Experiencing a Dolphin Tale
Since the big move, we've been trying to settle into a new groove as a family... kind of. Between exploring our new surroundings and adjusting to life in this coastal city, we’ve been diving headfirst into the charm of this salt-kissed lifestyle. It’s been a whirlwind of discovery, and every day brings something fresh to marvel at. Just a week after unpacking our boxes, we heard about the hit movie Dolphin Tale, which had just opened in theaters. What we didn’t realize until later was that the aquarium we’d been planning to visit with the kids was not only the setting for the film but also the home of Winter, the star of the movie. Intrigued, we decided to head over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium one sunny morning before catching the show. Little did we know how unforgettable this trip would turn out to be. The actual rescue of Winter happened back in 2005, and her story is even more inspiring than the movie portrays. She got tangled up in a crab trap line and lost her tail, but thanks to the dedicated team at the aquarium, she’s thriving despite the odds. Her prosthetic tail and stretchy "sock" are both real, and while she doesn’t need them all the time, she gets daily physical therapy to keep her muscles strong. As we walked around the aquarium, we met Nicholas, a playful bottlenose dolphin who was rescued as a calf after his mom didn’t survive. He’s a bit of a splash machine—literally—and my son Brayden couldn’t take his eyes off him. When Nicholas’ tail splashed water on us, Brayden laughed and cried at the same time. We quickly moved on to the otters and nurse sharks, where Brayden became best friends with a school of tiny fish swimming gracefully in the tank. One of the coolest things about the aquarium is that it’s not just a tourist attraction—it’s a legitimate rescue and rehabilitation center. Many of the animals are temporary residents, getting the care they need before being released back into the wild. Others, like Winter and Nicholas, will live out their lives here under the loving care of the staff. We left the aquarium with hearts full of admiration for Winter, Nicholas, and all the other amazing creatures we met. We also picked up a membership so we could come back anytime, plus a few new souvenirs, including a plush version of Winter that Brayden carries around everywhere now. Clearwater Marine Aquarium isn’t just a must-visit spot if you’re in the area—it’s a place that connects you to nature and reminds you of the incredible resilience of wildlife. If you ever find yourself near Clearwater, Florida, don’t miss out on this magical experience. Trust me, your family will thank you. FOSHAN PHARMA CO., LTD. , https://www.forepharm.com
Winter's trainers work closely with her every day to ensure her health and happiness. That little tail? Totally real!
These little fish stole Brayden's heart. He named them all.
The CMA is more than just an aquarium—it’s a community hub for conservation and education.