Turtle Hospital Marathon FL
World's first sea turtle hospital dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured sea turtles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Turtle Hospital Marathon FL
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's first sea turtle hospital dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured sea turtles.
"This place is amazing! The work they do is truly incredible. It's a must-see for anyone passionate about sea turtle conservation."
🎯 Book Your Tour Ahead!
Tours at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL are popular and often sell out. Book online to secure your spot!
💧 Bring Water & Wear a Hat
Much of the tour is outdoors. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun during your visit to the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meet the Rescued Sea Turtles
Rehabilitation Tanks
See various sea turtles undergoing treatment, from juvenile green turtles to loggerheads, each with a unique story.
Guided Educational Tour
Hospital Facilities
Learn about the hospital's vital rescue, rehab, and release mission from knowledgeable and passionate guides.
Turtle Hospital Ambulance
Exterior Display
Witness the specialized ambulance used to rescue sea turtles, highlighting the hospital's commitment to swift intervention.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Florida Keys Climate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Tour Ahead!
Tours at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL are popular and often sell out. Book online to secure your spot! 
💧 Bring Water & Wear a Hat
Much of the tour is outdoors. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun during your visit to the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL. +1
💰 Support the Mission
Purchases from the gift shop directly fund the rescue and rehabilitation efforts at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The guides at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask questions to deepen your understanding!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Tour Ahead!
Tours at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL are popular and often sell out. Book online to secure your spot!
💧 Bring Water & Wear a Hat
Much of the tour is outdoors. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun during your visit to the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL. +1
💰 Support the Mission
Purchases from the gift shop directly fund the rescue and rehabilitation efforts at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
The guides at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask questions to deepen your understanding!
🚗 Easy to Find
Located on Overseas Highway, the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL is easily accessible for travelers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL for its incredible mission and the passionate staff. The guided tours are highlighted as highly educational and engaging, offering a deep dive into sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. While the experience is largely outdoors and can be warm, the dedication of the team and the heartwarming stories of the turtles make it a highly recommended stop in the Florida Keys.
"This place is amazing! Lucy introduced us to the sea turtles, and her enthusiasm made the experience even more special. She’s such a well-prepared and fun guide. Beyond her, the entire hospital and its residents are a must-see when passing by.
Definitely worth a visit!"
Federica Fracassetti
"We stopped in here while traveling south, the turtle hospital was suggested by the GuideAlong App. It was nice learning about the mission and work these fine folks are doing for these precious turtles.
We “adopted” Bender, happy to support this place!
Stop by and take the tour!"
Beth Whitehead
"This place is amazing! Majority of the tour is outside, but under shade cloth and not too bad even in the hot weather (but bring some water)
The "Educator" that led our tour was knowledgeable, friendly, and presented well. You can tell all the staff have a passion for the turtles in their care. Would definitely recommend you carve out 90 minutes if you're in the area."
Brett Osborne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Turtle Hospital Marathon FL is located at 2396 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050. It's easily accessible by car along the main highway in Marathon, Florida Keys. Many visitors stop by while driving through the Keys.
Yes, there is parking available at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL for visitors. It's convenient for those arriving by car.
Public transportation options are limited in the Florida Keys. Driving or ride-sharing services are the most common ways to reach the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL.
Most visitors drive to Marathon, FL, as it's part of the scenic Overseas Highway. If flying, the closest major airports are Key West International Airport (EYW) or Miami International Airport (MIA), followed by a drive.
The Turtle Hospital Marathon FL strives to be accessible. While much of the tour is outdoors, they aim to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. It's best to contact them directly for specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL typically cost around $35 per person. Prices can vary, so it's best to check their official website or book in advance.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tour tickets for the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL in advance, as they often sell out, especially during peak season.
The Turtle Hospital Marathon FL typically offers guided tours throughout the day. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current operating hours and tour schedules.
While you can see some areas from the outside, the full experience and educational insights are gained through the guided tours. The tours are essential for understanding the hospital's work.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth checking their website or contacting the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL directly for any potential offers or group rates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL are approximately 90 minutes long and include an educational presentation followed by a guided walk through the facility to see the sea turtles and learn about their rehabilitation.
A guided tour at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL usually lasts about 90 minutes. You might want to allow a little extra time for browsing the gift shop.
The Turtle Hospital Marathon FL treats various species, including Loggerhead, Green, Hawksbill, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, among others. +2
No, you cannot touch the sea turtles. They are wild animals undergoing medical treatment, and direct contact is prohibited to ensure their health and safety. +1
Common reasons include boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic, tumors, and 'cold stunning' due to sudden drops in water temperature.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Turtle Hospital Marathon FL for personal use. However, always be respectful of the animals and staff, and avoid flash photography that might disturb the turtles.
The rehabilitation tanks offer great opportunities to photograph the turtles. The exterior of the hospital and the ambulance can also make for interesting shots.
While generally permitted, avoid intrusive photography. Some areas might have specific signage regarding photography, so always pay attention to posted rules.
Yes, video recording is usually permitted for personal use, similar to photography. Many visitors share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
A standard camera or smartphone is perfectly adequate. The lighting conditions are generally good, and the focus is on capturing the turtles and the hospital's work.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring snacks and drinks, as the tour can be warm. Encourage kids to ask questions and participate in the learning. The gift shop also offers a chance to find a souvenir that supports the hospital's mission.
🌍 Eco-Conscious Travelers
+1 The hospital's commitment to rescue, rehabilitation, and release, coupled with their educational outreach, aligns perfectly with eco-conscious values. Recommendations: Consider making a direct donation or purchasing items from their gift shop to further support their efforts. Learn about simple ways you can reduce your environmental impact on marine life.
+1🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Plan your visit: Book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Combine your visit with other Marathon attractions or enjoy the scenic drive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission: Rescue, Rehab, Release
+1 Their work is crucial for the survival of these vulnerable creatures, addressing threats like boat strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and pollution. The hospital utilizes specialized equipment, including a dedicated ambulance for swift transport of rescued turtles.
The ultimate goal is always to return healthy turtles back to their ocean homes, though some turtles may require permanent sanctuary due to their injuries. Understanding Sea Turtle Health Issues
Another significant problem is the presence of epibionts, like barnacles, which can indicate a turtle's health status and are removed as part of their treatment. Other critical conditions include emaciation with critically low blood levels, tumors, and 'cold stunning' – a hypothermic response to sudden drops in ocean temperatures, particularly during colder months in Florida.
+1 The hospital's dedicated team works tirelessly to diagnose and treat these complex issues, offering a lifeline to these magnificent marine animals. Your Role in Sea Turtle Conservation
The hospital staff emphasize the importance of reducing plastic use, recycling, and being mindful of marine life when boating. +1Supporting the Turtle Hospital through tours and gift shop purchases directly contributes to their ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit