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Blog & News

Clearwater Marine Aquarium to Present Lights by the Bay: Diving Into Celebration!

Press Releases Announcements Posted May 23, 2024

This magnificent drone light show will also offer boat rides for guests  

CLEARWATER, FL  (May 23, 2024)  –  Clearwater Marine Aquarium will host the ultimate celebration under the setting sun with its third drone light show, Lights by the Bay: Diving Into Celebration on Saturday, June 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This dazzling drone presentation will display scenes of marine life in motion against the backdrop of Clearwater Bay. Join CMA for this family-friendly, celebration-themed event which is guaranteed to create memories as guests take in the beauty of the water around us.  

The Lights by the Bay Drone Show underscores CMA’s mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release by combining art and nature into a breathtaking presentation. From playful dolphins to majestic sea turtles, each illuminated figure celebrates the ocean’s vibrant and diverse wildlife.  Anthony Rivera, chief operating officer at CMA, is excited about using lights and music to narrate the story of compassion and conservation. He emphasized the environmental friendliness of drone lights, stating, “The use of drone lights are far more environmentally friendly than fireworks, and we’re contributing to environmental care through this process.”

A new feature of our celebration-themed drone show will be the option for guests to view the presentation from CMA boats. These boat rides will provide a unique perspective of the exquisite lights and colors, a beautiful view of the sunset and a chance to see Clearwater’s marine life.

In addition to the drone show, Lights by the Bay guests will enjoy live entertainment, signature drinks and an interactive dolphin presentation at the Aquarium. Throughout the evening, visitors can explore various marine life habitats, including sea turtles, stingrays and other fascinating residents. 

Tickets for Lights by the Bay are available in both VIP and general admission categories. General admission tickets are priced at $55 for adults and $45 for children ages 3-12, while VIP tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children ages 3-12. CMA members receive a 10% discount on all ticket prices. To see the show from one of our boats, guests can pay an additional price of $25 per person.   

Both CMA members and individuals with VIP tickets have early admission and can enter the event at 5:30 p.m. All general admission tickets include admission to the Aquarium from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with live entertainment, an interactive dolphin presentation, one drink ticket and the drone show. The boats will depart around 8:15 and return by 9:30. (Please note the Aquarium will be closed then.) Only credit cards will be accepted at all food and beverage locations. Doors will close at 8:30. Advance parking reservations are also recommended.   

To purchase tickets and find more information about Lights by the Bay, please visit the CMA website at https://www.cmaquarium.org/event/lights-by-the-bay-drone-light-show-2024/.  

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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770

About Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.

© 2023 Clearwater Marine Aquarium | 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767 | 727-445-1139 | 727-441-1790 | mission.cmaquarium.org | cmaquarium.org

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.

A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

Previous Post: “Superheroes of Manatee Conservation” Featured June 6 At Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Educational Speaker Series
Next Post: Watch Out for Marine Life Memorial Day Weekend, Cautions Clearwater Marine Aquarium

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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