The Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- emorygradAtlanta, Georgia315 contributionsA bit long but very worthwhileInformative and held the interest of our 7 and 9 year old kids. Tour could move a little faster and last closer to an hour. It felt very stretched out for 90 minutes with unnecessary waiting around. We’d still pay the same price even if it was shorter! Great on our cool day in the keys.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 February 2024
- austinlady2017Austin, Texas8 contributionsGreat experience!!!Not just for families and children. We are a senior couple and had a great time visiting the turtle hospital. Our guide,Melissa, was an entertaining speaker who kept everyone’s attention as she told us about turtles and introduced us to the turtles that are being rehabilitated or live permanently at the facility. It’s really great that the turtle hospital shares information on how to spot an injured or sick turtle in the wild. Information I will certainly pass on to my boating buddies on the Texas coast. Definitely recommend for a fun and educational experience.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2024
- Vacation6421978707820 contributionsA MUST StopLove the turtle hospital. We had Melissa as our guide and she was up beat- funny and very educated about the turtles. While visiting we got to see a surgery in progress. Thank goodness for everyone involved to help save the turtles!! Wished I lived in Florida I would go there all the time. A must stop while in the Keys for all ages.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 February 2024
- lingwooNew Hyde Park, New York37 contributionsGreat hospital doing needed work in the KeysWe came with tweens to see the sea turtles up close but learned how important the work this hospital does for the area. You are toured around the facility and given the history of the hospital but great tour guides (I think MacKenzie was ours and she was very enthusiastic and helpful). You can visit all the injured turtles (not touch them, which is better for them) and feed them in a large tank. It was really great to support this hospital and contribute to the work they do. Make sure to make reservations as they book up quickly, so reserve online and if you can get the first tour and get there early, you won’t need to battle for parking, which seems to be an issue everywhere in the Keys.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 February 2024
- KevinKo88 contributionsGreat Filler And Educational StopMelissa was our tour guide and crushed it. Learned so much and got close and personal with the patients. The 90 min tour was informative especially if you are spending time in the area on boats. Only $35 and helps aupport the hospital.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 February 2024
- Cindy DOshtemo, Michigan3 contributionsLearned so muchMy husband and I decided on a whim to visit the Turtle hospital, and are so glad we did. It was a wonderful experience and our educator, Paige , was knowledgeable, informative and has a great sense of humor. People of all ages will enjoy The Turtle Hospital.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 March 2024
- evansthecat53 contributionsThe best anniversary "party" ever.Instead of a party for our 46th wedding anniversary, we took 6 friends to the Turtle Hospital while on a week- long trip to the Keys. On- line reservation system was easy to use and when I called with a question, staff answered immediately with great information. The hospital is located on the grounds of an old 1950's style hotel and actually suits the situation perfectly. Larger buildings and enclosures house the turtles, and the old motel rooms serve as offices and lodging for staff and volunteers. The tour starts with a half hour lecture by a well prepared "educator". She had an amusing set lecture, but was also able to handle questions. Then you walk a short distance to tanks containing the turtles most in trouble. However,"Gumbo" must have been feeling pretty good that day because she posed for us, and I swear she was smiling. She had plenty of "pool toys" in the tank for enrichment. Another enclosure has more tanks and a large communal pool. There is a small beach where releases take place. I'm in my 60's, but I still watch Saturday morning TV and I thank Jeff Corwin for giving me a heads up on this important place that is good for its community and planet as well.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 March 2024
- Rick P2 contributionsA learning experience - well worth your time.I was surprised how much I enjoyed my visit. The work these people do with these endangered animals is truly inspiring. The tour starts with a presentation of their history and their present day work. Then they immerse you into the operations with tour of the hospital in action. Finally you will meet the turtles in the facilities and learn why they are there.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 March 2024
- sidjimc19 contributionsSave the Sea Turtles! Well worth the money!Well worth the money to see what this hospital is doing for sick or injured Sea Turtles. We saw "Sid" in the operating room and later in a recovery tank. The tour is informative (Thank you, Melissa!) and thorough. Melissa gives a wonderful tour, covers the history of the facility and we got to see all of the patients. You can even "adopt" one of them!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 March 2024
- Maloneys2Lewes, Delaware30 contributionsCool info on turtlesReally great info on turtle rescue and rehabilitation. The tour is about 80 minutes long and consists of a slideshow as well as touring the facilty to see the current turtles. Quite an interesting experience. The tour is both inside and outside so bring a hat or visor to wear outside.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5,424 reviews
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Mr_E_in_Alabama
Maylene, AL94 contributions
Jul 2023
I retired last month from a career in education that included teaching marine biology and environmental science so it makes sense that I would have a visit to this facility high on my "to do list". It did NOT disappoint, it was everything I had expected it to be! What a great opportunity to share with the public the problems humans cause other creatures that we share our waters with. Hopefully through education it will cause a ripple effect in spreading the word and preventing some of these issues.
I would encourage everyone as they travel through the area to make this a MUST STOP two hour visit during their stay in The Keys. Notice the attached photo of this year's patient list and where they came from. Sea turtles nest and travel well beyond this immediate area and there are probably only about a half dozen facilities that do the same type of work. Consider making donations beyond your tour fee to support these efforts.
I would encourage everyone as they travel through the area to make this a MUST STOP two hour visit during their stay in The Keys. Notice the attached photo of this year's patient list and where they came from. Sea turtles nest and travel well beyond this immediate area and there are probably only about a half dozen facilities that do the same type of work. Consider making donations beyond your tour fee to support these efforts.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael N
Houston, Texas1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
As sea turtle nesting and rescue volunteers visiting the Keys from the Texas gulf coast, we wanted to check out the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, and are so glad we did!
The 90 minute tour is a great experience: a great balance of sea turtle education and fun for all ages. Our guide and the other staff are clearly dedicated to the turtles they are trying to save in this working rehab center/hospital. The facilities are clean and efficient and the turtles well cared for. We saw dozens of turtles of several species, some being rehabbed for release and others as permanent residents. Yes, you get to feed some! The tour fees and gift shop sales supports this great effort so your visits help.
The 90 minute tour is a great experience: a great balance of sea turtle education and fun for all ages. Our guide and the other staff are clearly dedicated to the turtles they are trying to save in this working rehab center/hospital. The facilities are clean and efficient and the turtles well cared for. We saw dozens of turtles of several species, some being rehabbed for release and others as permanent residents. Yes, you get to feed some! The tour fees and gift shop sales supports this great effort so your visits help.
Written 30 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark H
8 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We are so glad we picked this. The check-in process was somewhat slow due to people who had made reservations but had not pre-signed their release forms as you are clearly asked to do when you reserve online. The young lady running the front counter had the patience of a saint despite a few rude and disrespectful patrons. Melissa our guide was absolutely amazing. She incredibly passionate about these beautiful creatures - you will learn so much and will be inspired to spread the word about sea turtle conservation. Seeing a turtle in the OR was very cool and then the dozens of turtles in their large outdoor tanks was special. Definitely a must-do for anyone inquisitive about nature and appreciative of those making the world a better place.
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cdoc29
Culpeper, VA360 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
I applaud what they are doing at the Turtle Hospital. I really wanted to like the tour but came away disappointed in the end. The biggest disappointment is this could have been the highlight of the week but the delivery of the tour left me wanting.
The group had about 40 people which was way too many to be able to hear the guide. Sadly our guide was two weeks on the job and it showed in her command of the knowledge she was to impart. This is something the powers to be at this non-profit could easily improve to make this a great successful experience. If someone from the hospital is reading this review might I suggest smaller tour groups and until someone has a good grasp on what knowledge they are imparting a second to help them along the way.
The work they are doing is important and I wish them the best in their fundraising but cannot recommend this activity if they keep on their current path of overbooking and under delivering the tour.
We were able to see a surgery finishing up and several of the turtle rescued as well as feed the rescued turtles some pellet food which was a great experience but my kids came away not really learning anything from our guide from both lack of experience and the group being so large. Sadly what they did learn was witnessing when in a large group one has to push their way to the front at the expense of others which I hope turtle hospital didn’t mean to give.
The group had about 40 people which was way too many to be able to hear the guide. Sadly our guide was two weeks on the job and it showed in her command of the knowledge she was to impart. This is something the powers to be at this non-profit could easily improve to make this a great successful experience. If someone from the hospital is reading this review might I suggest smaller tour groups and until someone has a good grasp on what knowledge they are imparting a second to help them along the way.
The work they are doing is important and I wish them the best in their fundraising but cannot recommend this activity if they keep on their current path of overbooking and under delivering the tour.
We were able to see a surgery finishing up and several of the turtle rescued as well as feed the rescued turtles some pellet food which was a great experience but my kids came away not really learning anything from our guide from both lack of experience and the group being so large. Sadly what they did learn was witnessing when in a large group one has to push their way to the front at the expense of others which I hope turtle hospital didn’t mean to give.
Written 4 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AroundTheGlobe107
France187 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Visit to the turtle hospital, reservation, recommended. Plan 1h30 visit 30 minutes in a classroom all in English, plan to be bilingual then 45 minutes an hour. Visit the ponds all around the hospital where there are a few turtles. More interesting visit. Do not recommend the positive thing if you do a good deed by going to visit it, budget $135 for four people.

Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTraveler
Rochester, NY29 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Such great work being done at the hospital to help injured sea turtles. The feeding at the end is guests standing 10 ft above a tank of turtles and dropping kibble down into the water. Having visited the Grand Cayman Turtle Center where we were able to be more hands on with the turtles, we were a bit disappointed but understand rules. There is no touching the water.
Tour was just over an hour. Starts with 20 min watching a slide show and hearing a presentation on turtles and then you walk the grounds to see the various turtles in their tanks. I was good with $120 for 4 people for an approx hour tour knowing it’s supporting turtles, but when our guide joked that the money goes to support her working there, it felt a bit funny of a comment.
Good tour for younger kids who want to see turtles.
Great work being done to rehab turtles.
Tour was just over an hour. Starts with 20 min watching a slide show and hearing a presentation on turtles and then you walk the grounds to see the various turtles in their tanks. I was good with $120 for 4 people for an approx hour tour knowing it’s supporting turtles, but when our guide joked that the money goes to support her working there, it felt a bit funny of a comment.
Good tour for younger kids who want to see turtles.
Great work being done to rehab turtles.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kar
36 contributions
Aug 2022
So I have a love of sea turtles. So when were were coming down here, this was on my must do list. It cost $30 to get in per person (and I made the rest of my family go with me ) and you go on about a 60-90 minute tour of the facility. I guess I just had it so built up in my head I was overly enthusiastic. They show you a very basic slide show with no sound (in todays technology someone should be able to step it up for the facility and make a great presentation). It was only the four of us in our time slot so it was basically a private tour.... the group in front of us had a lot of people in it. Our tour guide was really young, not even sure if she told us her name but as we bounced from tank to tank... she basically kept saying the same thing over and over and over again. It got a little annoying, maybe she was new and needed more experience and knowledge. On a plus, we did get to see turtles, big, small, hurt, hatchlings, saw the work they do here at the Turtle Hospital. So as a turtle lover, I appreciated the facility very much and the work that they are doing and have been doing for decades. So the fact that I could support this cause and see turtles up close was one for the memory books. My family would have rather done something else for sure.
In short, GO! It is something to see and do and support a great cause here in the Keys. Just don't go in with high hopes of being WOWED! by the experience. I was torn between 3 & 4 stars. I want people to support the operation, but the tour was just alright.
In short, GO! It is something to see and do and support a great cause here in the Keys. Just don't go in with high hopes of being WOWED! by the experience. I was torn between 3 & 4 stars. I want people to support the operation, but the tour was just alright.
Written 25 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kari W
2 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Make a reservation! I had no idea that it would be so busy. Also, do not arrive more than 10 min early, as you just wait around in a very small space. I had my family wait in the air conditioned car, while I checked in for them. My kids loved seeing all of the turtles and learning how the hospital helped to heal them. We got very lucky and got to see a release at Sombrero beach. I would encourage you to follow the turtle hospital on facebook.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kidsaregone65
Fleetwood, PA491 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We were a little hesitant due to the cost of $35 per person. We found the tour to be very interesting and informative. It was great to see the turtles on the mend!
Melissa (with turtle on her ankle) was very good. She is passionate about the turtles and her job. The tour was a little over 90 minutes but felt much shorter than that due to our level of interest.
I would return and recommend this to anyone interested in sea turtles.
Melissa (with turtle on her ankle) was very good. She is passionate about the turtles and her job. The tour was a little over 90 minutes but felt much shorter than that due to our level of interest.
I would return and recommend this to anyone interested in sea turtles.
Written 13 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raegan L
Lakeland, FL1,649 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Even if you aren’t a huge animal/ environment person, I can’t more highly recommend and urge you to try and visit the Marathon Turtle Hospital and take a tour if you have the chance. Seriously. I’ve been to the Turtle Hospital up in Jupiter, FL but that was nothing compared to here. This hospital in Marathon is the largest turtle hospital in the country, so it’s the big guns, the real deal. Also, when you do come make sure you book an appointment AHEAD of time, because they are a very popular, busy place and there’s a low chance you’d be able to walk in and go on a tour right away. We were extremely fortunate that a large group canceled right at the time we went, so we were able to go right away, but few people will have that same luck. But thank goodness we were able to! Mary our guide was the most down-to-earth, easy person to listen to and she was so great at teaching us all about the turtles and what they do there at the hospital for them. It was for sure one of the highlights of our entire Keys trip. We were also super fortunate to see all 5 species of US sea turtles while there, which doesn’t happen often either. And we even got to feed some of them at the end of our tour! Really, this is a top stop through the Keys and great for the kids/ family or really anyone!!
Written 31 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you just go there or do we need to make reservations?
Written 8 February 2023
Hi, you have to make reservations. I think you can do that on line or call. They limit the number of people in a group.
Well worth going to see the work they do.
Written 9 February 2023
When is a good time to go? Do you get to see turtle surgery? My daughter is very interested in learning about this a a career.
Written 25 May 2021
I saw no surgery, but lots of information. I saw many turtles with items on their backs to keep them balanced.
Written 17 June 2024
Hi, How can we make a booking ? Phone, mail, on your website ?? Is it necessary to book a long time in advance ? (we come for christmas holidays).
Written 20 November 2019
So how long does a tour last? Do we leave the Turtle Hospital then? Not encouraged to continue the visit?
Written 10 August 2019
The tour is about 90 minutes. You start with a video and presentation, then walk the ER treatment area. Then it's outside to the tanks to see recovering turtles and those in continuing care.
Written 12 August 2019
Leander A
Pensacola, Florida
Hi! We want to stop at the Turtle hospital on our way to Big Pine key. We will be pulling a 28ft camper, is there a place to park it while we visit? Thank you!
Written 17 July 2019
Thank you for planning to visit the Turtle Hospital. We have limited parking at the hospital and there is not room for a 28 ft. camper. There is a bank next to us on the south side. I recommend you asking the manager, but they are usually accommodating and most of the time there is space in the bank parking lot parallel to the Turtle Hospital. I hope this is helpful. Safe travels!
Written 22 July 2019
Are reservations required to visit the Turtle Hospital?
Written 4 April 2019
Best to make a reservation. No deposit required. We arrived half hour before an 11:00 am tour. We were lucky. Only four spots were left.
Written 6 February 2020
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