Indoor Oceans: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota is more than just an Aquarium. Its tagline, “Science is The Attraction” says it well… It is one of the world’s few remaining independent marine research laboratories, with field stations in eastern Sarasota County and the Florida Keys.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium – Where “Science is The Attraction”

I was privileged to spend a few hours at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on a recent visit to the Sarasota area but hope to return. As a scuba diver, snorkeler, and true thalassophile (lover of the sea), I was inspired by all that Mote’s scientists and researchers have accomplished since its humble beginnings dating back to 1955.

Upon entering the Main Aquarium building, you will walk past a wall of murals, describing the beginnings of Mote.

It says: “Our story begins in the 1930s with a young girl — Eugenie Clark. She loved visiting her local aquarium and developed a passion for marine science. Dr. Eugenie “Genie” Clark went on to study sharks and other fishes, pushing boundaries and blazing trails for women in science.”

The story continues:“In 1955, Dr. Clark founded a one-room lab with philanthropic support from the Vanderbilt Family. She partnered with her community – especially with a fisherman who collected sharks for her research.”

Her little lab in Cape Haze Florida, grew into the amazing Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium you’re visiting now, supported by William R. Mote – a fisherman and businessman who chose to give back to the sea.”

In 1967, the name was changed to honor its benefactors, Mr. Mote, his wife, Lenore, and his sister Elizabeth Mote Rose. It was moved to its present site on City Island in Sarasota in 1977.

A Stamp was Issued in Her Honor!

Mote’s Founding Director, Dr. Eugenie Clark, was honored with a commemorative Forever Stamp from the U.S. Postal Service on May 4, 2022, which would have been her 100th birthday. Her passing in 2015 at age 92 came after a lifetime devoted to studying sharks and other fishes.

Visiting Mote

Mote is open daily, 9:30 am-5:00 pm, and general admission includes access to Mote Aquarium and its exhibits in the Ann and Alfred E. Goldstein Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center.

Exhibits in the Main Aquarium

Exhibits in the Main Aquarium include the Shark Zone, Creatures from the Coastal Oceans, Florida’s Bay Habitats, and From the Rivers to the Sea.

The Shark Zone

Mote is the only Center for Shark Research designated by the U.S. Congress. Founding Director Dr. Eugenie Clark was known as the “Shark Lady” due to her lifelong interest in studying sharks. Mote scientists have continued to conduct research to understand why sharks, skates and rays rarely get cancer. Could that research help develop new treatments for humans with cancer? That would be incredible!  Several shark species are on display within the Shark Zone, Mote’s 135,000 gallon shark habitat. along with shark “cousins” — stingrays.

Hurricane Simulator

As you approach The Shark Zone, you’ll see the Hurricane Simulator! Here’s a Fun fact: “Hurricanes and storms can affect the movement patterns of sharks in our coastal waters.” If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be outside in a hurricane, here’s your chance! Step inside the Hurricane Simulator for a wild ride that simulates Category 1 Hurricane-Force winds, about 75-80 mph! It lasts about a minute. (I’m so glad Sarasota did not receive major damage from Hurricane Ian, which moved through the Gulf Coast a week after my visit in mid-September!)

Creatures from the Coastal Oceans

If you’ve ever wondered what types of creatures can be found in the waters near Sarasota, as well as oceans around the world, you’ll enjoy getting an up-close look at them in the Creatures from the Coastal Oceans exhibits. Octopuses, porcupinefish, spiny lobster, clownfish, anenomes, and colorful corals and sponges are on display. A touch tank gives young visitors the opportunity to get an up close look at starfish, urchins, and other creatures.

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Exploration Gallery – Meet Molly the Mollusk – A Giant Squid

Also, don’t miss the Exploration Gallery, where you’ll no doubt be awed by Molly the Mollusk, a Giant Squid (27-feet long). It was preserved after being accidentally caught by a deep sea commercial fishing trawler off the southeastern coast of New Zealand in 1999. It was then donated to Mote. They are extremely rare to see, since they live deep underwater and are very elusive.

Find Shark Teeth at Fossil Creek

Stop by Fossil Creek, located near the stingray touch pool, to purchase a container of sand to sift through and hopefully find fossilized shark teeth. They could have come from tiger, hammerhead, great white, mako or other shark species. The most coveted find is the megalodon (below left)! All fossils are real and are yours to keep. (The examples below are from shark teeth found on Venice Beach, near Sarasota. Credit: Authentic Florida)

Experiences at Mote

Animal encounters, family programs, and off-site experiences, including kayaking and eco boat tours can be arranged. Check out the full range of experiences offered at this link.

Virtual Reality Experience, Anyone?

Virtual Reality Experiences are offered at Mote, too… including swimming with humpbacks in the Bahamas, or diving with sharks and other sea creatures. VR “pods” are located in the Exploration Gallery and cost $6 ($5 for Mote members).

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Exhibits in Mote Marine Mammal Center

Take a short walk from the main Aquarium building to reach the Marine Mammal Center. The Manatee Habitat, Otters & Their Waters, Sea Turtles: Ancient Survivors, and other exhibits covering life cycles of sea creatures are here, and not to be missed!

Manatee Habitat

Two manatees, Hugh and Buffett, have been at Mote since 1996, after being born at the Miami Seaquarium. They are the only two manatees in the world who are trained to participate in special research projects. Manatees are an endangered species in the wild. Fun fact: They eat 70-80 heads of romaine lettuce every day!

Sea Turtles: Ancient Survivors

Hang Tough, a blind green turtle that came to Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital in 1992 with severe head injuries (pictured above) is one of several “Ancient Survivors” you will see. Sea turtles have an estimated lifespan of 30 to 80 years, or even longer! Whenever possible, injured sea turtles are treated and released back into their ocean environment.

Mote has also been involved in monitoring sea turtle nests in the area for more than four decades through its Sea Turtle Conservation & Research Program.

Otters and Their Waters

In addition to the three North  American river otters, Huck, Pippi and Jane, you’ll see an American alligator, two roseate spoonbills and a gopher tortoise in the Florida Watershed Exhibit area.

Coming Soon! Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)

In November 2020, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to begin construction of the new, state-of-the-art Mote SEA (Science Education Aquarium) in Sarasota’s Nathan Benderson Park. Twelve acres within the park will be developed for the new Aquarium, with exhibits totaling one million gallons of water in its 110,000 square feet of space, nearly double the size of the current Aquarium. The $130 million project is anticipated to be completed in 2024.

Once it opens, it is expected Mote SEA will welcome nearly 700,000 visitors annually, more than doubling the average number of visitors each year. The current campus will be transformed into an enhanced International Marine Science, Technology & Innovation Park. I will look forward to visiting!

Thanks to Mote for hosting me and my fellow travel writers on our visit to Sarasota.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, an independent nonprofit institution, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

All Photos © Debbra Dunning Brouillette unless otherwise credited above.

Read my other “Indoor Oceans” posts:

Indoor Oceans: Vancouver Aquarium
Indoor Oceans: Texas State Aquarium
Indoor Oceans: Seattle Aquarium
Indoor Oceans: Georgia Aquarium is world’s largest
Indoor Oceans: Diving with Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium (VIDEO)
Indoor Oceans: The Aquarium at Moody Gardens, Galveston Island, Texas
Indoor Oceans: North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Read more about Visiting Sarasota:

Visit Sarasota, Florida for its “Beaches and Beyond!”