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

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

Florida Keys Wild Bird Center

Rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wild birds at Florida Keys' inspiring sanctuary.

Key Largo

Dolphin Life Key Largo

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

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

Dolphin Research Center

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

The Lower Keys

Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge

Protected sanctuary in the Florida Keys for wading birds, sea turtles, and marine life.

Key Largo

Florida Keys Swim with Dolphin Tours and Tickets

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

Key Largo

MOTE Key Largo Coral Nursery

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

Islamorada

MOTE Islamorada Coral Nursery

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

Key Largo

Capt. Sterling's Everglades Tour

Captain Sterling's Everglades Eco-Tours offers personalized, small-group boat excursions through the Everglades National Park, Pennekamp Park, and Florida Bay, led by experienced guides passionate about wildlife conservation.

Key West

Key West Aquarium

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

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.

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

Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)

Explore ocean conservation with REEF's citizen science, education, and marine programs.