The Turtle Hospital is a working sea turtle rescue and veterinary centre in Marathon, at 2396 Overseas Hwy. Its guided tour takes you through the rehabilitation facilities, where you can learn how sick and injured turtles are treated and see patients up close. The hospital opened in 1986 and also works on public education, research and protecting turtle habitats. Tours include a presentation and a visit to the tanks; feeding the permanent residents is part of the programme. It suits families with children and anyone interested in marine conservation.
A working hospital for sea turtles
The Turtle Hospital opened in Marathon in 1986. It rescues and treats sick and injured sea turtles, with the aim of returning them to the wild when their health allows. Some turtles stay as permanent residents because their conditions prevent release.
The centre is housed on the grounds of a former motel. Its work goes beyond veterinary care: the hospital also educates the public, supports research with state universities and works toward measures that protect beaches and waters for sea turtles. The facility treats loggerhead, green, hawksbill and Kemp’s ridley turtles.
What happens on the tour
The visit is guided and combines an educational presentation with a walk through the hospital and rehabilitation area. You’ll learn about sea turtle species, the injuries and illnesses that bring animals into care, and the steps involved in rehabilitation. The tour gives you a close view of turtles in the tanks, including patients still recovering and permanent residents.
At the end of the programme, guests are invited to feed the permanent residents. The hospital is a real veterinary facility, not an aquarium, so the turtles you see are there because they need care or cannot return to the wild. What is in the tanks can change as patients recover and are released.
Plan your visit in Marathon
Find the hospital at 2396 Overseas Hwy in Marathon, near mile marker 48.5 on the bayside. The tour takes about 90 minutes. Book in advance, particularly during busy periods, to help secure a place and avoid waiting for a tour to begin.
Parts of the visit take place outdoors, so sunscreen and water are useful in hot weather. The staff provides cold water and visitors can move into air-conditioned areas for a break. The facility has accessible parking, an accessible entrance and an accessible restroom.
Sea turtle nesting season in the Florida Keys runs from May through October. That does not mean you are likely to see a turtle laying eggs: nesting generally happens at night on protected beaches. If a release is important to your plans, ask whether one is scheduled when you make your reservation; it is not a regular part of every visit.
FAQ
How long does a Turtle Hospital tour take?
The guided tour takes about 90 minutes and includes a presentation and a visit to the hospital and rehabilitation tanks.
Do I need to reserve a tour?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy periods, as tours can fill up.
Can you feed the turtles?
Guests are invited to feed the permanent residents at the end of the programme.
Where is the Turtle Hospital?
It is at 2396 Overseas Hwy in Marathon, near mile marker 48.5 on the bayside.
When is sea turtle nesting season in the Florida Keys?
Nesting season runs from May through October. Nesting usually happens at night on protected beaches, so a visit during those months does not guarantee a sighting.
