Key West Aquarium, Key West (must see)

Located in famous Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium is one of the oldest aquariums in Florida – built between 1932 and 1934. It also claims to be the first tourist site in the Keys, attracting first-time visitors with its uniqueness.

Originally open-air (one of the first and largest at the time), the aquarium is now home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. It offers interactive experiences, such as touch tanks where visitors can touch and learn about various ocean animals. There are also daily feedings and guided tours that offer educational information about the marine species on display.

One of the most popular exhibits at the aquarium is the shark tank, which contains several species of sharks, including nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, and lemon sharks. Visitors can watch the sharks being fed and learn about their behavior and habitat. The aquarium also has a sea turtle exhibit, where visitors can observe sea turtles up close and learn about their conservation efforts.

The Key West Aquarium is open daily throughout the year; the tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Some people complain about the price, but put this on your list if you prefer aquariums where you can take time looking at each exhibit rather than fighting off crowds for just a peek. The ticket is good for two days and you can go in and out as much as you want.

Why You Should Visit:
The shark feeding is something to see – giant sharks thrash around during feeding time in the outdoor pens and tiny colorful reef fish flit about in small tanks lining the walls inside.
Note some really interesting murals of the local history in a very quaint space.
Tours aren't crowded; you can easily hear what's being said and there is enough breathing room around if you seek to avoid the heat of the day.

Tip:
Check the feeding schedule to take advantage of the full experience.