The Turtle Hospital in Marathon
Located in Marathon, Florida, The Turtle Hospital is a nonprofit rescue, rehabilitation, and release center dedicated to sick and injured sea turtles. Since opening in 1986, the facility has combined veterinary care, conservation, and public education to help protect these remarkable marine animals. A visit here is typically centered on a guided educational tour, giving guests a closer look at the challenges sea turtles face in Florida waters and the work required to return as many as possible to the wild.
Things to Do at The Turtle Hospital
- Take a Guided Tour
Most visits are built around a reservation-based guided tour of the hospital and its mission:- Learn about the sea turtle species commonly found in Florida waters, including green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and Kemp’s ridley turtles.
- See rehabilitation tanks and tour-accessible care areas while staff explain how injured turtles are evaluated and treated.
- Discover common threats to sea turtles, such as boat strikes, fishing line entanglement, marine debris, and fibropapillomatosis, a tumor-forming disease that affects many turtles in the region.
- Meet the Resident Sea Turtles
The Turtle Hospital cares for some permanent residents that cannot be released back into the wild:- Meet turtles that have survived severe injuries or long-term health challenges.
- Hear the story of how each turtle arrived at the hospital and why some remain in human care.
- View turtles up close in large saltwater tanks designed for recovery, long-term care, and observation.
- Learn About Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Tours explain how the hospital’s rehabilitation program works from intake to possible release:- Understand how exams, imaging, wound care, surgery when needed, specialized diets, and medication can help turtles recover.
- See how staff monitor strength, buoyancy, and overall health before a turtle is considered ready for release.
- Watch for Turtle Release Opportunities
On select dates, rehabilitated turtles may be returned to the ocean:- Public release opportunities may be announced when a turtle has completed rehabilitation and conditions are appropriate.
- Release details can change quickly, so check the hospital’s official channels for the latest information.
- Explore Educational Exhibits
The facility includes interpretive displays focused on sea turtle conservation:- Learn about the sea turtle life cycle, nesting, migration, and the role of healthy coastal habitats.
- Understand the environmental challenges turtles face, including pollution, habitat disturbance, and light impacts on nesting beaches.
Additional Activities
- Support Conservation Efforts
Visitors can help support the hospital’s mission by:- Shopping for gifts and educational items, with proceeds supporting sea turtle care and conservation programs.
- Making a donation or symbolically adopting a turtle through the hospital’s support programs.
- Check for Ways to Get Involved
Guests interested in deeper involvement can visit the official website for current volunteer, internship, event, or donation opportunities, as availability may change.
Amenities & Facilities
- Educational Tour Experience: Guided tours include conservation information, turtle stories, and access to tour-approved viewing areas.
- Rehabilitation Tanks: Saltwater tanks house turtles receiving short-term care as well as some long-term residents.
- Gift Shop: A small shop offers souvenirs and educational items that help support the nonprofit mission.
- Parking and Restrooms: Visitor parking and basic facilities are available on site.
Accessibility
The Turtle Hospital aims to provide an accessible experience for a wide range of visitors, but accommodations may vary by tour setup and daily operations.
- Accessible Routes: Much of the visitor path is level and easier to navigate than many outdoor attractions in the Keys.
- Tour Assistance: Guests with mobility or accessibility needs should contact the hospital in advance for the latest guidance.
- Parking: Accessible parking spaces may be available near the entrance.
Tips for Visiting The Turtle Hospital
- Book in Advance: Tours are popular and often require advance reservations.
- Check Current Hours: Tour times, admission details, and availability may vary by date.
- Allow About 90 Minutes: Many visitors should plan on roughly an hour and a half for the guided experience.
- Dress for the Keys: Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and comfortable shoes are a smart choice.
- Follow Animal-Care Rules: Listen to staff instructions and respect any photography or viewing restrictions in sensitive care areas.
- Support the Cause: Donations and gift shop purchases help fund treatment, rehabilitation, and education efforts.
Map & Location
Nearby Attractions
- Sombrero Beach: A popular Marathon beach for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying family-friendly shoreline views.
- Seven Mile Bridge: One of the Florida Keys’ most iconic drives, known for sweeping ocean vistas.
- Crane Point Hammock Museum and Nature Center: Explore nature trails, local history, and native Keys habitats nearby.
- Dolphin Research Center: Another well-known Middle Keys attraction focused on marine life education.
Why Visit The Turtle Hospital?
The Turtle Hospital in Marathon offers one of the Florida Keys’ most meaningful wildlife experiences. It combines a memorable up-close encounter with sea turtles and a deeper understanding of the real conservation work happening behind the scenes. Whether you are traveling with kids, love marine life, or simply want to support a worthwhile local nonprofit, this stop delivers an educational visit with lasting impact.
For current tour reservations, hours, release updates, and visitor information, visit: https://www.turtlehospital.org/ 
