Key West Aquarium is one of the most unique aquariums in the world, it’s an interactive learning facility, with a touch tank and narrated tour! You’ll love this small aquarium!
Delighting visitors since 1934, the aquatic facility was open for business during the Great Depression, the Aquarium was Key West’s first attractions.
It’s actually extremely historical so be sure to pay attention to the framed pictures and articles on the wall because they are part of the rich history of this great island.
The Aquarium was built between 1932 and 1934, and was a major part of Key West’s attempt to stage an economic recovery
by marketing their city as “America’s Caribbean Island.”
It isn’t very large or contemporary, but more of a education facility and the cost reflects what you get in your experience. The attraction is one of the coolest in the city, because the Aquarium showcases marine life indigenous to the Florida Keys.
A neat feature is your ticket is good for two days! You are able to come back as often as you would like in between other activities!
A Narrated Tour
Additionally, you get a narrated tour. Open a window of opportunity to learn about the magical life under the water. A Wonderful new world comes alive as expert guides explain the mysteries of the water surrounding the Florida Keys
Tip– Be sure to purchase the Key West tourist attractions in a package in case you are planning on doing more than one. When buying your ticket to the aquarium, also obtain a ticket for the Shipwreck Museum and others, and save a few bucks.
The ticket to the Shipwreck Museum was also good for, whenever, so if you are likely to be in town for a few days and considering doing the butterfly garden or perhaps a ghost tour, make sure to buy your tickers all at one time!
The local aquarium is just one of the amazing attractions this city has to offer. Located in old town, across from the shipwreck museum, 
provides the advantage of walking accessibility to most attractions, restaurants, and bars.
Key West is the southernmost city in the U.S., and is the last island in the 120 mile Florida Keys island chain.
Joined to the mainland by a series of bridges, approximately 150 miles southwest of Miami Beach.
Kids love the Touch Tank
The Touch Tank is a way to get up close and personal with several species of whelks and of course conchs, the unofficial mascot of the Southernmost City. This exhibit includes several members of the Echinoderm family, including sea stars, slate pencil sea urchins, serpent sea starts, and sea cucumbers.
Daily shark and turtle feedings and the Touch Tank offer guests hands on experience with sea life. The Aquarium features a wide variety of fish including sharks, parrotfish, grouper, moray eels, barracuda, tropical fish, tarpon and much, much more.
History
On February 18, 1935 the Key West Aquarium opened to the public. Unfortunately the Labor day hurricane of 1935 destroyed the Overseas Railway, which at the time, was the only way to reach Key West, and the Aquarium chances of survival along with it.
This was the first aquarium to use an “open air concept.” After the Railway was wiped out, the facility was leased to the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to use as an indoor rifle range.
But in 1946 the Aquarium was returned back to the city. To cut down on algae in the exhibits, the roof was added in 1960, to the once opened air aquarium.
The aquarium today, is very active in the conservation of the delicate eco-system of the surrounding waters of the Keys.
Species found at the Aquarium like sharks, stingrays, turtles, colorful tropical fish, and many more can be seen when snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys. Discover the undersea world at the Key West Aquarium.
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