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 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.

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.

The Lower Keys

Florida Keys Nature Store operated by Florida Keys Wildlife Society

Nature-themed gifts and educational items supporting Florida Keys wildlife conservation.

Marathon

The Turtle Hospital

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

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.

Key West

Reef Relief Environmental Center

Reef Relief is a Key West nonprofit dedicated to protecting coral reef ecosystems through science-based advocacy, public education, community outreach, and the Plastic Free 305 certification program — with a free Environmental Center at the Historic Seaport introducing visitors and students to the wonders and threats of Florida's coral reefs.

Islamorada

Theater of the Sea

Theater of the Sea — immersive marine life shows and animal interaction programs in Islamorada, Florida Keys.

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

Key West Aquarium

Explore Key West Aquarium's vibrant marine life and interactive touch tanks!

Weddings Max
150
Meetings Max
150

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.

Marathon

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

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

Weddings Max
300

Islamorada

Dolphin Life Hospital

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

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.