Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We are on the campus of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium at 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy in Sarasota, Florida. Our check in desk can be found outside of the main ticketing entrance of Mote Aquarium, on your right as you approach.

Do I need to purchase a ticket to Mote Aquarium to take your cruise?

You are welcome to cruise with us without purchasing a ticket to the aquarium.

Why are you asking me to arrive 30 minutes prior to the cruise departure time?

Much like an airline we need time to check in, board passengers, and cover some basic safety announcements before departure. Our boarding process begins with a roll call approximately 15 minutes prior to scheduled trip time. Arriving early allows you to find our location, check in your party, and use the restroom before boarding. If you are not present at our desk for roll call 15 minutes prior to your scheduled cruise time, we cannot guarantee you will make it onboard.

I want to book a trip but I don’t see the date available on the site?

We open our calendar for regularly scheduled cruises two weeks in advance. If the date you are looking at is outside of two weeks please check back closer to your planned trip. If the date you are looking for is within two weeks it may be fully booked or privately chartered. If your party is larger than 15 individuals or you are thinking of privately chartering the vessel, please reach out to our reservations desk (941) 388-4200 and they will advise you on how to proceed.

I am interested in a Private Charter, who do I contact?

Please call our reservations desk (941) 388-4200. They’ll ask you some questions about when you’re looking to book and your group size and refer you from there.

Do you offer group discounts?

We do not offer discounts for groups. Large enough groups (15+ individuals) can book ahead of time in most cases. Please contact our reservations desk for details (941) 388-4200.

I have a school group/summer camp that I would like to bring on the boat, who do I contact?

Please reach out to our reservations desk (941) 388-4200 they will ask you some questions about your group and refer you from there.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Our vessel is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring a stroller onboard?

No, unfortunately we do not have the space to accommodate a stroller on the boat. We have a location by our dock to store a stroller should you wish to use it in order to walk to the boat. Standard sized car seats can come along.

Is there a bathroom onboard?

There is a small marine restroom available during the cruise.

Can I bring my pet?

No, we have a strict no pets policy.

Is there a senior rate?

We do not have a senior rate. Adults are considered 13+.

I am a Mote member, do I get a discount?

Yes you do! Please call our reservations desk (941) 388-4200 to make a booking.

Can I bring water on the boat?

You can feel free to bring water as well as your own snacks onboard. Small coolers are permitted. We sell water, soda, and bags of chips for $1 during the cruise.

What do we wear for the boat?

We recommend you wear comfortable clothing. No need to wear a swimsuit, we will not be getting into the water. Shoes are required, sandals or tennis shoes are good options. Please note that certain times of the year are cooler on the water by 5-10℉, it may be helpful to bring a jacket.

Are children required to wear life vests?

We have life vests on board in case of an emergency; however, children are not required to wear life vests during the cruise due to the high railings around the boat. If you wish for your child to wear a life vest we can provide one or you are welcome to bring your own.

Are we guaranteed to see dolphins or manatees?

Our marine mammals are wild and sightings are always random so there are no guarantees. Please keep in mind that while dolphins are full time residents of the area, manatees are migratory and leave our waters from approximately December – April.

Do you offer Gift Cards? 

We do! To purchase, please click here.