Unlock the wonders of the ocean at the Key West Aquarium with its affordable admission prices. Guests can dive into the immersive experiences, from encountering sharks and starfish firsthand to exploring the captivating exhibits that showcase the local marine ecosystem. With a flexible cancellation policy and the convenience of reserve now and pay later, planning the perfect day at this top-rated attraction has never been easier. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply seeking a unique family adventure, the Key West Aquarium promises an unforgettable journey beneath the waves.
Key Points
- Ticket prices start at $22.56 per person with a flexible cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
- Visitors can reserve tickets now and pay later, making advanced planning easier without immediate payment.
- The aquarium offers hands-on experiences, including touching sharks and holding starfish, as well as daily feeding shows for sharks and sea turtles.
- Exhibits showcase a captivating array of local marine life, including tropical and game fish, eels, barracuda, and vibrant parrotfish.
- The aquarium, established in 1934, is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM and is located in Mallory Square, a historic fixture in Key West.
Ticket Pricing and Cancellation
The Key West Aquarium offers affordable tickets, starting from a reasonable $22.56 per person.
Visitors can take advantage of the flexible cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Plus, the aquarium provides a convenient reserve now and pay later option, enabling guests to secure their spot without any upfront payment. This makes planning a trip to the aquarium easier and more accessible, as visitors can book their tickets in advance without worrying about immediate payment.
With a valid ticket, guests can explore the aquarium’s diverse marine life and unique experiences for a full day, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable visit.
Aquarium Highlights and Experiences
Visitors to the Key West Aquarium can look forward to a hands-on experience with marine life, including the chance to touch sharks and hold starfish.
The aquarium offers daily feeding shows for sharks and sea turtles at 11:00, 13:00, and 16:30, giving guests a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these fascinating creatures.
Visitors can also discover a diverse array of marine life, from grouper and eels to barracuda, tropical fish, tarpon, and parrotfish.
The aquarium’s unique Touch Tank experience allows guests to get up close and personal with harmless, gentle creatures, providing an unforgettable and interactive learning experience.
With its rich variety of exhibits and interactive displays, the Key West Aquarium offers a truly immersive and engaging visit.
Marine Life Exhibits
Guests can explore a captivating array of marine life exhibits at the Key West Aquarium, showcasing the diverse wonders of the local ecosystem.
From the 50,000-gallon tank brimming with colorful tropical and game fish to the Atlantic Shores exhibit highlighting mangrove environments, the aquarium offers an immersive journey through the vibrant underwater world.
Visitors can marvel at the graceful movements of groupers, eels, and barracuda, as well as the vibrant hues of parrotfish and tarpon.
The iconic touch tank allows guests to gently interact with harmless creatures, fostering a deeper appreciation for the delicate marine life.
Whether you’re a seasoned ocean enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the Key West Aquarium’s exhibits promise to captivate and educate.
Aquarium History and Features
Established in 1934, the Key West Aquarium proudly stands as the city’s first major attraction, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the diverse marine life of the region.
Housing a 50,000-gallon tank, the aquarium showcases a vibrant array of tropical and game fish, from grouper and eels to barracuda and parrotfish.
Guests can also explore the Atlantic Shores exhibit, which highlights the lush mangrove environments that are essential to the local ecosystem.
Open 365 days a year from 10 AM to 6 PM, the aquarium provides a unique and educational experience for all ages, inviting visitors to discover the wonders of the underwater world.
Visiting Hours and Location
The Key West Aquarium operates daily from 10:00 to 18:00, welcoming visitors 365 days a year to explore its captivating exhibits and experiences.
Located in the heart of Mallory Square, the aquarium’s iconic building has been a fixture in Key West since 1934, making it the city’s first attraction.
Upon arrival, guests will find the aquarium nestled at 1 Whitehead Street, just steps away from the lively waterfront and historic downtown.
With ample parking nearby, it’s easy to plan a visit and take in the aquarium’s diverse marine life and interactive touch tanks.
Whether you’re seeking an educational adventure or a chance to get up close with incredible ocean creatures, the Key West Aquarium delivers an unforgettable experience.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Visitors to the Key West Aquarium have overwhelmingly praised the institution, awarding it an impressive 3.9 out of 5-star rating based on 36 reviews.
Guests have been especially impressed with the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who received a stellar 4.7/5 rating.
The overall value for money was also well-received, with a 3.3/5 score.
Reviewers have highlighted the exceptional service and organization, both earning 4/5 ratings.
The aquarium’s diverse exhibits and hands-on experiences with marine life have captivated visitors, making it a must-see attraction in Key West.
With its enthusiastic customer feedback, the Key West Aquarium continues to delight and educate guests of all ages.
Reserve Now and Pay Later
One convenient option for those eager to secure their spot at the Key West Aquarium is the reserve now and pay later feature, which allows guests to book their tickets without paying upfront.
This flexible payment method is perfect for those who want to plan their visit in advance but don’t want to commit their funds until closer to the date.
By reserving their tickets early, guests can ensure they’ve a spot at the popular attraction, then pay later when it’s more convenient for them.
This hassle-free booking process makes it easy to secure your visit to the Key West Aquarium and explore its incredible marine life and exhibits.
Hands-On Encounters With Creatures
At the Key West Aquarium, guests can engage in thrilling hands-on encounters with a variety of captivating marine creatures, from docile starfish to awe-inspiring sharks. The aquarium’s interactive touch tank allows visitors to gently handle and explore the gentle, harmless animals that call these waters home.
During the daily feeding shows, spectators can watch in fascination as the sharks and sea turtles are fed, gaining a deeper appreciation for these magnificent animals.
Other highlights include:
- Petting and holding starfish, a uniquely textured and alien-like experience.
- Touching the smooth, rubbery skin of nurse sharks and other cartilaginous fish.
- Observing the graceful movements of eels, groupers, and other mesmerizing marine life.
- Gaining hands-on knowledge about the vital mangrove ecosystems through the Atlantic Shores exhibit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Visitors can’t bring their own food and drinks to the aquarium, but they can enjoy the wide variety of marine life and daily feeding shows. The aquarium has a cafe on-site for snacks and refreshments.
Are There Any Photography Restrictions?
Visitors can capture the wondrous marine life on camera, but some exhibits may have photography restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of the creatures. Be sure to ask staff about any photo guidelines before snapping away.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?
The Key West Aquarium welcomes visitors of all ages, making it a great family-friendly attraction. Children under 3 years old can enter for free, allowing families to explore the diverse marine life together.
How Long Does a Typical Visit Take?
The typical visit to the Key West Aquarium takes around 1-2 hours to explore the diverse marine life exhibits and participate in the exciting hands-on experiences. Visitors can expect an engaging and enlightening aquarium experience.
What Is the Parking Situation at the Aquarium?
The aquarium offers convenient on-site parking for visitors. Guests can park in the nearby Mallory Square lot, just steps away from the attraction’s entrance. With ample spaces available, getting to the aquarium is easy and hassle-free.
Recap
The Key West Aquarium offers an affordable and flexible way to explore the wonders of the local marine ecosystem.
Visitors can look forward to captivating exhibits, hands-on encounters with fascinating creatures, and a refundable cancellation policy, making it an excellent choice for a day of family-friendly adventure in the heart of Key West.
