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Theater of the Sea

Discover marine marvels at Theater of the Sea, a charming and historic animal park in the Florida Keys.

About

Discover marine marvels at Theater of the Sea, a charming and historic animal park in the Florida Keys. Established in 1946, this family-owned attraction offers a unique blend of interactive animal encounters, captivating shows, and a commitment to conservation, all nestled within lush tropical gardens and natural saltwater lagoons. It's an intimate setting where visitors can connect deeply with marine life and learn about the importance of protecting our oceans.

The park boasts engaging shows featuring Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, playful California sea lions, and vibrant parrots, showcasing their intelligence and charm. Beyond the spectacles, guests can embark on a fish and reptile tour to observe tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, alligators, and crocodiles in their naturalistic habitats. A lagoon-side beach offers a tranquil spot to relax, swim, or even snorkel among the tropical fish.

Theater of the Sea stands out for its up-close and personal experiences, allowing visitors to not just watch, but often interact with the animals. Whether it's swimming with a dolphin, meeting a sea lion, or simply enjoying the beautiful surroundings, the park provides memorable moments and fosters a greater appreciation for the diverse ecosystem of the Florida Keys. Its mission emphasizes providing a wonderful home for its animals while inspiring awareness and sensitivity towards wildlife and the environment. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

Theater of the Sea's story began in 1946 when Helen McKenney and her husband opened it as a small, roadside attraction, driven by Helen's passion for marine life. Starting with a handful of dolphins and sea lions, they offered daily shows to travelers passing through the Florida Keys. The park was built on a former rock quarry, which supplied material for Henry Flagler's railroad, and its lagoons are fed by 12 million gallons of ocean water daily. Throughout its history, Theater of the Sea has remained family-owned and operated, evolving into a world-class marine attraction. In the 1960s, the park pioneered conservation efforts by rehabilitating and releasing injured sea turtles and was one of the first facilities globally to successfully breed Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in captivity, raising significant awareness for marine life protection.

What to do here

Attend the various animal shows, take the guided marine life tour, explore the tropical gardens, relax at the beach, and consider booking one of the many interactive animal programs for an unforgettable experience.

Seasonal info

The Florida Keys have a tropical climate. Summer can be hot and humid with a higher chance of rain, while winter is generally mild and dry. Animal activity remains consistent throughout the year due to the consistent climate.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Don't miss

Dolphin Shows

Watch Atlantic bottlenose dolphins perform impressive behaviors.

Sea Lion Shows

Enjoy the playful antics and intelligence of California sea lions.

Parrot Shows

Be entertained by colorful parrots demonstrating tricks and intelligence.

Fish and Reptile Tour

See sharks, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, alligators, and crocodiles.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Green Iguana

Brown Pelican

Brown Anole

Nurse Shark

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive early to allow ample time to see all the shows and exhibits without rushing.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking around the park's grounds.

Bring swimwear and towels if you plan to utilize the lagoon-side beach or participate in water-based interactions.

Book animal interaction programs in advance, as they often have limited availability and require reservations.

Stay for the continuous shows; you can join any show in progress and move between different presentations.

Photography is generally permitted, but check for any restrictions during animal interaction programs.

Frequently asked questions

: At Theater of the Sea, you can see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, various species of parrots, tropical fish, sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, alligators, and crocodiles. The park offers shows featuring dolphins, sea lions, and parrots, along with a guided fish and reptile tour.
: Yes, Theater of the Sea is known for its interactive animal programs. Visitors can participate in experiences like swimming with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, or rays. Other interactions include meeting sea turtles, alligators, and parrots, and even creative activities like painting with dolphins or sea lions.
: Yes, Theater of the Sea is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that visitors with mobility needs can enjoy the park's attractions and shows.