Key West Aquarium

1 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040

$22.50

A Deep Dive into Florida’s Historic Waterfront

Discover the wonders of the Florida Keys at the Key West Aquarium, one of the most historic and charming marine attractions in the United States. Located in the heart of Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium has been educating visitors about the fragile ecosystems of the “Conch Republic” since 1934. At the time, the aquarium was the first tourist attraction in the Keys and was also the first open-air aquarium in the United States.

A Living Piece of Key West History

The Key West Aquarium holds the title of the first attraction built in the Florida Keys. Originally designed as an open-air aquarium during the Great Depression, it was part of a massive effort to revitalize the city through tourism. Today, the aquarium is home to different species of fish, coral, jellyfish, turtles, sharks and a plethora of other sea creatures. The nteractive exhibits allow you to get an up-close look at the different species and learn about their unqiue habitats and behaviors.

Touch Tank & Interactive Exhibits

Unlike the massive, hands-off mega-aquariums, the Key West Aquarium offers a high-touch experience:

• Touch Tank: Get hands-on with local invertebrates and feel the texture of a Conch, the prickles of a Sea Urchin, or the smooth surface of a Horseshoe Crab.
• Shark Feedings: Watch the “Shark Talk” presentations where experts feed the resident Nurse Sharks. You’ll learn why these “couch potatoes of the ocean” are vital to the Florida reef system.
• Stingray Bay: Pet the velvety wings of the Cownose Rays as they glide past you in their shallow lagoon.

Sea Turtle Conservation

The aquarium serves as a sanctuary for rescued sea turtles. You can meet several species, including Green Sea Turtles, Loggerheads, and Kemp’s Ridley turtles. Many of these animals are permanent residents due to injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild, and their stories are a true highlight.

Pro-Tips for Your Visit

• Timing the Sunset: If you visit in the late afternoon, you can exit the aquarium just in time for the famous Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. You’ll be in the perfect position to see the street performers and the sun dipping into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Educational Talks: Don’t just walk through! The aquarium hosts guided tours and feedings every 30 to 45 minutes. These are included in your ticket and provide 90% of the value.
• Great for Small Kids: Because the tanks are low and many are open-top, this is arguably the best family-friendly thing to do in Key West for toddlers and elementary-aged children.

Is the Key West Aquarium Wort Visiting in 2026?

Yes, it absolutly is. While smaller than the Miami Seaquarium, the Key West Aquarium offers an intimate, historical, and interactive look at local marine life. For the price and location, it is a high-value stop that captures the quirky spirit of the Florida Keys. Secure your tickets for your Key West trip today!

Frequently Asked Questions