Plan Your Visit

 At Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory in Panacea, you begin to get a better sense of what’s really out there. On a quiet back street between the highway and the bay, we house a collection of sea water tanks and aquariums. Water bubbles and flows in a swirl that sustains unique collections of the bizarre and the beautiful. Unlike most big public aquariums that emphasize porpoises and big fishes, we focus on creatures such as seahorses and hermit crabs, emerald eyed spiny box fish, electric rays and red and white spotted calico crabs – just a few of the the endless living treasures of north Florida’s still shining coast.

Children must be supervised. Certain tanks are “Looking Only” while others you are allowed to touch. When you purchase your ticket to the aquarium, you will be informed on which tanks are touching and not touching. The tanks will also have signs indicating whether they are “Looking” or “Touching.” Do not put your hands near the water or on the rim of the tank for the “Looking” tanks! Our animals associate people with food and may have sharp teeth. Make sure children are always accompanied by an adult when in the aquarium.

We also offer guided tours. For information on guided tours please look at the “guided tours” page under the “plan your visit” tab.