Florida Aquarium & M.O.S.I.

A trip to the Florida Aquarium will open your eyes to a view usually reserved for experienced scuba divers; Florida from under its waters. Divided into four different galleries, the aquarium follows the course of water from wetlands to the depths of the ocean off Florida's shores. In the Wetlands Gallery you can view alligators, river otters, several varieties of turtle and an entire mangrove estuary containing numerous species of fish. Showcased in the Bays and Beaches Gallery are numerous species of animals who call the shore and near shore communities home. Stingray, snook, octopus, seahorse, lobster and barracuda are only a few of the aquatic animals you can see here. Above the waterline, the exhibit features over 20 varieties of sea birds. The signature exhibit of The Florida Aquarium, the Coral Reef Gallery encompasses a spectacular 500,000-gallon artificial reef tank containing over 1,600 reef animals. A 43-foot wide, 14-foot tall panoramic window gives a superb view of the reef underwater, and a staircase leads to an above the water observatory. The last exhibit, the Offshore Gallery, features the larger marine animals; sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish and more. Also located in this gallery is a touch tank allowing you to get up-close and personal with live sharks and rays.

The largest science center in the Southeastern United States, MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) is only 15 minutes from The Florida Aquarium. The museum utilizes a "hands-on, minds-on" approach, making it especially delightful to children. Over 450 interactive exhibits give you the chance to do everything from observe open heart surgery to fly a daring mission as a fighter pilot. You can experience the impact of 74 mph hurricane force winds in the Gulf Coast Hurricane exhibit, or walk among thousands of free flying butterflies in the BioWorks Butterfly Garden. MOSI also has the only IMAX Dome Theater in Florida, and a wonderful planetarium.

Arrive M.O.S.I. - 2:15 p.m.
From The Florida Aquarium, turn left on Channelside Dr. and travel 4/10 mile to John F. Kennedy Blvd. Turn left onto JFK Blvd. and travel 3/10 miles to N. Nebraska Ave. Turn right onto N. Nebraska Ave and travel 2/10 mile to E. Cass Street. Turn left onto E. Cass Street and travel 2/10 mile to N. Orange Ave. Turn right onto N. Orange Avenue and travel 2/10 mile to I-275 North. Take I-275 North 6-4/10 miles to Exit 34, Fowler Ave. Turn left onto Fowler Avenue and travel 1/10 mile to MOSI.

Visit M.O.S.I. - 2:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Allow a full 3 hours to fully enjoy the museums exhibits. The Universal Café at MOSI features a variety of fast-food entrees if you wish to have dinner before you leave the museum.

Leave M.O.S.I - 5:00 p.m.

Arrive Orlando - 6:15 p.m.