Aquariums
Key West Aquarium
📍 1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040🕐 Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–6 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–6 PM |
About Key West Aquarium
Aquarium with tours & a touch tank. Aquarium featuring a touch tank with horseshoe crabs, sea urchins & sea stars, plus guided tours. The aquarium houses four of the five sea turtle species found globally, making it a significant collection for a small island attraction. Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars by 2,999 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Historic Milestone
- First open-air aquarium in the United States, operating since 1935
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Touch Tank, daily shark & turtle feedings, 250+ marine specimens, sea turtle conservation
- Admission
- From $19.94 adults; combo packages from $34.98
💡 Did You Know?
- The aquarium houses four of the five sea turtle species found globally, making it a significant collection for a small island attraction
- The aquarium is designed to feel like the interior of an old ship, creating an immersive and thematic experience unique to its physical design
- The venue is celebrating its 90th anniversary, indicating it has been operating since approximately 1934, making it a historic Key West institution
- The aquarium features over 250 specimens across multiple species and offers presentations every 30 minutes with knowledgeable staff conducting daily shark, turtle, and big game fish feedings
- The aquarium operates active sea turtle rescue and protection conservation programs as part of its educational mission
💬 What Visitors Say
- Attend the presentations scheduled every 30 minutes to maximize your visit — they cover sharks, sea turtles, large fish, and conservation topics. These talks are highly informative and can extend your stay from 20 minutes to over an hour.
- Take advantage of the 2-day admission pass to spread your visit across two days. This is especially valuable since the aquarium is compact and pairs well with other Key West attractions in Mallory Square.
- Arrive early to catch the daily shark and turtle feedings, and don't miss the touch tank — both are highly popular with visitors. Also check the back area for wild fish and manatees, a unique feature many visitors overlook.
- Children under 4 visit free, making this an affordable option for families. The aquarium is kid-friendly with the touch tank and staff presentations, though plan for 1-2 hours depending on how many demonstrations you attend.
- Look for discount coupons before visiting, as multiple reviewers noted the admission price is steep for the aquarium's size, but becomes worthwhile with a coupon.
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