Getting to the Aquarium
The Florida Aquarium is located in Tampa's Channelside district near the cruise terminal. The coach drops groups at the front entrance, then stages elsewhere, because the Aquarium does not allow buses in the city lot on Channelside Drive. The aquarium is a few minutes from downtown Tampa and about 100 minutes from Orlando in free-flowing traffic.
School Group Programs
The Florida Aquarium offers hands-on educational programs for K-12 students covering marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and Florida wildlife. School groups receive discounted admission and access to educator-led tours.
Corporate and Private Events
The aquarium hosts corporate events and private receptions with unique backdrops like the Coral Reef Gallery. BusBrother transports corporate groups from Tampa Bay hotels to the venue for an unforgettable team experience.
Combining with Tampa Attractions
Groups often pair a Florida Aquarium visit with the Tampa Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf dining, or a Tampa Bay Lightning game at nearby Benchmark International Arena. BusBrother can build a multi-stop itinerary that covers several Channelside attractions.
What Do the Florida Aquarium's Group Rules Mean for Your Bus?
The Florida Aquarium at 701 Channelside Drive is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most of the year, offers group rates to non-school groups of 25 or more booked at least 2 weeks ahead, and does not allow motor coaches or buses to park in the City of Tampa surface lot on Channelside Drive.
Where does the bus park?
Motor coaches and buses may not park in the city surface lot on Channelside Drive. The Aquarium lists Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 3 and McKay Street as alternatives, but they may be unavailable when cruise ships are in port, so the carrier confirms staging before the trip. Source: flaquarium.org.
What are the group rates and booking rules?
Group rates for non-school groups of 25 or more are listed at 35 dollars per adult (12 and up) and 30 dollars per child (3 to 11), with infants under 3 free. Reservations are required, groups cannot book at the gate, the request should go in at least 2 weeks or 10 business days ahead, and a 100 dollar non-refundable deposit holds the rate. Source: flaquarium.org.
How do school field trips work?
For September 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, field trips are 14 dollars per student, or 7 dollars for Title I schools in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Polk counties, with a 10-student minimum and a 50 dollar deposit. Trips run Monday through Friday, one chaperone per 10 youth is required, and groups eat in the Sea Star Pavilion during an assigned 30-minute lunch. Source: flaquarium.org.
What are the hours?
The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. most of the year and until 6 p.m. in June and July, and it is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Source: flaquarium.org.
How long is the drive to The Florida Aquarium?
| From | Road miles | Free-flow drive |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa | 1 | 3 min |
| St. Petersburg | 23 | 33 min |
| Lakeland | 35 | 46 min |
| Orlando | 84 | 1 hr 40 min |
OSRM / OpenStreetMap routing from city centers, 2026-10-08; no traffic or stops.
Official sources checked October 8, 2026.
What Do Groups Ask About This Trip?
About the Author
Mark Gabrielli is the founder of BusBrother and CEO of WETYR Corporation. With over a decade of experience in Florida transportation logistics, Mark has personally coordinated thousands of group trips - from cruise port shuttles at Port Canaveral to corporate charters across Orlando and Tampa. He started BusBrother to bring transparent pricing, competitive carrier bidding, and 24/7 service to a market that historically lacked all three.
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