Aquariums
The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center
📍 577 Estuary Shr Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572🌐 www.flaquarium.org/conservation/conservation-campus
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center
The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center is an aquarium in Apollo Beach, FL. Houses a Coral Conservation and Research Center with over 70,000 corals from 17 different species, including a coral spawning laboratory and cryopreservation lab for coral genetic preservation. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 277 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Main Attractions
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center, Coral Conservation and Research Center
- Notable Features
- 70,000+ corals, sea turtle veterinary hospital, deep-dive foraging pool
- Season
- Open November 1 – April 15
- Location
- Apollo Beach, Florida (part of 500-acre Conservation and Technology Center)
💡 Did You Know?
- Houses a Coral Conservation and Research Center with over 70,000 corals from 17 different species, including a coral spawning laboratory and cryopreservation lab for coral genetic preservation
- Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center treats cold-stunned sea turtles from across the United States, with some individuals shipped from as far north as Massachusetts, at a cost of up to $15,000 per turtle rehabilitation
- Part of a 500-acre Florida Conservation and Technology Center partnership that includes multiple facilities: FWC Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center, Manatee Viewing Center, and Clean Energy Center, accessible via free complimentary shuttle service
- Operates seasonally from November 1 to April 15 annually, with the facility designed specifically to treat cold-stunned sea turtles during peak winter months when water temperatures trigger hypothermia in reptiles
- Features behind-the-scenes viewing of a veterinary hospital through floor-to-ceiling glass panels and underwater windows in rehabilitation pools allowing visitors to observe sea turtle medical care and recovery in real-time
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan to visit November-April when cold-stunned sea turtles are most likely to be present for rehabilitation. February is ideal based on visitor reports of 30+ turtles in care. Empty exhibits can occur, so timing maximizes your educational experience.
- Expect to spend 2-4 hours total by combining the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center with the adjacent Manatee Viewing Center, observation tower, and boardwalk trails. Bring a stroller for young children as the complex is spread out, and use the free golf cart shuttle service from overflow parking, though expect short waits during busy times.
- This is completely FREE to visit, but staff recommend donations as sea turtle rehabilitation costs up to $15,000 per turtle. Even modest contributions support the satellite tracking system that monitors released turtles and ongoing conservation research.
- Pack sunscreen, bug spray, hats, water, and snacks before arriving. The facility involves outdoor walking on boardwalks through mangroves and open observation areas with limited shade. Free on-site restrooms are available, making it accessible for families planning extended visits.
- Ask staff members for personalized tours when you arrive—visitors report that staff like Lauren provide exceptional behind-the-scenes insights about individual sea turtles' rescue stories and rehabilitation progress, and can explain the coral spawning laboratory and cryopreservation work happening on-site.
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