Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters Marathon FL
Dive into hands-on marine encounters! Feed stingrays, snorkel with fish, and touch sea creatures in this interactive Florida Keys attraction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Scheduled feedings are a must-see!
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters Marathon FL
Best Time
Scheduled feedings are a must-see!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into hands-on marine encounters! Feed stingrays, snorkel with fish, and touch sea creatures in this interactive Florida Keys attraction.
"Amazing aquarium if you value interactivity and information first when picking a spot."
🎯 Book an Encounter!
Purchasing an 'encounter' or feed pass enhances the experience significantly.
💧 Get Ready to Get Wet
Most interactive activities involve getting wet, so dress accordingly!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stingray Feeding Frenzy
Lagoon
Friendly stingrays swim right up to you for a gentle pet and a tasty snack. A crowd favorite for all ages!
Snorkel with the Fishes
Snorkel Lagoon
Get face-to-fin with colorful fish and even feed them by hand. More predictable than ocean snorkeling!
Nurse Shark Encounter
Predator Reef Tank
Safely interact with and feed these gentle giants. An unforgettable experience for marine life enthusiasts.
Touch Tanks Galore
Various Touch Pools
Explore a variety of marine invertebrates like starfish, sea urchins, and crabs up close.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Interactive Experience
Plan for Weather & Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book an Encounter!
Purchasing an 'encounter' or feed pass enhances the experience significantly.
💧 Get Ready to Get Wet
Most interactive activities involve getting wet, so dress accordingly!
⏰ Allow 3+ Hours
You'll want ample time for self-guided tours and scheduled feedings.
🌧️ Rain or Shine Fun
Many areas are shaded, and getting wet is part of the fun!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book an Encounter!
Purchasing an 'encounter' or feed pass enhances the experience significantly.
💧 Get Ready to Get Wet
Most interactive activities involve getting wet, so dress accordingly!
⏰ Allow 3+ Hours
You'll want ample time for self-guided tours and scheduled feedings.
🌧️ Rain or Shine Fun
Many areas are shaded, and getting wet is part of the fun!
📸 Photo Packages Available
Capture your memorable encounters with optional photo packages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters for its highly interactive and educational experience, with many highlighting the friendly staff and the unique opportunity to feed and touch marine life. While some find it a bit pricey, most agree the hands-on encounters are well worth the cost for the memorable fun and learning opportunities it provides.
"Amazing aquarium if you value interactivity and information first when picking a spot. There are three all day touch activities (manta rays, isopod/crab, starfish/horseshoe crab/sea urchin). You can buy food, pay to have a specific encounter, and watch scheduled feedings. There is a free guided tour that took half an hour or twenty minutes that was awesome to get a feel for what to do at the place. It was raining when we visited and it was honestly fine since if you want to interact you have to get wet anyways. Each main area is shaded so you only get rain walking in between.
We love nurse sharks and so that was the activity we paid for. Lily was an awesome guide and there is a camera so you can remember each person's encounter that takes a picture of each stage of the activity for each person participating, if you get all the photos. I paid 15$ for it and I think it was worth it since I remember better with a photo. The only thing I wish for is a second round because I had such a fun time! Very affordable compared to the other nurse sharks encounters in the area and extremely focused on safety. I would trust a kid to be safe in that interaction."
Victoria Hutchison
"It was an awesome encounter to see all the sea life there! They have plenty of stingrays that are more than friendly and swim up to you to pet them. There was a nurse shark demonstration too! You have plenty of opportunity to feed sea life there! A little pricey, but I get it! Great experience!"
Carrie Yarnold
"This was a very nice experience. The staff were friendly and it didn't feel overly commercialized. As a certified diver I did the reef adventure and it was definitely worth it to see so many fish in one place. The dive included fish food and I got to feed the rays, fish and sharks. You are allowed to touch the animals which was a rare treat. The website says 90 minutes but with 2 drivers it went a lot faster. We were in the water for maybe 50 minutes.
The rest of the aquarium facility was great. The touch tanks were fun and the staff were not overly burdensome or sticklers. It felt very welcoming and pleasant.
I spent about 3 hours here total."
Victor Edwards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is located at 11710 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050. It's easily accessible by car along the Overseas Highway (US-1). Parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options are limited in the Florida Keys. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the aquarium. Consider ride-sharing services if you're not driving.
The Overseas Highway (US-1) is the main artery. Be prepared for potential traffic, especially during peak season. Enjoy the scenic drive!
Marathon offers other attractions like the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center, making it a great base for a day of exploration.
Driving from Key West typically takes about 1 hour, while from Key Largo it's around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary. Children are typically around $20 and adults around $30. Special encounters and feeding passes have additional costs. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets or specific encounters in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or for popular experiences, to guarantee your spot.
General admission usually grants access to the facility, touch tanks, and viewing areas. Special feeding opportunities and hands-on encounters often require separate purchases.
Look out for potential discounts for groups, military, or local residents. It's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead.
The aquarium is typically open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. It's best to verify current hours on their official website before your visit.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Visitors rave about feeding the stingrays, snorkeling with fish, and the nurse shark encounter. The touch tanks are also a huge hit for all ages.
Yes! You can purchase food passes to feed stingrays, tarpon, and other lagoon residents. Specific encounters also include feeding opportunities.
Absolutely! It's designed to be highly interactive and educational for kids. The touch tanks and feeding opportunities are particularly engaging for younger visitors.
Don't worry! Many areas are shaded, and the interactive activities often involve getting wet anyway. Rain won't spoil the fun.
Most visitors spend around 3 hours to fully enjoy the self-guided tours, touch tanks, and scheduled feeding demonstrations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering food and drinks. You can also purchase animal feed here for interactive experiences.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the attraction. It's best to check their specific policy.
The cafe typically offers casual fare like sandwiches, snacks, and beverages suitable for a quick bite during your visit.
Marathon has numerous restaurants along the Overseas Highway offering a variety of cuisines, from casual seafood shacks to more formal dining.
Prices at on-site cafes can be slightly higher than off-site options, but it's convenient for a meal during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that might disturb the animals.
Yes, they offer photo packages for specific encounters, like the nurse shark interaction, where they capture your experience.
The stingray lagoon, the Predator Reef tank, and the various touch pools offer great opportunities for unique shots.
The interactive nature means you'll get dynamic shots. The staff are often helpful in positioning you for the best photo opportunities during encounters.
Absolutely! Most visitors use their smartphones for photos and videos. Ensure your phone is protected if you're participating in water activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Even if it rains, the experience is still fantastic as many activities involve getting wet anyway.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks or planning a picnic lunch at a nearby park can also help save money.
💑 Couples & Adults
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Interactive Marine Encounters
Beyond feeding, the touch tanks offer a tactile exploration of smaller marine creatures such as starfish, sea urchins, and crustaceans.
This direct contact is a fantastic way for both children and adults to learn about marine biology in a fun and engaging manner. The aquarium's focus is on providing an educational and memorable experience that fosters a connection with marine life. Even if you opt out of paid encounters, the general admission provides ample opportunities for interaction. The guided tours are highly praised for their informative content and engaging delivery, helping visitors understand the behaviors and needs of the animals.
Navigating the Florida Keys & Marathon
When planning your visit to Marathon, consider combining it with other local attractions. The Turtle Hospital, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, is a highly recommended nearby spot.
For those without a car, ride-sharing services can be an option, though they may be less frequent or more expensive than in larger cities. Public transportation is very limited in the Keys. Therefore, having your own vehicle or renting one is generally the most practical approach for exploring Marathon and the surrounding areas.
Family-Friendly Fun
The touch tanks are a particular highlight, allowing kids to safely explore different textures and shapes of marine life. The opportunity to feed animals like stingrays is often described as a magical experience for younger visitors. The aquarium's educational focus, combined with the fun activities, makes it a great learning experience. Guides are often noted for their ability to engage children and explain complex marine concepts in an understandable way.
Even on a rainy day, the facility offers plenty of covered and indoor areas, ensuring that the fun doesn't stop. While there is a cafe on-site, families might also consider packing snacks or planning for a meal at one of Marathon's many casual eateries to manage costs and cater to picky eaters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit