The Aqua Lanterns special exhibit ended on Feb. 2, 2025, and there are no more dates scheduled. Please return to our upcoming events page for other upcoming events and programs.
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.
Exhibit Details
- Dates
- Wednesday-Sunday Evenings Through February 2, 2025.
- Times
- 5:30pm-9:30pm
- Additional Holiday Dates:
- Dec. 23, Dec. 30, 2024 (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
This is a family-friendly event for all ages.
Admission
- 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.
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
Aqua Lanterns admission tickets are available for purchase separately. General Admission to CMA during daytime hours does not include admission to view Aqua Lanterns in the evening.
The colorful Aqua Lantern exhibits will still be viewable during your visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium during the daytime, but they will not be illuminated or moving as they are during the full Aqua Lanterns evening experience.
Aqua Lanterns admission can be added on for a reduced rate of $35 if you have purchased full-priced General Admission to visit CMA on the same date. This Aqua Lanterns add-on ticket will only be available at CMA by visiting Guest Services and must be used on the same date. Third Party Tickets do not qualify for this discount.
Aqua Lanterns hours begin at 6:30pm now through Nov. 3 and 5:30pm beginning Nov. 6. Aqua Lanterns tickets do not include General Admission to CMA before these evening hours.
Tickets to Aqua Lanterns are currently only available through Clearwater Marine Aquarium online at cmaquarium.org or through our approved hotel partners. Third-party tickets for admission to CMA do not include Aqua Lanterns.
Yes, Aqua Lanterns tickets are available at a reduced rate for $35 if you have purchased a General Admission ticket to visit CMA on the same day. This is only available at CMA and must be used on the same date. Please book your Aqua Lanterns ticket at Guest Services.
Yes, the Aqua Lanterns will be displayed throughout the aquarium and you will have access to view many of the animal habitats during the evening. The Stone Dolphin Complex will be open and underwater viewing will be luminous at night. Some animals may not be as active in the evening and lighting may be lowered in certain animal habitats during these hours.
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.