Child playing with dolphin in water, smiling brightly.

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.

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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

Coral Restoration Foundation Exploration Center

The Coral Restoration Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and protecting coral reefs through science, innovative technology, education, and community involvement.

Marathon

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

Explore interactive marine life encounters and touch tanks at Florida Keys Aquarium!

Weddings Max
300

Marathon

The Turtle Hospital

The Turtle Hospital — hands-on sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation & education center in Marathon, Florida Keys.

Key West

Captain's Corner Dive Center and Boat Charters

Dive Key West’s stunning reefs and wrecks with expert guides at Captain’s Corner!

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.

Marathon

Dolphin Connection

Interact with dolphins in their lagoon habitat and help support marine conservation.

Key Largo

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

Rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wild birds at Florida Keys' inspiring sanctuary.

Key Largo

Dolphin Life Key Largo

Hands-on dolphin encounters and marine education in Key Largo.

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.

Islamorada

Robbie's of Islamorada

Robbie’s of Islamorada offers thrilling tarpon feeding, fishing, water sports, and vibrant local dining in the heart of the Florida Keys.

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.

Key West

Reef Relief

Nonprofit protecting and restoring Florida’s coral reefs through science, advocacy, and education.

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.

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.