Stay-Cation,” a review of things to do in South Florida Miami Sea Aquarium ages like a fine wine

Stay-Cation,” a review of things to do in South Florida Miami Sea Aquarium ages like a fine wine

By Don Valentine

This summer is a fine time to introduce the kids to the best aquarium in South Florida.  Miami Sea Aquarium sits regally in the middle of Key Biscayne on the Rickenbacker Causeway. This aquatic respite rests on over 38 acres adjacent to Biscayne Bay. It went through a two million dollar face lift after Hurricane Wilma.  The face lift returned the “old gal” to it’s days of yore.

Most every south Florida animal life is represented in the park. It is truly a world class marine mammal interactive park. Crocodile flats let’s the gators have a rustic swamp setting to sun bathe.  Discovery bay is where you can the Florida sea turtles in abundance.  They share a native mangrove set-ting with the areas tropical birds. Flamingos, bright colored tropical parrots and many more can be seen here.

For the kids there are multiple 10 foot inflatable water slides to cool off on. They also have Salty’s Pirate Playground the splashiest place for the kids to play. If they are more adventurous they can tackle the 18 challenges on Shrarky’s elevated sky trail. There are “Spray and Play” misting stations to beat the summer humidity.

Now we come to the most popular exhibit, the lovable dolphins. This was the original setting for the old “Flipper” T.V. show.  The “Top Deck” Dolphin show have the most adorable, intelligent mammals known to man. Half a dozen dolphins circle the 300,000 gallon open air tiered aquatic pool.  They will stun you with the synchronized leaps they make in tandem out of the pool.  If you want you can participate in the exclusive swim with the dolphins exhibit. You can feed, kiss and shake fins with the dolphins.  You can even get a dorsal pulled swim through the pool.  They have a new feature where you don’t have to swim or be S.C.U.B.A. certified to interact with the dolphins.  The “Sea Trek Reef Encounter” is a 20 minute free breathing interaction with tropical frish and sting rays to name a few.

I’m sure your family will love this South Florida attraction. Who does not love Dolphins? You can’t go wrong spending an afternoon at one of South Florida’s favorite tourist attractions. The Miami Sea Aquarium right in on own back-yard.