Aquarium

The Key West Aquarium, celebrating 90 years, is a historic landmark and the island’s very first attraction. Constructed between 1932 and 1934 and opened in 1935, it became the first open-air aquarium in the United States. Today, this Mallory Square treasure is home to more than 250 species of marine life, including sharks, tropical fish, and four of the five species of sea turtles found in the Florida Keys.

Guests can engage with interactive exhibits such as the Touch Tank, where queen conchs, sea stars, hermit crabs, and horseshoe crabs introduce visitors to the unique ecosystems of the Keys. Conservation is at the heart of the aquarium’s mission, with partnerships supporting organizations like Mote Marine Laboratory, Reef Relief, The Turtle Hospital, and Plant a Million Corals Foundation. These collaborations highlight the importance of preserving coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves that sustain the fragile marine environment.

The aquarium also provides a rare chance to meet non-releasable sea turtles such as Spike the Loggerhead, Lola the Kemp’s Ridley, Rocky the Green, and Hector the Hawksbill. Each turtle shares a powerful story of survival while serving as an ambassador for its species. Exhibits like Atlantic Shores, a 50,000-gallon functioning mangrove ecosystem, showcase the interconnected habitats that support Florida’s marine life.

With its focus on education, conservation, and hands-on interaction, the Key West Aquarium continues a legacy that spans nearly a century. From vibrant coral reef restoration to invasive species awareness and seagrass conservation, every visit supports ongoing efforts to protect the marine wonders of the Florida Keys. Located in the heart of Key West’s Mallory Square, the aquarium invites visitors of all ages to connect with the beauty and importance of ocean life while honoring one of the region’s most enduring institutions.