SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium – tickets, prices, what to expect

SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium is the fourth “park” at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort. It is an indoor, air-conditioned aquarium designed specifically for families with children aged 2-12.

This is not a full-day park. It is a wonderful, 1- to 2-hour experience that is perfect for taking a break from the Florida heat or escaping a rainy afternoon.

Crucial Location Info

This is the most important thing you need to know: SEA LIFE Florida is NOT inside the main LEGOLAND park.

It is a separate attraction with its own entrance, located just steps away from the main LEGOLAND gates (right next to the Peppa Pig Theme Park). You must have the correct ticket to get in.

Tickets and Prices

Understanding the tickets for SEA LIFE is the most important part of your plan. You have several different ways to buy admission.

The Golden Rule: Buy Online, In Advance

NEVER buy your tickets at the front gate. The prices are significantly higher.

  • Online Price: A 1-Day LEGOLAND ticket can start as low as $54 – $74 online, depending on the date.
  • Gate Price: The same ticket at the front gate can be $124 or more.
  • This rule applies to all LEGOLAND Resort tickets, including SEA LIFE.

1-Day SEA LIFE Only Ticket

This is a new and excellent option for visitors who are not going to the theme park.

  • What it is: A standalone ticket that gets you into only SEA LIFE Aquarium.
  • Cost: Online prices start at approximately $25 per person (ages 2 and up).
  • Who is this for? This is the perfect option if you are on a non-park day and just want a 1-2 hour indoor, air-conditioned activity. It’s also great for locals or families with toddlers who find the full theme park too much.

1-Day Combo Tickets

This is the most common way to visit. You buy a ticket that includes both LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE for the same day.

  • What it is: A 1-Day, 2-Park Ticket (LEGOLAND + SEA LIFE).
  • Cost: Online prices for this combo ticket start around $70 – $94 per person.
  • Expert Analysis: Since a 1-Day LEGOLAND ticket starts around $54-$74, you are essentially adding the aquarium to your day for about $20. This is a great value and the best way to plan your day, as you can use the aquarium as your midday break.

The “Add-On” Pro-Tip

This is the best secret for visitors who are undecided.

  • What it is: If you buy a regular 1-Day LEGOLAND Theme Park ticket and change your mind, you can upgrade at the park.
  • Cost: You can add SEA LIFE admission to your ticket on the day of your visit for approximately $15 per person.
  • How to do it: Just go to the admissions window or Guest Services (before you enter) to add it to your existing ticket.

Multi-Day Tickets (The Best Value)

If you plan to visit for more than one day, the multi-day, multi-park tickets are the best deal by far.

  • What it is: A 2-Day, 4-Park “Resort Hopper” Ticket.
  • Cost: Online prices can start as low as $146 per person.
  • What’s Included: This ticket gives you two days of admission to all four parks:
    1. LEGOLAND Theme Park
    2. Peppa Pig Theme Park
    3. LEGOLAND Water Park (seasonal)
    4. SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium
  • Expert Analysis: This is the ultimate family deal. You get all four parks for two days, giving you plenty of time to see everything without being rushed.

Other Costs You MUST Budget For

  • Parking: This is the most important “hidden” cost. SEA LIFE shares its parking lot with LEGOLAND, and parking is not free.
    • Standard Parking: $35 per day.
    • Pro-Tip: You can pre-pay for parking online when you buy your ticket to save a few dollars (it’s often around $32 if paid in advance).
  • Cashless Resort: The entire LEGOLAND Florida Resort (including SEA LIFE) is cashless. You must use a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment (like Apple Pay) for all purchases, including food and souvenirs.

Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit

  • Typical Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit SEA LIFE is from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This is when the main theme park is hottest and most crowded. You can use the indoor, air-conditioned aquarium as the perfect midday break to cool down before heading back to the rides.

What to See Inside (The Main Exhibits)

The aquarium is designed for kids, with low viewing windows and fun LEGO models mixed in with the fish. The path guides you through several themed zones.

  • The “Theme Park Under the Sea” Ocean Tunnel: This is the main highlight. You will walk through a 180-degree underwater tunnel and see sharks, stingrays, and a friendly sea turtle named “Chely” swim all around you. The tunnel is filled with LEGO models, like an underwater castle and a clam Ferris wheel.
  • Interactive Rockpool (Touch Pool): This is a shallow, open tank where kids can gently touch real sea creatures like starfish, sea anemones, and crabs.
  • Themed Habitats: You will walk through rooms themed to different ocean environments, where you can see:
    • Graceful Stingrays
    • Glowing Jellyfish
    • Tiny Seahorses
    • Colorful Coral Reefs
  • Conservation Zone: The end of the exhibit has interactive displays that teach kids about ocean conservation and how to protect marine life.

How Long Does It Take to Visit?

This is not a giant, full-day aquarium. It is a smaller, high-quality experience.

  • Average Visit Time: Most families spend about 60 to 90 minutes inside.
  • This short time commitment is what makes it a perfect add-on to your LEGOLAND day.

3 Essential Pro-Tips for Parents

  1. Use It as Your A/C Break: The number one strategy is to save the aquarium for the hottest part of the day. When your kids (and you) are tired and hot, head here for an hour of cool, calm entertainment.
  2. Combine with Peppa Pig: A great 1-day plan is to buy a 3-Park ticket. Visit Peppa Pig Theme Park in the morning (it only takes 3 hours), have lunch, and then visit SEA LIFE Aquarium. This leaves the rest of the afternoon for the main LEGOLAND park.
  3. Visit Last: Because the aquarium is located at the front of the resort, it is also a great place to visit on your way out. You can end your day with a quiet walk through the exhibits before heading to your car.