--- title: Key West Aquarium slug: key-west-aquarium type: attraction sub_type: aquariums & sea life shows source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/key-west-aquarium city: Key West state: FL country: US address: Mallory Square 1 Whitehead St geo: lat: 24.55903 lng: -81.80686 cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T19:58:07.443Z price_from: amount: 20.99 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 3.5 count: 1757 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: General Admission price: 18.52 regular_price: 22.56 savings: 4.04 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13+ yrs) min_age: 13 - name: Child (4-12 yrs) min_age: 4 max_age: 12 --- ## Overview Meet Florida’s amazing sea creatures at the historic Key West Aquarium, the island’s very first attraction. Interactive highlights include the Touch Tank, daily feedings, and the 50,000-gallon Atlantic Shores mangrove exhibit featuring nurse sharks, large game fish, a sea turtle, and more. A quick, engaging stop in Mallory Square for visitors of all ages. Meet sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish up close at the Key West Aquarium in Mallory Square. Open since 1935, this historic open-air aquarium with indoor and outdoor exhibits focuses on marine life native to the Florida Keys in a compact setting that is easy to navigate. Interactive exhibits include a touch tank featuring starfish, sea urchins, and queen conch, offering close-up interaction with species found in nearby waters. More than 250 marine animals are displayed across habitats designed around local ecosystems. Daily programs included with admission feature shark feedings, sea turtle talks, and presentations on mangroves, reef systems, and invasive species. The Atlantic Shores exhibit showcases a 50,000-gallon mangrove habitat with nurse sharks, tarpon, and grouper. A virtual submarine-style experience simulates an underwater journey through Florida Keys habitats. Rescued sea turtles including Rocky, Lola, Spike, and Hector highlight conservation and rehabilitation efforts in the region, offering real examples of how marine life is protected. Located in Mallory Square, steps from waterfront views, shops, and dining, the aquarium is easy to visit between nearby attractions. Most visits take one to two hours, making it a simple addition to a day in Key West. ## What's Included - Admission - Daily programs including shark feedings, sea turtle talks, and presentations on local marine topics - Access to interactive exhibits like the Touch Tank - Virtual submarine-style experience ## What's Not Included No food or drinks allowed inside the Aquarium. ## Ticket Options - **General Admission** — $18.52 (regularly $22.56, save $4.04) Key West Aquarium tickets are valid for general admission any one operating day. Dive into fun and discover an incredible undersea world at the Key West Aquarium. Tour is self-guided and recommended for all ages. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (4-12 yrs) ## 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. ## Cancellation Policy Free Changes & Cancellations. See details upon selection. ## FAQs ### 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 these 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. ### Can I take photos and/or video? Absolutely. Photographs and video are welcome. ### Can I bring drinks and food inside? No, food and drinks are currently not allowed inside the Aquarium.