This full-day tour from Orlando includes beach time, lunch at a local beachside restaurant, entrance to the Aquarium and roundtrip transportation from the International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Home of Winter and a New Dolphin Complex
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the centerpiece of the day — the real-life home of Winter and Hope and now anchored by the Ruth and J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex and the Window of Wonder underwater viewing area.
Rehabilitation and Rescue in Action
This is a working animal hospital and rescue center: visitors regularly see rehabilitation work and viewings involving sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, sharks, pelicans and otters — animals that may remain as permanent residents if they cannot be released.
Beach Time, Lunch and Guided Transit from Orlando
The tour pairs the Aquarium visit with included beach time and lunch at a local beachside restaurant, with roundtrip transportation and a professional, certified and licensed tour guide handling logistics from Orlando and Kissimmee pickup points.
What the day feels like
What the Experience Feels Like
Over the course of an approximately 12-hour day, the trip moves from early pick-ups in the Orlando and Kissimmee corridor to the hands-on, purpose-driven world of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where expanded pools and underwater viewing put rehabilitation and dolphin care on display; the afternoon relaxes into beach time and a included lunch before a guided return to the departure area.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and who may want a different pace.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Approx. 12 hours total; pickups begin early morning from listed Orlando and Kissimmee locations.
Beach time; lunch at a local beachside restaurant; entrance into Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home to Winter the Dolphin); roundtrip transportation from International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas; professional, certified and licensed tour guide.
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary and gratuities are not included.
Orlando Star Flyer at Icon Park — 7:15am (8265 International Dr); Golden Corral — 7:30am (8707 Vineland Ave); Margaritaville Resort Orlando — 8:00am (8000 Fins Up Cir, Kissimmee).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Clearwater Beach Marine Aquarium Adventure?
The tour runs approximately 12 hours.
Is lunch included?
Yes — lunch at a local beachside restaurant is included with this Clearwater adventure.
Where and when are the pickup points?
Pickups are at Orlando Star Flyer at Icon Park (7:15am, 8265 International Dr), Golden Corral (7:30am, 8707 Vineland Ave) and Margaritaville Resort Orlando (8:00am, 8000 Fins Up Cir, Kissimmee).
Will I definitely see Winter or specific animals?
The Aquarium is a working animal hospital and some animals change regularly; Winter is a headline resident but exact animal viewings can vary.
Are gratuities included in the price?
No — gratuities are not included.
Does the tour provide transportation?
Yes — roundtrip transportation from the International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas is included.