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The Pier is a hugely popular attraction with visitors and locals alike that was developed as part of the extensive regeneration of Ybor. This is a five-story pier complex- described as an upside down pyramid - that extends a quarter mile out into the warm waters of Tampa Bay. This is a buzzing shopping and entertainment paradise that caters for visitors both day and night. The complex is choc-a-bloc with restaurants, shops, bars and evening entertainment (expect music of all types). You can also expect to discover a wide range of food such as Italian and Cuban dishes - the famous Ybor Columbia Restaurant is well known for its Cuban cuisine and is found on the pier. There is also hands-on museum that is very kid friendly and no trip should be complete without a trip to the upper stories to see the in-house aquarium. The replica of HMS Bounty - complete with galleries and boutiques, will also fascinate you. The pier is also the starting point for many Tampa Bay cruises, pirate adventures and sea fishing excursions. You should also note that while there are plenty of bars and wine tasting events - alcohol is legally not permitted by Florida stated law to anyone under 21. Florida Aquarium One of the most popular family day outs in Florida is a visit to the Florida Aquarium. This well designed three-story building is a glass-domed sanctuary for many native marine species as well as containing recreations of various wetland and marine habitats. Visitors can expect to see a Florida Wetlands Gallery that features a cypress swamp, mangrove roots and an otter filled river. The Beaches Gallery contains freshwater and saltwater exhibits while the Coral Reefs Gallery show fish swimming amongst colorful reefs. Some of the 5000+ aquatic animals include alligators native to Florida as well as rays, moray eels and stingrays. One of the more unusual aspects of the aquarium is the way the staff guides inform visitors about the attractions - these staff divers do so from IN the tanks via an intercom system. Those who wish to be a little more interactive may like to swim with sharks (for a fee). This option is for Scuba divers with some diving experience. They are supervised by staff divers are they bob amongst black tip reef, sand tiger and nurse sharks. Staff can provide a souvenir photograph. There is also an option for an excursion by catamaran out into the bay to search for birds, dolphins and other sea life. |