Clearwater Aquarium/Winter the Dolphin

[minniebeth]

Ok, so not exactly Orlando, but I'm sure some of you may have knowledge of the Clearwater area? My DD12 just adores Winter the dolphin and would love to take a trip to the Clearwater Aquarium this summer to visit.

Ugh, I hate when people ask this, but I'm going to do it... is it worth taking a trip from Orlando? I saw there is a photo op with the dolphins. I'm sure it's not with Winter, but I was wanting to learn more about the experience and to learn more about the $40 per person above admission cost.

If anyone who has done this or knows more about it can tell me about it, I would be so appreciative!!
Thank you!

 

[jpeppers]

We did it and I was very disappointed. It was a tourist trap, mostly a gift shop in my opinion. We saw Winter but there was nothing pointing you towards her, she (or he) seemed to be no part of the experience and those of us who did see her only did so because we noticed the tail missing in a tank close by to where everyone was. I honestly think at least 50% of the people that were there when we were walked out with out seeing Winter! I love Aquariums but this place seemed to be more of a movie set.

 

[Ametista]

Go to Clearwater Beach itself. At the marina there are several dolphin tours. We did the Seascreamer last June and it was a blast. We had about 12-15 (hard to count) dolphins leaping around the boat and playing in the wake. It was only ~$20 pp so I felt it was definitely worth the price. We also had a dolphin swimming with us in the water right there at the main pier (Pier 60).