Wildlife Encounters
The Florida Keys are home to remarkable neighbors, from dolphins and sea turtles to butterflies, Key deer, and countless native and migrating birds. Here you can visit rehabilitation centers, aquariums, and sanctuaries that care for injured wildlife while offering visitors a chance to learn and connect. Hand-feed giant tarpon, watch butterflies drift by, or join a charter to spot marine life in the wild. We invite you to meet these creatures, fall in love with them as we have, and help us keep The Keys clean and healthy so our wildlife can thrive for generations.
Filters
The Lower Keys
Blue Hole Observation Platform
Visit the trail and observation deck at Blue Hole, a cenote-like pond that is the largest body of fresh water in the Florida Keys.
Key West
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory — a tropical glass-domed haven where hundreds of free-flying butterflies, exotic birds, and flamingos enchant visitors in the heart of Key West.
Islamorada
Dolphin Life Hospital
Hands-on dolphin encounters, research, and education in an immersive marine setting.
Key Largo
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wild birds at Florida Keys' inspiring sanctuary.
Key Largo
Protect Wild Dolphins Alliance
Protect Marine Wildlife is a Florida Keys–based nonprofit dedicated to funding marine conservation, research, and rescue programs that protect dolphins, sea turtles, and other ocean wildlife.
Marathon
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
Explore interactive marine life encounters and touch tanks at Florida Keys Aquarium!
Weddings Max
300
The Lower Keys
WILD about DOLPHINS-Captain Sheri's
Wild About Dolphins — private eco-boat tours and wild dolphin encounters departing from Key West, Florida.
Islamorada
Crustacean Plantation
Crustacean Plantation Inc. is a nonprofit sanctuary in Tavernier dedicated to conserving native Florida Keys hermit crabs—known as "Purple Pinchers"—through habitat support, education, and community outreach.
Key Largo
JD Butterfly Garden and Nursery
JD Butterfly Garden & Nursery — butterfly garden, plant nursery & bistro in Key Largo, where you’ll stroll tropical gardens, shop native plants and relax at a charming café.
Key Largo
Dolphins Plus Bayside
Swim with dolphins and experience unforgettable marine encounters in Key Largo.
Key Largo
Capt. Sterling's Everglades Tour
Captain Sterling's Everglades Eco-Tours offers personalized, small-group boat excursions through the Everglades National Park, Pennekamp Park, and Florida Bay, led by experienced guides passionate about wildlife conservation.
The Lower Keys
Florida Keys Nature Store operated by Florida Keys Wildlife Society
Nature-themed gifts and educational items supporting Florida Keys wildlife conservation.
Key West
The Key West Nature Preserve
The Key West Nature Preserve – a hidden coastal oasis of mangroves, native wildlife, and quiet beachfront tucked behind bustling Key West.
Key Largo
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
Explore ocean conservation with REEF's citizen science, education, and marine programs.
Key Largo
Morning Star Sailing Charters
Morning Star Sailing Charters offers personalized sailing experiences in the Florida Keys, including captained and bareboat charters, sunset cruises, and snorkeling tours.
