Key West Wildlife & Eco-Activities
For those inspired by nature, find off-the-beaten-path experiences. Allow us to help you plan your perfect adventure.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park Website Only accessible via boat or seaplane. Dry Tortugas National Park is comprised of seven islands roughly 70 miles off of Key West. Explore the park on a guided tour, dive below the surface or lead yourself through the remains of the fort.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Key West Aquarium
If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with the sharks, turtles, stingrays and other tropical fish, now you can. The Key West Aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea life and is actively involved in the conservation of the delicate ecosystem of the Florida Keys.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Dolphin Research Center
Spend a day playing with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. The Center offers a variety of programs, including: Trainer for a Day, Researcher for a Day, Dolphin Encounter, and Dolphin Dip. The Dolphin Research Center is located about 1 hour north of Key West; it is open 7 days a week and does require advance reservations for all interactive dolphin programs.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
National Key Deer Refuge
Roughly 30 miles north of Key West, view the unique deer species of the Keys at the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory is a magical experience. Walk through a habitat made up of a variety of birds, flora, and butterflies – thousands of butterflies! Here, you’ll be able to learn about the migration and life cycle of these graceful creatures.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Bird Watching
With over 200 species of birds migrating through the Keys throughout the year, there is always a new species to view. While here, be sure to keep an eye out for frigate birds whose feathers weigh more than their skeletons! Also, watch out for the osprey that nest on the utility poles in the early months of Spring.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Learn about our fragile Keys ecosystem at the eco-discovery center. Wander through over 6,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, including a mock-up of Aquarius, the world’s only underwater ocean laboratory. Don't miss this chance to learn about the Key West ecosystem.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Turtle Kraals Museum
Once home to turtle processing and canning, Key West is now an advocate for the sea turtles. Let a tour guide explain the importance of preserving the environment in the world’s only sea turtle museum.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Audubon House and Gardens
Visit the home of the tropical gardens that inspired the Audubon guides. You’ll be able to see a variety of First Edition Audubon works by the world-renowned ornithologist, John James Audubon. The Key West Audubon Tropical Gardens will awe nature lovers with its impressive native and exotic plants.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden
Our tropical environment, with ample rainfall, allows most trees to retain their leaves in the dry season (December through late May). The Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden is home to many endangered and threatened flora and fauna.
Wildlife & Eco-Activities
Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The only underwater state park in the country, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located on Key Largo, covers more than 65 square miles. Take a glass-bottom boat tour of the area or get up and close and personal with snorkeling or scuba diving
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Events Calendar
Good times and good vibes are always on deck. Check out our activities and the local music scene at Ocean Key Resort and Sunset Pier.
Jun05Snorkel Experience
Dive into the 3rd largest coral barrier reef in the world and the only barrier reef in the continental United States.
Date: May 8 - June 26, 2026
Time: Friday's, varies by tour operator
Location: Off-Site (Catamaran / Key West waters)
Jun06Sunset Sails
There is nothing quite like a Key West sunset, and the second-best place to view one (after the Sunset Pier, of course) is out on the water.
Date: May 9, 2026 - June 27, 2026
Time: Saturday's, Varies (sunset)
Location: Off-Site (Key West waters)
Jun07World Class Fishing
The Florida Keys are known for amazing fishing. From the flats and shallows, sight fishing for permit, tarpon or bonefish or in the deeper waters of the backcountry, on the hunt for snapper, grouper or tuna.
Date: May 10, 2026 - June 28, 2026
Time: Sunday's, Varies by charter
Location: Off-Site (Florida Keys waters)
Jun09Double Dip Snorkel Trip
Explore the turquoise waters of the 3rd largest coral barrier reef, teeming with fish, coral, sea turtles and more.
Date: May 12, 2026 - June 30, 2026
Time: Tuesday's, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Off-Site (Catamaran / Key West reef)
Jun10Zero Duval Scavenger Hunt
Experience a one-of-a-kind, interactive scavenger hunt in the downtown area of Old Town, starting at Zero Duval.
Date: May 13, 2026 - June 24, 2026
Time: Wednesday's, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Old Town Key West (starts at Zero Duval)
Jun11Haunted Tours
Explore the SPOOKY side of Key West with a haunted historical tour.
Date: May 14, 2026 - June 25, 2026
Time: Thursday evenings (varies by operator)
Location: Off-Site (Key West – walking or trolley tour)
Jun11Ocean Key Lime Bike Tour
Sightseeing the Key West way with a leisurely island bike tour that can be done in flip flops!
Date: May 14, 2026 - June 25, 2026
Time: Thursday's, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Key West (guided bike tour)
Jun11Key West Farmers Market
Visit the Key West Farmers Market every Thursday at the Truman Waterfront.
Date: May 14, 2026 - June 25, 2026
Time: Thursday's, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Truman Waterfront
Jul23Hemingway Days
Fans of Ernest Hemingway’s literary greatness and vigorous life – including scores of bearded Hemingway look-alikes
Date: July 23 - 27, 2026
Time: Varies by event
Location: Key West (Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval St., and other venues)
Oct16Fantasy Fest
Fantasy Fest turns Key West into a spectacle of masked processions, parties, contests and dances attended by tens of thousands.
Date: October 16 -25, 2026
Time: Varies by event
Location: Key West (multiple venues)
