Located in the heart of Old Town Key West, the Key West Aquarium offers visitors a fascinating journey into the marine life of the Florida Keys. From sea turtles and tropical fish to stingrays, alligators, and sharks, this historic aquarium combines hands-on experiences with conservation-focused exhibits. Originally opened in 1935, the aquarium remains one of Key West’s most beloved and educational attractions for families, marine life enthusiasts, and history lovers alike.

Recommended For

Key West Aquarium is ideal for:

  • Families seeking interactive animal experiences and educational fun.
  • History buffs interested in Depression-era public works projects.
  • Marine life enthusiasts eager to learn about native species and conservation.
  • Students and educators looking for curriculum-friendly field trips and outreach programs.
  • Visitors to Old Town Key West looking for a cool, hands-on indoor attraction.

Historical Background

  • Built during the Great Depression under the Works Progress Administration Program of 1933.
  • Designed by Dr. Van Deusen as the world’s first open-air aquarium, using natural sunlight to illuminate exhibits.
  • Opened in February 1935, but faced setbacks after a hurricane destroyed the Overseas Railroad later that year.
  • Repurposed by the U.S. Armed Forces in 1943; restored in 1946 to great public acclaim.
  • In 1960, the open-air concept was discontinued and a roof was added to control algae growth.

Main Exhibits

  • The aquarium is divided into six main exhibit areas that showcase native marine and aquatic species:

American Alligators

  • Features alligators aged 1–3 years, on loan from a Florida alligator farm.
  • Once fully grown, gators are replaced with younger ones to ensure safe handling and education.

Atlantic Shores Exhibit

  • A 50,000-gallon saltwater habitat featuring:
    • Tropical fish, game fish, sharks, and sea turtles
    • A living mangrove ecosystem
  • Interactive feeding presentations held three times daily to educate visitors on marine conservation.

Jelly Fish Exhibit

  • Showcases Moon Jelly Fish in a stunning, softly lit environment.
  • Common in Key West waters, they are known for their mild sting and mesmerizing movement.

Sea Turtle Conservation

  • Focuses on rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles of all ages and sizes.
  • Led by resident veterinarian Dr. Douglas Mader.
  • Educational sessions promote safe boating and water conservation.

Shark Feeding Exhibit

  • Features four daily feeding tours with:
    • Nurse sharks, sandbar sharks, and bonnethead sharks
  • Visitors can touch a juvenile nurse shark following the feeding experience.

Stingray Bay

  • A hands-on exhibit where visitors can pet and feed docile stingrays.
  • Interactive 20-minute feeding tours run throughout the day.
  • Some stingrays weigh up to 26 pounds and span 35 inches in width.

Touch Tank Exhibit

  • Offers tactile exploration of local marine life from the Lower Keys, including:
    • Conchs, sea stars, urchins, cucumbers, and crabs
  • Includes historical context of the museum and its connection to Florida Keys ecosystems.

Educational Opportunities

  • The aquarium offers educational programs year-round for:
    • School groups with grade-specific programming
    • Community outreach focused on invasive species and the exotic pet trade
  • All exhibits are designed with an educational mission to increase awareness of marine conservation.

Additional Features

  • The aquarium is also home to:
    • 12 living coral reef tanks
    • Reptile displays
    • Snake exhibits

Planning Your Visit

  • Address: 1 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040
  • Phone: 888-544-5927
  • Website: keywestaquarium.com

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