Meet patients like Rocky and Kent on a tour of the world’s only state-certified hospital for marine turtles.
When Rocky , a sub - adult ocean turtle , first make out to The Turtle Hospital in Marathon , Florida , she was in inexorable shape , suffer from an enteric impaction . Rocky need an urgent profligate transfusion , and thanks to a polo-neck name Kent , she got it briefly after her admission in January 2023 .
Rocky and Kent ’s display case march the advanced workplace taking place atThe Turtle Hospital , the world ’s only state - certify hospital for maritime turtles . The non - net profit ’s in - house blood cant is changing the destiny of many ocean creature patients .
It is also one of the most democratic holidaymaker attraction in theFlorida Keys . undetermined to the public 364 days a year , the hospital ’s educational spell offer visitors the opportunity to see the surgical suites and “ conform to ” affected role like Rocky and Kent ( from a good space . )
Sunny the turtle in the exterior holding tank.|Photo by Vanessa Chiasson
Over 3,000 patients have been cover since The Turtle Hospital open in 1986 . At any given time , the facility like for tons of sick and injured turtles , many in decisive circumstance . Some are treated and released within a day or two . Others , including those hurt in boat collisions , front drawn-out stays . Patients with fibropapillomatosis , a neoplasm - stimulate condition vulgar to ocean turtles , often hold up complex surgeries . The faculty set about their work with a heavy sense of humor . They give every patient a charming name ( some new arrivals were name after Disney ’s seven dwarfs ) and make hitch player laugh with stories about the turtleneck ’ distinguishable personality . It is no wonder that the 15 tours offered each mean solar day usually sell out , making advanced reservationsa smart thought for visitors .
As playfulness as it is to chat with the cheerful faculty , the turn are serious patronage . Tour grouping often see the veterinary at work , thanks to window in the examine rooms . invitee welcome a crash class in the challenges of marine medicine ( How do you do a CT CAT scan on a giant turtle ? You take them — very carefully — to a adeptness for world . ) visitant also see many of the permanent occupant , like Kent , in the remote retention tanks . More than a 12 turtleneck call the Turtle Hospital home as they can not be released into the wild . In Kent ’s slip , a buoyancy disorder from a gravy boat strike injury has left her ineffective to dive . While everyone enjoys seeing them happily swim and munch on kale , the stave accent that they are much more than precious mascot . They ’re also scientific collaborator , donate blood and helping the Dr. with their research .
Rocky ’s story has a glad ending . After ten months of fear ( which was fund by the gross return from the hospital tours ) and her blood transfusion from Kent , she returned to the sea in October 2023 .
Drive time
2.5 hours from Miami
More things to do around The Turtle Hospital
The Turtle Hospital is just a few steps fromBike Marathon Bike Rental . Here , you’re able to piece up a bike or adult trike to explore the nearbySeven Mile Bridgeand Pigeon Key . Pigeon Key is a five - acre island home to eight buildings on the National Register of Historic Places . It serve as base camp for the Florida East Coast Railway , a monolithic engineering projection to unite the Florida Keys by runway in the other 1900s . Up to 400 workers hold up on this tiny island and their storey is shared through aguided walking tour . This footer - only destination is also popular for bird watching , snorkel diving , and gimmick - and - release fishing . If biking is n’t your thing , you may also walk along Seven Mile Bridge ( do n’t occupy , the walkway to Pigeon Key is n’t close to seven miles ! ) you could alsocatch the train trolleythat take leave not far from the Turtle Hospital .
Where to eat and drink near The Turtle Hospital
Paradise Cuban Restaurantis just across the street from The Turtle Hospital , and serve a mean breakfast . essay pork chop with eggs or the Spanish omelette .
Just down the road , Mr Beans ’ Books and Beans(formerly Keys News and Coffee ) offer impudently roasted coffee berry and espresso drinkable , tasty pastries , books and mag , and , well of all , a chance to say hello to Mr. Beans , the affectionate workshop guy .
The Sunset Grille & Raw Baris a scenic smirch for grab peewee tacos , Cancer the Crab bar sandwiches , and conch chowder . Every Sunday , they host a beach and pond party perfect with DJ , food for thought and boozing special , games , and more . break off here before or after your wheel ride to Pigeon Key .
Turtle Hospital staff looking at hatchlings.|Photo by Vanessa Chiasson
Where to stay near The Turtle Hospital
If The Turtle Hospital reminds you of a vintage motel , that ’s because it is one ! It was once the Hidden Harbor Motel and the former motel room are now subsist quarters for the faculty . Alas , no visitant can remain there . But if you require an oceanfront motel with vintage vibraphone theKey Colony Beach Motelfits the bill and is a scant driving from the hospital . The room are mild but low-cost , and locate on gorgeous oceanfront property .
For a more gilded experience , theTranquility Bay Beachfront Resort(within walking distance of The Turtle Hospital ) features oceanfront villas with private porch , an onsite restaurant and tiki bar , and a recollective tilt of conveniences including watering place services and ocean sportsman .
Turtle Hospital|Photo by Vanessa Chiasson
