Key West Aquarium

The Key West Aquarium is a small, ticketed public aquarium in Mallory Square, with Florida Keys marine life in an open-air historic setting. It works best as a short stop built around a keeper talk or feeding; the compact walk-through can feel brief if you expect a large aquarium. Its collection includes more than 250 specimens, from sharks and tropical fish to four of the five sea turtle species found in Florida Keys waters.

The touch tank is a hands-on stop, and short guided presentations bring the exhibits into focus. Talks cover subjects such as sharks and rays, sea turtle conservation, invasive species, and local game fish; guided tours usually run 15 to 20 minutes and often include a live feeding. If you have limited time, check the presentation schedule and build your visit around one rather than rushing through every tank.

Aquarium director Robert O. Van Deusen proposed the open-air aquarium and garden to draw visitors and showcase local marine life. Construction began in 1932, and the aquarium opened on February 17, 1935. Fresh water was scarce during construction, so seawater was mixed into the concrete. The open-air design used natural sunlight to illuminate the marine displays.