Florida Keys - Wildlife Trips & Experiences

[sharpers42]

Hi, we are going for a few days exploring the Keys on our next trip. Can anyone recommend a wildlife boat trip that they may have done?

Also, any other Keys recommendations would be great (food etc.)

Thanks.

[Millie2017]

Unsure about boat trips I'm afraid, however we've booked ourselves onto a tour of the Turtle Hospital

[Ridersmom]

If you like wildlife, go to the Key Deer Refuge on Big PIne Key. The deer, which are the size of a medium dog, are plentiful and adorable.

fws.gov/refuge/National_Key_Deer_Refuge/

[AhoyShipmates]

Second vote for the tiny deer. Also the wild bird refuge in the main road through Key Largo is worth a stop. It’s free entry with donations welcomed and the path leads to the coast and wooded pools where you have the chance to see other wildlife (we saw a roseate spoonbill). Book a snorkelling trip to the reefs from John Pennekamp Park for lots of amazing tropical fish (and the odd shark).

[Giny30]

Originally Posted by Ridersmom

If you like wildlife, go to the Key Deer Refuge on Big PIne Key. The deer, which are the size of a medium dog, are plentiful and adorable.

fws.gov/refuge/National_Key_Deer_Refuge/

See more...

Just had a look as its something we would like to do but has the following message on its site.

Refuge Visitor Center Closed until further notice- MOVING


Visitor Center closing June 10 until further notice to facilitate move to new Nature Center. All other public use areas, Blue Hole, the Nature Trails and others will remain open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset, as usual.

[sam7]

We did a boat trip from Key West to snorkel on the reef, it was absolutely amazing, like swimming in a tropical fish tank, I even saw a big reef shark, it was the highlight of our trip.

[Ridersmom]

Ginny,
If you are driving down the keys, take a detour down Big Pine Key. Even without the visitor center, you can see the deer. They are worth it.

Also one of my kids favorite wildlife experiences was looking for frigate birds on the wires-there were tons.

[Lulu Belle]

I can highly recommend the Turtle Hospital and the Aquarium for some good wildlife encounters. We and our children really enjoyed both.

Keys Fisheries in Marathon is a good food spot (counter service and popular) and we saw lots of tarpon and nurse sharks in the marina there. Robbies in Islamorada is worth a visit too.

[sharpers42]

Thanks everyone