Aqua Lanterns
A Chinese Festival of Lights
Select Dates Through Feb. 2, 2025!
Family Friendly | Evening Experience | Dazzling Lantern Displays
Dive into a sea of lights and wonder with Aqua Lanterns: a Chinese Festival of Lights at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This luminous new after-hours experience, featuring dazzling lantern displays, is open Wednesday through Sunday evenings and other select dates through February 2, 2025!
As the sun sets, the aquarium transforms into a glowing seascape, filled with stunning illuminated sculptures, up to 13-feet tall, of whales, penguins, jellyfish and other sparkling sea creatures. Stroll through this mesmerizing marine world and discover over 30 beautifully crafted lantern displays next to the amazing real animals that will inspire you throughout the aquarium.
We’re thrilled to present the magic and wonder of Aqua Lanterns, after being closed for nearly three weeks due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Your visit supports our ongoing animal care and recovery efforts and will help us continue our mission of marine conservation and education. We look forward to welcoming you back. Together, we will make Clearwater shine again!
Exhibit Details
- Dates
- Wednesday-Sunday Evenings Through February 2, 2025.
- Times
- 5:30pm-9:30pm
- Additional Holiday Dates:
- Dec. 23, Dec. 30 (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
This is a family-friendly event for all ages.
Admission
Tickets will only be available for purchase online!
- TICKETS
- $55
- CMA MEMBERS
- 10% DISCOUNT
Aqua Lanterns tickets include admission to explore Clearwater Marine Aquarium during evening hours.
Enjoy Aqua Lanterns and exclusive access to visit the rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine animals during the evening.
Please note: Third Party admission tickets and daily general admission tickets are not accepted during Aqua Lantern hours.
Tickets
*All prices and event details subject to change. Refunds are not available for any events. Late arrivals, cancellations, and no shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Evening Activities
Enjoy the Aquarium After Hours
- Enjoy access to underwater views of the rescued dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and other resident animals and explore a number of marine life habitats that will be viewable during the evening hours.
Festive Food & Drinks
Enjoy a special selection of glowing beverages and fun festive snacks available for purchase during Aqua Lanterns!
Meals deals, including a beverage, meal and brownie are available when purchasing tickets online.
Reserve Parking
Convenient parking is available in the Parking Garage at CMA. Seasonal daily rates apply and parking is not included with tickets.
Reserve parking in advance through ParkMobile to guarantee your spot. Please make sure to select the date of the event.
Net proceeds from this experience benefit Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s ongoing mission to rescue, rehab, and release more marine life.
Aqua Lanterns FAQs
Please Note:
- In order to purchase or consume an alcoholic beverage, guests must be 21 or older. Additionally, you will be required to present valid identification to verify your age.
- All prices and details subject to change. Refunds are not available. Late arrivals, cancellations, and no shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.