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
Key Largo
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wild birds at Florida Keys' inspiring sanctuary.
Key Largo
Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1980, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge protects tropical hardwood hammocks, mangroves, and salt marsh habitats as part of the Florida Keys NWRs complex.
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.
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
Mother Ocean Fund
Mother Ocean Fund – A Florida Keys-based nonprofit restoring coral reefs, rescuing marine life and training adaptive divers for aquatic therapy.
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
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
Explore interactive marine life encounters and touch tanks at Florida Keys Aquarium!
Weddings Max
300
Key Largo
Dolphins Plus Bayside
Swim with dolphins and experience unforgettable marine encounters in Key Largo.
Key West
The Underwater Gardener
The Underwater Gardener is a saltwater aquarium shop and working coral farm at 2816 N Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West, tucked into the Overseas Market plaza. It is free to walk in and fully indoors, so you can see living coral, reef fish, and invertebrates up close on a rainy afternoon or a hot August day.
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.
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
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 West
Reef Relief
Nonprofit protecting and restoring Florida’s coral reefs through science, advocacy, and education.
Islamorada
Dolphin Life Hospital
Hands-on dolphin encounters, research, and education in an immersive marine setting.
