Welcome to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Where you can learn about the aquarium’s mission to preserve the environment and its marine life. CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, and more. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release.
CMA has been working diligently to restore our facility in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Thanks to dedicated staff, skilled contractors, and generous donations from supporters both near and far, its making significant progress in recovery efforts! While there’s still have a long way to go, CMA takes pride in what its accomplished since the storms.
Cold-stunned Kemp’s Ridey Sea Turtles 2024!
In early December 2024, Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomed twelve cold-stunned juvenile Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts. It is thrilled to announce that four of these patients have successfully completed their rehabilitation. After receiving a clean bill of health from the veterinarian and approval from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), they are ready to return to the wild! FWC staff will transport and release the turtles off Florida’s east coast, into the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cold-stunning occurs when sea turtles, which are cold-blooded reptiles, are exposed to plummeting water temperatures. Without warm waters to regulate their body temperature, these turtles can suffer from hypothermia, leading to severe health complications. Each year, hundreds of sea turtles are impacted by these events in the northeastern U.S., requiring rescue and rehabilitation. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of facilities like the New England Aquarium and Clearwater Marine Aquarium, many turtles are given a second chance. By transferring stabilized patients to partner organizations, facilities in the northeast can focus on the critical care needed during peak rescue periods.
Cocoa
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is saddened to share the passing of Cocoa, the resident green sea turtle. Cocoa was brought to CMA in 1999 after suffering damage to his skull that left him completely blind. Because of his condition, the staff got in the water with Cocoa daily to hand feed him, forming a special bond with this amazing animal. Cocoa will truly be missed by all.
Summer Camp Registration is Open!
Summer camp registration is now open! Dive into educational summer camps all summer long! Campers will enjoy creative classroom activities and have fun learning about marine life in the aquarium and out on the water.
Learn More About Summer Camps
Meet Benjamin!
A new exhibit is open at Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Immerse yourself in the world of Florida’s animals at Florida: Wild and Exotic! This exhibit features several incredible animals including a curious rescued opossum named Benjamin! You’ll get the chance to get up close with Benjamin in addition to a wide variety of species including amphibians, arthropods, reptiles, and fish, all while learning about both native and invasive species in Florida!
Thank you!
Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it! The support from followers, fans, industry partners, and other businesses in the community following Hurricane Helene and Milton is overwhelming. Since the storms, CMA has received nearly 200 items from its wish list.
There are still many items to replace and repair. Check out the wish list items below.
Upcoming Events & Programs:
February 25: Homeschool Hangouts
March 8:Jazz by the Bay
March 17: 2025 CMA Golf Classic
March 21:Night at the Aquarium