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

Captain's Corner Dive Center and Boat Charters

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

Islamorada

MOTE Islamorada Coral Nursery

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

Key West

Sea Monkey Ocean Adventures

Exciting Key West boat tours and ocean adventures — snorkeling, sunset cruises & more.

Key Largo

Dolphins Plus Bayside

Swim with dolphins and experience unforgettable marine encounters in Key Largo.

Marathon

Dolphin Connection

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

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.

Marathon

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

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

Weddings Max
300

The Lower Keys

Florida Keys Nature Store operated by Florida Keys Wildlife Society

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

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

Key Largo

Dolphin Life Key Largo

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

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

Florida Keys Swim with Dolphin Tours and Tickets

Swim, play, or just watch dolphins in their natural habitat 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.