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Key West Aquarium Tickets in Key West, FL

Mallory Square • Key West, FL 33040

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Overview

Meet Florida’s amazing sea creatures at the historic Key West Aquarium, the island’s very first attraction. Enjoy interactive exhibits like the Touch Tank, shark feeding and sea turtle conservation; learn about the near-shore mangrove environment at the Atlantic Shores exhibit, a 50,000-gallon tank featuring tropical and game fish, and more. Fun for all ages!

1 or more people

Good To Know

A must-do for families with animal-loving kids.
Plan to spend about an hour.
Children ages 3 and under are admitted free.
The Key West Aquarium is a smaller aquarium housed on one-level and wheelchair accessible.
Bring your camera. Photography and video are welcome.
Dogs welcome as long as they're on leashes.
Parking garages available at Westin Resort one block over, and Park and Ride on the corner of Caroline and Grinnell Street where you can park and use the city bus to get downtown.
Metered parking available on several blocks around Mallory Square.

Description

The Key West Aquarium is Key West’s first attraction and was built by the WPA during the Depression. The facility took two years to complete and opened on February 18, 1935. It was the first aquarium in the world to use the open-air concept allowing for natural sunlight to illuminate the concrete marine displays. One of its original purposes was a marine repository for other aquariums from around the country.

In 1943, the US Government leased the Key West Aquarium to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who used it as a rifle range. In 1946, the Aquarium was returned to the city of Key West and restored to its former glory. In the 1960s, the roof was added to the once opened-air aquarium to cut down on algae in the exhibits. More modern methods of illuminating the tanks were slowly being developed and with it came the end of the open-air aquarium.

Today, the Key West Aquarium is home to sharks, turtles, stingrays, tropical and other various fish found in the beautiful waters of Key West. It is actively involved in the conservation of the delicate ecosystem of the Florida Keys.

Aquarium Highlights:

Daily shark and turtle feedings and the Touch Tank offer guests a hands-on experience with the sea life of the surrounding waters.
The Aquarium features a wide variety of fish including grouper, moray eels, barracuda, tropical fish, tarpon, parrotfish, and much, much more.

Parking: Parking is available at Mallory Square or The Westin parking garage.

The following daily presentations are all included in your general admission ticket:

Atlantic Shores Gamefish Tour and Feeding
9:45 AM | 4:45 PM

Sharks! Feeding and Conservation Tour
10:45 AM | 12:45 PM | 2:45 PM

Sea Turtle Conservation Tour
11:15 AM | 1:15 PM | 3:15 PM

Invasive Species Tour
11:45 AM | 3:45 PM

Virtual Offshore Environmental Experience
10:15 AM | 12:15 PM | 2:15 PM | 4:15 PM

North Gallery - Florida Keys Ecosystem Presentation
9:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 2:30 PM | 4:30 PM

Touch Tank Tour
1:45 PM

Promotional Images (21)

Indoor aquariums with marine life at an exhibit, featuring tiled edges and warning signs visible in the background.

Key West Aquarium is located at Mallory Square • Key West, FL 33040

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Frequently Asked Questions about Key West Aquarium

Where is the Key West Aquarium located?

The Key West Aquarium is located on the world-famous Mallory Square, home of the nightly Sunset Celebration. The Aquarium is on the corner of Front St. and Whitehead St. in historic Old Town Key West. The address is #1 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040.

Where do I park?

Parking can be difficult in Old Town. However, there is plenty of metered parking on several blocks around Mallory Square. There is a parking garage at the Westin Resort one block over. There is also a Park and Ride garage located on the corner of Caroline and Grinnell Street where you can park and use the city bus to get downtown.

How much time should I expect to spend in the Key West Aquarium?

Most visitors to the Key West Aquarium spend an average of 45 minutes to an hour.

Are the live presentations included?

Yes. Guests can choose to attend any of Key West Aquarium's public tours / presentations where experts delve a little deeper into one of the Aquarium's exciting exhibits. All presentations are free with your Key West Aquarium tickets and are a good way to learn a little bit more about some of the amazing animals in the Florida Keys.

Do I have to take a tour?

That is entirely up to you if they would like to follow a tour. They recommend browsing the exhibits on your own and making time for a tour if your schedule allows.

How large is the aquarium?

This is a smaller, historical aquarium that first opened in 1935. It is one story and is wheelchair accessible.

What are the Key West Aquarium hours?

The Key West Aquarium is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Hours are 9:30am to 5:30pm. Last entrance is 30 minutes prior to closing time. Hours subject to change. Occasionally the aquarium will close early due to special engagements. Should theses circumstances arise aquarium staff will notify guests in a timely manner.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leashes. The aquarium reserves the right to request the removal of any animal displaying aggressive behavior or for excessive noise.