Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters

Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters is an outdoor aquarium in Marathon, centered on interactive animal exhibits and a connected 200,000-gallon reef-and-predator tank. It suits visitors who want to feed or get in the water with marine life; if you want a large, quiet aquarium with a broad indoor collection, this is a smaller, hands-on visit. General admission takes about 1–3 hours; plan extra time for an in-water session. Start with the included guided tour to learn the layout and when feedings are happening.

The Coral Reef and Predator Reef tanks form a connected saltwater habitat modeled on local reef systems. You can view it from land with general admission, and the Coral Reef tank is about 10 feet deep. The big tanks sit under a tiki roof, so this is a useful shaded place to slow down and watch the fish, rays and sharks.

Stingray Cove is only about 3 feet deep. Optional snorkel and dive programs add a closer look and let visitors feed fish, rays and sharks with staff supervision. Some non-certified guests can use the surface-supplied air program, though requirements differ by encounter, so check the details before booking. This is a reef and touch-pool attraction, not a dolphin or sea-turtle venue.

The grounds mix sun and shade, and a water fountain is available for refilling bottles. Encounter guests should bring a swimsuit; there are no lockers, so leave valuables secured in your car. Eagle Ray Café serves casual options including nachos, a chef salad, PB&J and key lime pie, plus beer and wine.

The entrance is at 11710 Overseas Highway, bayside at Mile Marker 53 just south of Vaca Cut. Coming from the north, turn right just after the bridge; from the south, it is on the left just before the bridge. Parking is on the grounds, though the capacity and fee were not established.

The aquarium opened in July 2014 after construction began in June 2012. Its signature divided saltwater tank was designed with a diver’s side and a side for predators and larger fish; the build was filmed for Animal Planet’s Tanked.