TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Aquarium is a big draw for tourists in the Bay area with more than 900,000 people visiting each year. Now, the aquarium is in the middle of a massive expansion project with a price tag of more than $45 million.

The expansion is being completed in phases. The first phase was complete back in June, while the next phases will begin in 2024 with an estimated completion window of late 2025 or early 2026.

Andy Wood, the executive vice president and chief operating officer for the aquarium, says the expansion will greatly benefit its guests.

“We’re constantly keeping the experiences fresh for our guests, because there is so much more to learn and we hope to bring it for years to come,” Wood said.

One of the new exhibits yet to be built will focus on the adorable puffin bird. If you don’t know what one looks like, you have to check them out. It will be a two-story immersive experience that will show visitors how the puffin lives and how it hunts.

“You will be able to see the birds nesting and you will be able to see their most unique behavior, which is diving down in the water to catch their prey,” Wood said.

The Florida Aquarium is also expanding its penguin exhibit and will also build a new area for sea lions.

“The education that we’re bringing, the connection and being able to tell these stories is really heartwarming for all of our staff,” Wood said.