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
MOTE Key Largo Coral Nursery
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Florida Keys Research Campuses are dedicated to coral reef science and restoration.
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.
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 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
The Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital — hands-on sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation & education center in Marathon, Florida Keys.
Islamorada
Theater of the Sea
Theater of the Sea — immersive marine life shows and animal interaction programs in Islamorada, Florida Keys.
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 Wild Bird Center
Rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wild birds at Florida Keys' inspiring sanctuary.
Key West
Key West Wildlife Center (24 hour rescues)
Rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife in Key West to protect nature.
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
Morning Star Sailing Charters
Morning Star Sailing Charters offers personalized sailing experiences in the Florida Keys, including captained and bareboat charters, sunset cruises, and snorkeling tours.
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.
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.
