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
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.
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
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
MOTE Islamorada Coral Nursery
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Florida Keys Research Campuses are dedicated to coral reef science and restoration.
The Lower Keys
Seacamp Association, Inc.
Immersive marine science & adventure summer camp in the Florida Keys just 30 miles from Key West.
Marathon
The Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital — hands-on sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation & education center in Marathon, Florida Keys.
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.
The Lower Keys
WILD about DOLPHINS-Captain Sheri's
Wild About Dolphins — private eco-boat tours and wild dolphin encounters departing from Key West, Florida.
Key Largo
MOTE Key Largo Coral Nursery
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Florida Keys Research Campuses are dedicated to coral reef science and restoration.
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
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
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.
Key Largo
REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation
Explore the REEF Ocean Exploration Center: inspiring ocean discovery and conservation!
Meetings Max
136
Total Space
4000 sq ft
Largest Room
2000 sq ft
