Aquariums
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
📍 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050🌐 www.floridakeysaquariumencounters.com
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–5 PM |
About Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters
Hands-on programs & marine life exhibits. Marine life facility with diving, snorkeling & feeding activities, plus touch tanks, tours & a cafe. Offers rare in-tank diving experiences where uncertified divers can hand-feed blacknose and sand sharks, stingrays, and Florida native fish species—an experience available in very few places in the United States. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,805 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Touch tanks, hand-feed rays and sharks, snorkel in coral reef tank, shark encounters
- Admission
- $20 kids (4-12), $30 adults (13+)
- Hours
- Daily 9am - 5pm
💡 Did You Know?
- Offers rare in-tank diving experiences where uncertified divers can hand-feed blacknose and sand sharks, stingrays, and Florida native fish species—an experience available in very few places in the United States
- Includes seasonal manatee rehabilitation and release programs with public naming contests, indicating an active marine conservation and rescue operation beyond typical aquarium exhibits
- Has been voted 'Best Place To Take The Kids' for 5 consecutive years, demonstrating sustained recognition for family-oriented marine education programming
- Provides free guided facility tours and Q&A sessions with marine biologists included with every admission, positioning marine science education as a core operational feature
- Houses a 300lb grouper and maintains interconnected reef and shark tank systems with coral exhibits, allowing for natural predator-prey observation dynamics
💬 What Visitors Say
- Take advantage of the included guided tour and Q&A sessions with marine biologists that come with admission—multiple reviews highlight this as a standout feature that significantly enhances understanding of the marine life and conservation efforts.
- Don't miss the interactive feeding experiences (stingrays, sharks, turtles, and fish) as these are the most frequently mentioned highlights in reviews. Plan to participate in multiple feeding activities as they're key to the memorable experience.
- Families with toddlers and young children will find this venue exceptionally engaging for all ages—reviews specifically praise it as rare in offering simultaneous appeal to both tiny humans and adults without requiring separate experiences.
- If you're certified or interested in diving, inquire about the coral reef tank dive experience during booking—this unique activity allows even uncertified divers to hand-feed sharks and stingrays in a controlled environment, which is uncommon in the U.S.
- Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the facility and participate in touch tanks, feeding activities, and the guided tour—reviews indicate this is needed to explore all interactive exhibits without rushing.
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