What it's like
It keeps sharks, stingrays and other sea life in tanks, so visitors see these animals up close without going out on the water.
It is one of the family attractions on the island, and it pairs well with an old town stroll on a day here.
Good to know
- The animals are kept in tanks, not wild, so this is a close look rather than a wildlife sighting.
- The aquarium is one of three family attractions in Key West, along with the butterfly conservatory and the tropical forest garden.
- Wild stingrays, turtles and dolphins are seen from boats in the backcountry, and those trips are booked ahead.
Key West Aquarium
Visitors can touch sea anemones in a touch tank and join guided tours.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Key West backcountry
The Key West backcountry is the shallow water, mangrove islands and sandbars that lie behind the island, reached by boat or kayak. It is a quiet side of Key West, away from Duval Street.
Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center
A free natural history museum at Truman Annex Waterfront, with a 2,500-gallon reef aquarium and a short film on the Keys.
Old Town and Duval area
The Old Town and Duval area is the walkable heart of Key West, where historic homes, courtyards and gardens sit beside a busy strip of shops, bars and cafes.
Key West City Cemetery
Key West City Cemetery is an old burial ground in the middle of town, known for its above-ground tombs and playful gravestones. Visitors come to wander the paths and read the inscriptions.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Stingrays, turtles and dolphins
