Winter lives at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida

Winter the dolphin is at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, on the Gulf Coast near Tampa. She has lived there since 2005, when she was rescued as an injured calf. The aquarium is open to the public year-round, and you can see Winter during regular visiting hours in the main dolphin pool.

Winter became widely known after the 2011 film Dolphin Tale told her story. The movie showed how she lost her tail flukes in a crab trap and learned to swim using a prosthetic tail. That film brought thousands of visitors to Clearwater to see her in person.

The aquarium is located at 249 Windward Passage in Clearwater. It sits on the water and includes other marine animals beyond dolphins, such as sea turtles, stingrays, and otters. Winter is the main draw, but the facility offers multiple exhibits and educational programs throughout the day.

Key Takeaways

  • Winter the dolphin lives at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, and is on display during all regular operating hours.
  • The aquarium is open seven days a week, though hours vary by season, so check the website before you visit.
  • Admission costs money, and parking is available on-site; prices change seasonally and may differ for children, adults, and seniors.
  • Winter swims in the main dolphin pool, which you can view from multiple angles throughout the facility.
  • The aquarium also houses rescued sea turtles, stingrays, and other marine animals, so plan for at least two to three hours if you want to see the whole facility.

Hours and admission costs

Clearwater Marine Aquarium opens seven days a week. Hours shift with the season: during summer months (roughly June through August), the aquarium typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. or later. During fall and winter, hours are usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spring hours fall between those two. The exact schedule changes year to year, so visit the aquarium's official website or call ahead before you go.

Admission is not free. General adult tickets cost more than child tickets, and seniors and military members often receive discounts. Prices vary by season and may be lower during off-peak months. Parking is available on-site for an additional fee, though some visitors park nearby and walk. The aquarium website lists current pricing before you buy tickets.

What to expect when you visit

Winter swims in the main dolphin pool, which is visible from multiple viewing areas throughout the facility. You can watch her from ground level and from elevated platforms. The aquarium staff gives educational talks about Winter and other dolphins at scheduled times during the day; these talks explain her history and how she uses her prosthetic tail.

The facility is not large, but it is designed to let you see the animals from different angles. Winter is most active during feeding times and training sessions, which happen several times daily. If you want to see her at her most engaged, ask staff when those sessions occur when you arrive.

The aquarium also has a gift shop, a café, and shaded areas to rest. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed. Crowds are heaviest on weekends and during school holidays, so weekday visits tend to be less crowded.

Getting there and parking

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is on the waterfront in downtown Clearwater, about 20 minutes west of Tampa International Airport by car. If you are driving, take Interstate 275 north toward Clearwater, then follow signs to the downtown waterfront. The address is 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767.

Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the aquarium. The lot fills up on busy days, especially weekends and holidays. Arrive early if you visit during peak times. Street parking is also available nearby, though it may require a short walk. Public transportation options are limited in Clearwater, so most visitors drive.

Winter's medical care and prosthetic tail

Winter wears a prosthetic tail that was custom-made for her. The tail is not permanent; it is fitted and removed daily as part of her care routine. The prosthetic allows her to swim more naturally and reduces strain on her spine. Veterinarians and prosthetists at the aquarium monitor her health closely and adjust the tail as she grows.

The aquarium's veterinary team treats Winter for ongoing medical needs related to her injury and age. She is now in her late teens, which is middle-aged for a bottlenose dolphin in human care. The facility's educational talks often explain her medical history and how the prosthetic works, so you will learn more about her care during your visit.

Other animals and exhibits at the aquarium

While Winter is the main reason most people visit, Clearwater Marine Aquarium houses other rescued marine animals. The facility cares for sea turtles that were injured or sick in the wild, stingrays, otters, and other fish species. Each exhibit has educational signage explaining the animals and their conservation.

The aquarium focuses on rescue and rehabilitation, so many of the animals on display were brought in injured or ill. Some are released back into the wild once they recover; others, like Winter, remain at the facility because they cannot survive in the ocean on their own. This mission shapes the educational experience throughout the aquarium.

Planning your visit

Plan to spend two to three hours at the aquarium if you want to see Winter and explore the other exhibits. If you only want to see Winter, you can do that in 30 to 45 minutes, though you may want to stay longer to watch her during feeding or training sessions. Bring sunscreen and a hat, as much of the facility is outdoors or has open-air viewing areas.

The aquarium can be crowded, especially during school holidays and summer vacation. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday during the school year. Weekends and holidays are busier but still manageable if you arrive early in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch or swim with Winter?

No. Winter is a wild animal in human care, and direct contact is not permitted. You can view her from designated areas, but touching or swimming with her is not an option at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Some facilities offer paid dolphin encounter programs, but this aquarium does not.

Is there a best time of day to see Winter?

Winter is most active during feeding and training sessions, which happen several times daily. Ask staff when these occur when you arrive. Early morning visits tend to be less crowded, and the animals are often more active before the facility gets busy.

How long does it take to see Winter?

You can see Winter in 30 to 45 minutes if that is your only goal. If you want to watch her during a training session or educational talk, add another 30 minutes. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the entire aquarium.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

You can buy tickets at the gate, but purchasing online in advance may save money and let you skip the ticket line. Check the aquarium's website for current pricing and online booking options.

Is the aquarium accessible for people with mobility issues?

Yes. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and staff can direct you to accessible viewing areas for Winter and other exhibits. Call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs so staff can help you plan your visit.