Mote Marine Laboratory

Mote Marine Laboratory is a research center and public aquarium in Sarasota that displays over a hundred marine species while conducting intensive research on ocean ecosystems, sharks, and coral reefs. Visitors can view fish, sharks, and other sea creatures through tanks and exhibits while scientists work behind the scenes studying ocean problems and testing solutions.

Founded in 1955 as Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, the facility received its current name in 1967 to honor the Mote family. This renaming reflected the organization's growth and strengthened commitment to marine research and conservation.

Educational programs here connect visitors directly with ocean life through observation and hands-on interaction with marine animals. These experiences help people understand how ocean ecosystems depend on balance and protection.

The facility is easy to navigate on foot and offers plenty of space to explore the various exhibits at your own pace. Morning visits tend to be less crowded, and the animals are often more active early in the day.

Researchers here use specialized underwater gliders to track red tide movements in the Gulf of Mexico over extended periods. This technology allows them to study algal blooms and ocean changes that would otherwise be difficult to observe.