Key West Aquarium photo
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Key West Aquarium

Step into Florida's first open-air aquarium, a charming window into the vibrant underwater world of Key West.

About

Step into Florida's first open-air aquarium, a charming window into the vibrant underwater world of Key West. This historic attraction, nestled in Mallory Square, provides an intimate and educational experience, allowing visitors to connect with local marine life. It's not just an aquarium; it's a living classroom dedicated to showcasing the unique ecosystems surrounding the Florida Keys, making it a beloved landmark for generations.

Discover a fascinating array of creatures, from majestic Nurse Sharks and graceful Sea Turtles in the Atlantic Shores Exhibit, mimicking a mangrove ecosystem, to playful Stingrays in Stingray Bay. Visitors can marvel at mysterious Moray Eels, impressive Barracuda, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish like Parrotfish and Goliath Groupers. Don't miss the interactive Touch Tank, where you can gently handle conchs, sea stars, and hermit crabs, or the dedicated exhibits for Alligators and mesmerizing Jellyfish. The aquarium also houses a unique "Scavengers of the Deep" exhibit featuring the Giant Isopod.

With daily educational presentations and interactive animal feedings, the Key West Aquarium provides an unforgettable experience that blends entertainment with vital conservation messages. Its intimate setting allows for up-close encounters and opportunities to learn directly from knowledgeable staff about the rich biodiversity of the Florida Keys. This blend of history, education, and hands-on interaction makes it a memorable stop for anyone exploring the island. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

buffs interested in Key West's heritage * Anyone seeking an engaging and educational indoor activity on a hot or rainy day

What to do here

Attend the guided tours and feeding demonstrations for sharks, rays, and sea turtles. These interactive sessions are highly educational and engaging. Explore the various tanks showcasing barracuda, moray eels, and diverse tropical fish. Utilize the touch tank for a hands-on experience.

Seasonal info

Winter (December-February) is peak tourist season with pleasant, mild weather, making it ideal for walking around before or after your aquarium visit. Summer (June-August) offers fewer crowds and cooler indoor relief.

Accessibility

The Key West Aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. Service animals are allowed, and tour script guides can be provided for hearing-impaired guests upon request. Leashed dogs are also welcome.

Don't miss

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Atlantic Shores Exhibit

A 50,000-gallon tank replicating a mangrove ecosystem, home to Nurse Sharks, Tarpon, Groupers, Jacks, and a sea turtle.

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Touch Tank

An interactive experience where visitors can gently touch harmless marine invertebrates like conchs, sea stars, and hermit crabs.

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Stingray Bay

Get up close with Cownose Rays and even participate in feeding them.

4

Shark & Sea Turtle Feedings

Daily presentations offer opportunities to watch animals being fed and learn about them from expert guides.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Time your visit with presentations

Check the daily schedule for shark, sea turtle, and stingray feedings and educational talks. These are highly engaging and included with admission.

Take advantage of the Touch Tank

Don't miss the opportunity for a hands-on encounter with local marine invertebrates.

Consider re-entry

Your admission ticket is often valid for re-entry for two days, allowing you to return for different presentations or simply a second look.

Explore Mallory Square

The aquarium is conveniently located in Mallory Square, making it easy to combine your visit with other nearby attractions and the famous sunset celebration.

Parking

There is no dedicated parking. Metered street parking is available around Mallory Square, and there are parking garages nearby, such as at the Westin Resort or the Park and Ride garage on Caroline and Grinnell Street.

Pet-friendly

Leashed dogs are welcome inside the aquarium.

Frequently asked questions

Visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience at the Key West Aquarium's Touch Tank, where they can gently interact with harmless marine creatures such as conchs, sea stars, slate pencil sea urchins, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs, and horseshoe crabs. You can also touch and feed stingrays in Stingray Bay.
A typical visit to the Key West Aquarium lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours. This duration allows enough time to explore all the exhibits, participate in the interactive touch tank experience, and attend the educational presentations and feeding demonstrations.
Yes, the Key West Aquarium is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring that visitors of all mobility levels can comfortably enjoy the exhibits. Service animals are also permitted, and tour script guides are available for hearing-impaired guests.

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