Sarasota - Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory is one of the oldest marine research laboratories in Florida. Founded in 1955 as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory in Placida, Florida, the Lab was later renamed to honor major benefactor William R. Mote and the lasting contributions he and his family made to our growth in both size and scientific reputation. Today, Mote’s primary research campus is located on City Island in Sarasota, Florida, alongside the newly opened Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), which brings our world-class research to life for public audiences. With multiple additional locations across southwest Florida and the Florida Keys, Mote scientists conduct impactful marine research locally and around the globe.

Learn about marine life from around the world, visit Florida’s iconic coastal species, and be wowed as sharks swim over your head. Discover why Science is the Attraction by viewing our Workforce Development Labs and STEM Teaching Labs!