Aquariums and More: Where to Explore the Underwater World in Orlando
Right here in Central Florida, you’ll find an impressive variety of aquariums, marine life exhibits, and interactive experiences that bring you face-to-fin with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and more. While Orlando itself may be landlocked, we’re just 60 miles from the ocean, and our love for the underwater world is evident by the variety of aquariums in Orlando and other places to explore sea life.
Orlando Aquariums and Experiences
SEA LIFE Orlando
Location: ICON Park, Orlando
SEA LIFE Orlando is a local favorite for its 360-degree ocean tunnel filled with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Watch zebra sharks, cownose rays, and guitarfish swim by while learning about marine life from interactive screens and touchpoints.
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SEA LIFE Florida at LEGOLAND
Location: LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven
The brand-new SEA LIFE Florida features a walk-through tunnel where blacktip reef sharks glide overhead. You’ll also spot rays and other ocean animals in beautifully designed exhibits made just for kids. This aquarium is ideal for younger visitors, focusing on fun and engaging conservation messages.
We LOVE the multiple places throughout SEA LIFE Florida where kids get their special viewing areas. Take it slow here and let your kids spend time in the special windows and viewing spots built just for them.
SeaWorld Orlando
Location: International Drive, Orlando
Home to several species of sharks and rays, SeaWorld’s Shark Encounter is one of the largest walk-through shark exhibits in the world. You can also visit Stingray Lagoon, where kids can gently touch rays gliding through shallow water.
My son loves the Sea Lions at Pacific Point because they are so vocal and social. Fish trays to feed the sea lions are available, but be prepared to pay about $9 per tray, and hold your hand over the tray to avoid the sneaky birds who will not hesitate to swoop down and swipe fish from your tray.
Discovery Cove
Location: Near SeaWorld Orlando
This all-inclusive experience includes the chance to snorkel among rays in the Grand Reef. With massive eagle rays and colorful reef fish all around you, it’s one of the most immersive and serene aquatic adventures in the region.
READ MORE: Tips for Visiting Discovery Cove with Kids
EPCOT – The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Location: Walt Disney World Resort
Inside one of the largest aquariums in the U.S., you’ll find sharks and rays swimming through expansive habitats. Look for sandbar sharks and spotted eagle rays in the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank.
There’s a lot to learn about ocean ecosystems in the nearby interactive exhibits, and on the first floor a small room is full of fun hands-on learning about sharks. We consider it one of the fun playgrounds in EPCOT.
Brevard Zoo’s Aquatic Animal Experience
Location: Melbourne
This behind-the-scenes tour includes feeding aquatic animals like stingrays and learning about their behaviors. Great for ages 7 and up, and part of a broader conservation mission through Brevard Zoo’s planned Aquarium and Conservation Center in Port Canaveral.
Local Marine Centers and Aquariums
- Marine Discovery Center, New Smyrna Beach – Kayak tours, nature trails, and hands-on marine programs
- Brevard Zoo Aquarium Project (coming soon), Port Canaveral – Future aquarium and conservation center with sensory-friendly design and environmental education
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater – Famous for dolphin rescue and marine rehabilitation programs
- The Florida Aquarium, Tampa – Coral conservation lab, touch pools, and a multi-level kids’ splash zone
Ways to Celebrate Shark & Ray Awareness Day, July 14, 2025
- Visit one of these local attractions to learn about marine life
- Read books or watch documentaries about ocean animals
- Support ocean conservation organizations
- Talk to your kids about the importance of sharks and rays in keeping the oceans healthy
Orlando is a great place to dive into the world of underwater wildlife. There’s fun to be had and plenty to learn along the way.
