Mote Marine Laboratory

Mote was a nice side trip on our visit to Sarasota. There are tons of exhibits – dolphins, manatees, turtles, fish, shells, sharks, and more, spread between two buildings, and a short walk, including a street crossing, between. Unfortunately the cinema was down during our trip, which we were really looking forward to. Also, there are no automatic/button push doors, which can make it slightly difficult to navigate by wheelchair if you’re traveling alone.

Mote Marine is a local treasure in Sarasota County, Florida. I used to do alot of volunteer work there when I was a kid… the place is perfect for parents and children to visit together (or grandparents to bring the little ones for an outing). If you can stare quietly for hours and observe sealife [and your children are extremely well behaved], then it makes a perfect rainy-day afternoon or sunshine-break from the beach or pool.

Mote Marine is a small facility, but has absolutely fascinating research concerning aquatic elements—including shark studies [R&D] for curing cancer. If you are at all interested in marine life or costal studies, epsecially with information about the Gulf Coast of Florida region, then it is worth the visit. Pelican Man Bird Sanctuary and the Sailing Squadron were there on City Island, too… and always made summertime fun.

However, if your kids are rotten or obnoxious, please don’t come-it is not fair to risk damaging the exhibits, destroying other people’s experience, or tying up the staff trying to manage what you can’t do as a parent. You won’t enjoy the day, nor will they… and that’s my tip about this place. Besides, it is very easy for them to hurt themselves and the animals if they, the children (and/or their bad parents), are the creatures who exhibit the poor models of behavior. ;)

Considering a visit to Mote Marine should be rather like contemplating an “if/then” proposition. If your kids are intellectually oriented, and you are fortunate enough to have raised them properly and enjoy a loving, respectful relationship with them, then they will find the visit and related tours absolutely educational, fun, and inspiring.

Your call.

I was lucky enough to intern with the Sarasota Dolphin Research project, and it was one of the best summers I’ve ever had.

I LOVE this place! You must must MUST go if you’re in Sarasota! It’s a two part aquarium. First part is fish, sting rays, and stuff like that, the second part is part of a rehabilitation center with dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. They also offer a boat ride.