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
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 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
Theater of the Sea
Theater of the Sea — immersive marine life shows and animal interaction programs in Islamorada, Florida Keys.
Key West
Key West Aquarium
Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!
Weddings Max
150
Meetings Max
150
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.
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
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.
Islamorada
Dolphin Life Hospital
Hands-on dolphin encounters, research, and education in an immersive marine setting.
Key West
Reef Relief
Nonprofit protecting and restoring Florida’s coral reefs through science, advocacy, and education.
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
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.
Key Largo
Mother Ocean Fund
Mother Ocean Fund – A Florida Keys-based nonprofit restoring coral reefs, rescuing marine life and training adaptive divers for aquatic therapy.
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.
Key West
Monroe County Sheriff's Office Animal Farm
Keys Animal Farm is a non-profit sanctuary established in 1994, offering a permanent home to rescued animals in the Florida Keys.
Key Largo
Florida Keys Swim with Dolphin Tours and Tickets
Swim, play, or just watch dolphins in their natural habitat in the Florida Keys.
