Discovering the fascinating underwater world of the Florida Keys from a variety of perspectives
Marine life is an integral part of the Florida Keys. Yet between Key Largo and Key West, there is much more to discover than snorkeling and diving. Aquariums, research centers and marine conservation organizations offer insights into the world of dolphins and sea turtles, the work of marine biologists, and the challenges of protecting coral reefs.
The Florida Keys offer visitors a unique way to connect with the marine environment: encountering marine animals up close, learning more about their habitats, and discovering how science and conservation contribute to protecting these ecosystems.
Marine Life Up Close
In Key West, the Key West Aquarium offers an introduction to the marine world of the Florida Keys. Located at historic Mallory Square, the aquarium provides insights into local marine life and coral reef ecosystems. Its touch tanks also allow visitors to get an up-close look at some of the animals that inhabit the surrounding waters.
In Islamorada, Dolphin Life offers educational programs and guided experiences centered around dolphins, providing insights into the animals and their natural habitat. On Grassy Key, between Marathon and Key West, the Dolphin Research Center focuses on bottlenose dolphins and other marine mammals. The nonprofit organization combines research, education and animal rescue.
Wildlife Encounters Meet Conservation
In Marathon, the Turtle Hospital provides medical care and rehabilitation for injured and sick sea turtles, releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. Guided tours offer visitors an inside look at the organization’s work and highlight some of the challenges sea turtles face in Florida’s waters.
From Coral Restoration to Public Exhibits
The Mote Marine Laboratory demonstrates the breadth of marine research taking place throughout the Florida Keys. The research institution operates six locations along the island chain, each with a different focus. From coral research and restoration in Summerland Key, Islamorada and Key Largo to educational and exhibit-based offerings in Marathon and Key West, the opportunities for learning are endless.
Depending on the location and its focus, visitors can learn about coral reefs, marine animals and the marine ecosystems of the Florida Keys, while gaining insights into the research and conservation efforts dedicated to protecting them. In this way, marine science becomes accessible and engaging for the general public.
Protecting our Ecosystem
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary provides the overarching framework for protecting the marine habitats surrounding the island chain. Covering approximately 4,500 square miles, the sanctuary protects coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove habitats, as well as habitats for more than 6,000 species of marine life.
This protection is complemented by places such as John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, the first underwater park in the United States. Visitors can experience coral reefs and the diverse underwater world through snorkeling, diving and glass-bottom boat tours, while also learning more about the importance of these fragile ecosystems.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary brings together conservation, research and education. Scientific projects, educational programs and efforts to preserve marine habitats help make the importance of ocean conservation tangible for visitors as well.
Exploring the World Beneath
In Key Largo, the MarineLab Undersea Park & Museum focuses on the exploration of the underwater world. The facility combines the history of diving with educational and research programs. Its Jules’ Undersea Lab, a former underwater research habitat, can be experienced through the two-day, one-night Aquanaut Adventure. The program combines guided diving and educational sessions with an overnight stay in the underwater habitat, offering participants an immersive introduction to life and research beneath the surface.
Together, these organizations and facilities showcase the marine world of the Florida Keys from a variety of perspectives; from close encounters with marine animals and the rehabilitation of injured wildlife to coral research and the protection of entire ecosystems.
For travelers, they offer another way to experience the Florida Keys. A visit to an aquarium, the Turtle Hospital or the Dolphin Research Center can easily be combined with activities such as snorkeling and diving. At the same time, research and educational institutions provide a deeper understanding of the underwater world that is so integral to life and the identity of the Florida Keys.
The Florida Keys are not only a place to experience the marine world, they are also a place to discover how it is researched, understood and protected.
