Press & News

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is proud to announce the opening of “Tales of Winter the Dolphin,” a touching new exhibit dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of Winter the Dolphin. Opening this week, this immersive experience invites guests to reflect on Winter’s story of survival, resilience, and inspiration that has touched millions around the world.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is excited to announce the successful release of three juvenile green sea turtles, Niaouli, Bonsai, and Sonny, after receiving care from CMA rehabilitation and veterinary teams. Niaouli and Bonsai were released Tuesday at Fred Howard Park on Florida’s west coast, while Sonny was released today (Thursday) into the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of Florida.

The four new rough-toothed dolphins that were welcomed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium on June 4 are acclimating well and have been given the opportunity to explore all the pools within the Ruth and J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex, giving guests the chance to view these amazing animals up close.

Today, Clearwater Marine Aquarium welcomed four female rough-toothed dolphins into our care.

Something squeaky and adorable is coming back to Clearwater Marine Aquarium – capybaras! Starting Memorial Day Weekend, guests can once again enjoy the charming chaos of the Capybara Chillout, featuring a new family of four 8-week-old capybaras ready to win hearts and steal the show.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Keep Pinellas Beautiful, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Roots & Shoots Alliance, are proud to sponsor a vibrant and educational World Oceans Day celebration on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is thrilled to present “An Evening with Dr. Sylvia Earle,” National Geographic’s Explorer at Large, and one of the world’s leading oceanographers. Known as “Her Deepness,” to her fans, Dr. Earle will be the guest speaker at “Echoes of the Ocean: A Marine Life Speaker Series”on May 20, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at CMA.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) has officially kicked off its sea turtle nesting patrol two weeks earlier than in previous decades.

Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, a leader in full-service wedding and corporate catering, has been named as the exclusive caterer for Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). With more than 40 years of providing culinary excellence for Florida’s most prestigious weddings and corporate events, Puff ‘n Stuff is proud to bring its high level of service and expertise to this iconic marine conservation facility.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium invites the public to experience an unforgettable evening of fashion and purpose with the “Oceania Couture” Fashion Performance on Saturday, May 10, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Held in the elegant Jacobson Ballroom, this unique event brings together high fashion and ocean conservation — just in time for Mother’s Day weekend.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) will present its highly anticipated AquaGala on April 26, a luxurious event aimed at supporting the Aquarium’s ongoing rescue, rehabilitation and release initiatives. With the theme of “Disco Under the Sea,” guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening of ocean-inspired cuisine provided by CMA’s new exclusive caterer, Puff ‘n Stuff, signature cocktails, sparkling décor and live entertainment, all in support of CMA’s mission to protect marine life.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Government of Canada’s Local Engagement Action Fund (LEAF), which will expand climate change and marine conservation efforts in Belize. This new 18-month grant of $48,812 Canadian dollars has been awarded to our local Belize chapter, CMARI-Belize, to strengthen their efforts within Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary to protect this critical habitat, build the resilience of the local community residing within its environs, and reduce the impacts of climate change in this protected area.

Learn about sea turtles and celebrate Sea Turtle Awareness Day April 5, 2025 at CMA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Sea Turtle Conservation Program is preparing for sea turtle nesting season with nest stake painting, custom Protect theNest plaques and even a 5k virtual run this year that shows your dedication to sea turtles.

Conservation leaders from across the Caribbean gathered in the Dominican Republic from February 26-28, 2025, for the inaugural workshop of the Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance (WCMA). Hosted by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) and local partner FUNDEMAR, the workshop brought together 32 participants from 17 Caribbean countries and 27 institutions, including aquariums, NGOs, government agencies, and universities, to advance manatee conservation efforts across the region.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) invites families to enjoy a Seaside Easter Breakfast on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This special event promises a morning of holiday cheer, featuring a visit and interactive story time with the Easter Bunny. This Easter celebration is sure to make lasting memories, all while supporting CMA’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium released two green turtles, Fraser Fir and Oak, on Monday at Honeymoon Island State Park.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is excited to announce the arrival of two juvenile kangaroo joeys—Irwin and Bindi—just in time for spring break this March and April. These adorable newcomers, brought to the Aquarium thanks to Amazing Animals, Inc., will delight visitors of all ages with their playful and unique personalities.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is excited to announce the successful rehabilitation and release of 15 cold-stunned sea turtles. CMA staff, volunteers, and interns made the journey to Florida’s east coast Thursday to release the turtles into the Atlantic Ocean.

Get ready for the ultimate jazz celebration at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Jazz By The Bay: A SunSips Event on March 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable evening of live jazz music, delectable New Orleans-inspired bites, and expertly crafted cocktails – all set against the breathtaking oceanic backdrop of our marine sanctuary.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) announces the opening of its new BayCare Kids Check-Up Exhibit, a three-year partnership that kicks off with the first phase opening today, Feb. 12. This interactive and educational exhibit in the Mangrove Key Kids Zone is located outside CMA’s Animal Hospital and surgical suite, allowing families and kids to see the similarities between themselves and marine life such as dolphins, manatees, turtles and more.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is excited to unveil its highly anticipated Marine Science Summer Camp for 2025, offering an incredible blend of hands-on learning and coastal adventure for young explorers of all ages.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium will present its Sip & Sea Bridal Show and Open House, a free event, on Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to explore the Aquarium, gorgeous ballroom overlooking Clearwater Bay and the magical surroundings of marine animals.

Researchers at Clearwater Marine Aquarium have published a scientific article titled Nesting Trends of Sea Turtles in North and Mid Pinellas County, Florida, USA, Over Three Decades,* analyzing data from 1990 through 2022 to identify trends in loggerhead sea turtle nesting numbers, nesting , and hatching success on Pinellas County beaches.

Experience a musical evening to remember with a Dueling Pianos performance at Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Friday, Dec. 20 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Twelve cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles made their way to Florida today, landing at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) in a collaborative effort to save the lives of the critically endangered sea turtles.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) and Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute in partnership with the Belize Ministry of Tourism & Diaspora Relations broke ground on CMA’s second manatee rehabilitation center this year – this one a new Belize Marine Rescue & Educational Center, on Dec. 11.

Bring the whole family to celebrate the holiday season at Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Breakfast with Santa, Sunday Dec. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Enjoy a memorable morning filled with holiday spirit, delicious food, festive crafts and a chance to meet Santa himself. Whether you’re crafting ornaments, sipping hot cocoa, or taking photos with Santa, there’s holiday cheer for everyone.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium released two sea turtles, Odessa and Philly, Thursday morning at Fred Howard Park after they were found out of their natural habitat swimming in ditches.

Join Clearwater Marine Aquarium for an exclusive screening of the highly acclaimed PBS docuseries, “Hope in the Water,” followed by a panel discussion and reception at CMA on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Researchers with Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI) have sighted the first identified North Atlantic right whale mom and calf on Dec. 1. Right whale Catalog #2413 ‘Nauset’ and calf, were sighted just over 5 miles off Sapelo Island, GA. Catalog #2413 is 31 years old and this is her fifth documented calf. 

The first North Atlantic right whale of the 2024-2025 calving season was sighted in the Southeast U.S. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. ‘Black Heart,’ ID Catalog #3540 was sighted approximately two nautical miles east of High Hills, part of Cape Lookout National Seashore, N.C., by the North Carolina Early Warning System (NCWS) survey team from Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute (CMARI). Black Heart is approximately 19 years old and is recorded as having one calf in the past.

The sea turtles that had to be relocated from Clearwater Marine Aquarium after Hurricane Helene have now returned to CMA.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium team has launched an exciting new exhibit, “Florida: Wild and Exotic,” which opened in the Atlantis Theater across from the Mangrove Key Kids Zone. This exhibit will showcase a variety of fascinating species, including amphibians, arthropods, reptiles and small mammals, all to help educate visitors about both native and invasive species in Florida.

Dive into a sea of lights and wonder at Aqua Lanterns: A Chinese Festival of Lights at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This luminous new after-hours kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. and will feature the Ruth Eckerd Hall Chorus, which will perform throughout the evening with a selection of songs.

The good news about this year’s sea turtle nesting season? Clearwater Marine Aquarium saw an increase in turtle nests during the 2024 season. CMA documented 271 nests this year, compared to 227 nests in 2023, along the 21-mile stretch of beach they patrol annually in Pinellas County from mid-April to the end of October.