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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Destination
Category
Marathon

The Turtle Hospital

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

The Lower Keys

National Key Deer Refuge

National Key Deer Refuge protects the endangered Key deer and native ecosystems in the Lower Florida Keys — a sanctuary of nature you can explore via trails and observation points.

Marathon

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

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

Weddings Max
300

Key Largo

MOTE Key Largo Coral Nursery

Mote Marine Laboratory’s Florida Keys Research Campuses are dedicated to coral reef science and restoration.

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

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.

Key Largo

REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation

Explore the REEF Ocean Exploration Center: inspiring ocean discovery and conservation!

Meetings Max
136
Total Space
4000 sq ft
Largest Room
2000 sq ft

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.

Marathon

Dolphin Research Center

Non-profit marine center offering dolphin, sea lion, and educational experiences in the Florida Keys.

Weddings Max
140
Meetings Max
140

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 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

Dolphin Life Hospital

Hands-on dolphin encounters, research, and education in an immersive marine setting.

Marathon

Dolphin Connection

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

Key West

Reef Relief

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

The Lower Keys

MOTE - Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration

Mote Marine Laboratory’s Florida Keys Research Campuses are dedicated to coral reef science and restoration.