Sarasota - Mote Marine Aquarium

Mostly local marine-life is showcased in Mote Marine Aquarium. Over 25 tanks feature such animals as sharks, sea turtles, aquatic plants and invertebrates. One of the highlights is the manatee exhibit with two manatees born in captivity. Visitors can get close up and hands on with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and sea stars.

It is run by the Mote Marine Laboratory, which directs most of its research efforts toward the Southern and Central West Florida coastal region. It was named for businessman and conservationist William Russell Mote, the major benefactor of the facility.