A Day at Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary |

Are you thinking about going to Tarpon Springs Aquarium but are unsure what to expect once you arrive?

We visited the Tarpon Springs Aquarium at its new location after visiting its original location at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks when my kids were younger.

Though the Sponge Docks location was small, we spent a long time there. I wasn’t sure how much time we would spend at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium now that my kids are older, but they wanted to see every show, feed every animal, and see everything there was to see.

The Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is not your typical aquarium. Most of the animals have been rescued or used to be someone’s pet.

This aquarium is family-owned and run. You will learn about the family that owns the Tarpon Springs Aquarium at the Scuba Diver Show.

Keep reading to see what there is to do at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium, and hopefully, our review will help you to plan out your day.

Opening Hours and Purchasing Tickets

Tarpon Springs Aquarium is open from 10 am until 5 pm daily, except Christmas and Thanksgiving. They are open rain or shine.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. They are discounted online. Tarpon Springs Aquarium has various discount options, including Florida residents, military, police & fire, healthcare workers, and teachers.

Parking at Tarpon Springs Aquarium is free of charge.

Check out Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue and rehabilitation aquarium by Clearwater Beach.

Map of Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary

Shows

The first thing you should do upon arrival at the Tarpon Springs Aquarium is check out the schedule to see what shows are on.

You can also do this before your visit by visiting their website. Each show takes place twice daily.

Alligator Show

Learn about alligators at the alligator show, and you can even hold a small alligator at the end.

Reptile Encounters

Held at the same location as the alligator show, the reptile encounter lets you see and learn about snakes, lizards, and tortoises, among other creatures.

At the end of the reptile encounter, there is a chance to hold a snake.

Scuba Diver Show

The Scuba Diver Show takes place in a large aquarium, and you can watch from the benches outside.

This show takes place in a building, and though it is not air-conditioned, there are fans.

There are 2 large aquariums, and depending on the day, the scuba diver may be in the shark tank or the fish tank. We saw the show in the shark tank.

Feeding the Animals

There are a few different opportunities to feed the animals, for a fee, at Tarpon Springs Aquarium.

Some animals you can feed include sharks, sting rays, turtles, fish, and goats.

Food and Drinks

A small store is located at the entrance to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium. Here, you can purchase your tickets and get cold drinks or small snacks.

A larger snack stand is near the farm animals, but it is not always open. When they are open, they sell a variety of snacks and drinks.

Tarpon Springs Aquarium FAQ

How long does it take to go through Tarpon Springs Aquarium?

While you can get through Tarpon Springs Aquarium in an hour, stay longer to see all 3 shows that they offer.

Plan to stay for 3 hours to see all the animals, all the shows, and to feed the animals.

What animals will I see at Tarpon Springs Aquarium?

Animals found at Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary include: sharks, crocodiles, alligators, sting rays, turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards, crabs, lobsters, conch, fish, goats, mini horses, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and bunnies.

Is Tarpon Springs Aquarium near the Sponge Docks?

The Tarpon Springs Aquarium has moved from its current location by the sponge docks to a location less than a five-minute drive north.

A Day at Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary

Opening Hours and Purchasing Tickets

Map of Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary