How to Visit the World’s Only Turtle Hospital in Marathon, FL

What if the most unforgettable stop in the Keys had flippers – finding their way home?

Meeting a sea turtle, and witnessing it find its way back home, sounds like a wonderful idea. It’s great to ponder that these precious creatures are one way to remind us how peaceful and pleasing the ocean can be. And to help restore them is like returning a missing puzzle piece to something already beautiful.

That’s the mission of the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, a rare rescue center that’s been saving Florida’s endangered sea turtles since 1986. Visitors get an up-close look at their rehabilitation journey, from rescue to recovery. Thousands have been treated after injuries from boat strikes, pollution, and disease. Plus, it is the only veterinary hospital in the world dedicated solely to sea turtles! How awesome that is – and it’s inviting you to be part of the story.

How to Plan Your Visit

Tours Only

The hospital is accessible only by guided tour, offered daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. Each 90-minute visit includes an educational presentation, a tour of the hospital facilities, and a chance to meet current turtle patients in outdoor saltwater tanks.

Book Early

Spots fill fast! Especially on weekends and during peak season (December–April). So, it’s better to reserve online to secure your place.

Admission

• $30 for adults
• $15 for kids ages 4–12
• Free of charge for kids under 4

Location

• 2396 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
• Free on-site parking, don’t worry.

What You’ll Experience

• Step into a working operating room used for the turtle surgeries.
• Learn about ocean threats like fibropapillomatosis and marine debris.
• Feed recovering turtles and hear their rescue stories.
• Witness real-time recovery efforts in the hospital’s open-air rehab tanks.

Insider Tips

Plan your visit around a public turtle release, which often takes place on nearby beaches, which you can visit too! These free community events are deeply moving, and they are a powerful reminder of why this movement exists.

“This place isn’t just a tourist stop—it’s a mission in motion.”
– Local volunteer

Make the Trip Matter

By visiting the Turtle Hospital, you’re directly contributing to sea turtle conservation in the Florida Keys. It’s a family-friendly, meaningful stop that brings real impact and lifelong memories.

Book your tour, pack your camera, and prepare to make it count! Of course, looking for a place to stay? Rentalz offers thoughtfully curated vacation rentals across the Keys, to make your trip as comfortable as it is unforgettable.

Enjoy every moment and don’t forget to leave a mark.