Living near the water is one of the biggest reasons people fall in love with Sarasota. But the Gulf doesn’t take care of itself. Preserving what makes this place special takes more than sunshine and salt air: It takes science. That’s what Mote Marine Laboratory has been doing quietly, and effectively, for nearly 70 years.
A living collection that feels local
Many aquariums focus on exotic species from far-off oceans. Mote keeps things closer to home. What you see here is what’s swimming beneath the surface of our bays and beaches. That means native fish, stingrays, snook, tarpon, sea turtles, reef residents, and, yes, sharks.
You’ll walk through habitats that mimic Sarasota’s real marine environments. You’ll get a close-up look at animals you’ve probably heard about but never really studied. And if you have questions, there’s always someone on staff who can give you a real answer.
The Shark Tank is just the start
Let’s talk sharks. They’re what people remember, and for good reason. The 135,000-gallon shark habitat is a showstopper. But the best part is what you don’t see: these aren’t random sharks in a tank. They’re part of long-running behavioral studies. Mote was one of the first labs in the world to seriously study sharks, and they’re still leading that field today.
If you’re more into the kind of creatures that charm rather than awe, there’s plenty to see. The sea turtle rehab center is both heartwarming and informative. The jellyfish exhibit is hypnotic, and then there are the river otters. Not local to the Gulf, sure, but beloved by everyone who visits.
The lab behind the aquarium
Most people know the aquarium. Fewer realize it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, Mote’s team of marine scientists are tracking red tide, restoring dying coral reefs, and monitoring dolphin populations that live right off our shores.
They also study how ocean conditions are changing, and what that means for the fish, mammals, and even the homes lining our coast.
Their research informs environmental policy, helps local wildlife recover, and protects the very coastline that drives our economy. That includes real estate. Our beaches, views, and water quality all depend on the work Mote is doing.
It’s for us, too
Locals sometimes think of Mote as a tourist stop. It’s not! It’s a community resource. They offer classes, volunteer programs, events, and access to scientists who are more than happy to talk about their work.
Kids grow up attending their camps. Retirees volunteer. Homeowners attend talks to understand how marine health affects their neighborhood. It’s a place to learn, to connect, and to contribute.
If you’ve never looked beyond the tanks, consider taking a closer look. There’s a full schedule of programs designed for adults who want to stay engaged and informed.
A Smart Stop for Newcomers
When clients are new to Sarasota, I always recommend a visit to Mote. Not because it’s pretty (though it is), but because it explains this place better than a brochure ever could. It shows what we value: education, conservation, and long-term thinking.
It’s also a reminder that living near the water is a privilege. One we’re all responsible for protecting.
So if you’re planning to move here, or already call Sarasota home, make some time for Mote. Support it if you can. It’s one of those places that makes living here mean more.
Kelli Eggen
